Footrest

This is a footrest made from tri-wall cardboard. This was the first project I made when I learned cardboard carpentry and it's the first project I have students in my class do. The dimensions I provide are what I use for class, and should be modified for each specific user.

I learned cardboard carpentry at the Adaptive Design Association.

Supplies

Tools

1. Cardboard Knife
2. Mallett
3. Awl
4. T-Square

Materials

1. Tri-Wall Cardboard
2. White glue
3. Wooden "Nails"
4. Glue tape
5. Water
6. Foam Brush
7. Primer
8. Paint
9. Polyurethane

Skills

1. Cutting cardboard with a knife
2. Punching holes with an awl
3. Joining with white glue
4. Inserting nails
5. Edging
6. Applying primer/paint/polyurethane

Step 1: Cut and Assemble Frame

1. Cut four side pieces (pay attention to the grain)

Step 2: Measure and Cut Top and Bottom Pieces and Internal Support

1. Use the frame to measure out top and bottom pieces and internal support
2. Cut pieces

Step 3: Attach Top Piece With Glue

1. Attach each side piece to the top piece with white glue
2. Use clamps to keep side pieces in place while they dry

Step 4: Reinforce Top and Sides With Nails

1. Punch holes for nails with awl
2. Pour white glue into holes
3. Insert nails

Step 5: Insert Internal Support

1. Identify where internal support will be placed
2. Punch hole for nail in top piece
3. Place internal support
4. Glue internal support to top and sides
5. Widen hole for nail in top piece
6. Pour white glue into hole
7. Insert nail

Step 6: Attach Bottom Piece

1. Glue bottom piece to frame

Step 7: Edging

You need to seal off the edges to help keep water out. I use gummed packing tape. You can look at this video from the Adaptive Design AssociationYouTube channel

Step 8: Finishing

To finish the footrest, you need to apply primer, paint and polyurethane. I use water-based products to make clean-up easier.

You can look at these videos from the Adaptive Design AssociationYouTube channel