DIY Footrest for Under Desk
Learn how to make a simple DIY footrest using scrap wood for under your desk with this full tutorial. This ergonomic wooden footrest is perfect for comfort.
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A couple of years ago, I built myself a DIY desk.
One of the things I built right after that was a little wooden footrest.
It is very important to have an ergonomic configuration on a desk – especially when you are working long hours at the computer.
I end up spending whole days at a time when I am working on a blog post or editing video or pictures.
Previously, I was using a piece of scrap 2 x 4 to keep my foot on (yes, you read that right!)
Finally, with the new desk in place, it was high time I made myself a footrest to go under the desk!
Why Do You Need a Footrest
- If you are short, and your feet do not touch the ground, you will definitely need a footrest to sit in an ergonomic position.
- Footrests help elevate the legs slightly above the edge of the chair, hence improving circulation and relieving pressure from the legs
- Improved pressure results in a lower risk of blood clots related to deep vein thrombosis, relieve pressure on the lower back and decrease swelling and varicose veins.
What Is the Best Design for a Footrest
- The most important thing about a footrest is that it should be angled. Footrests available in the market generally have a variable angle between 10° to 20°.
- It should be large enough so the whole foot rests on it.
- With your feet flat on the footrest, a minimum thigh clearance of 7 inches should remain between the top surface of the seat pan and the underside of the work surface.
Mine cannot be variable so I settled on a 15° angle.
If you are making this, I would urge you to think and try out what angle and height work best for you.
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Materials Needed to Make a Footrest
Get the printable instructions in your email here.
- ¾” plywood or 1″ x 12″ board – at least 12″ long
- 1″ x 3″ boards – Total 4 cut at 12″ long
- Jigsaw
- Miter Box or Miter Saw (See my beginner’s guide to using a miter saw)
- 1¼” finish nails
- Hammer or brad nailer
- Wood Glue
- Paint/stain of your choice
- Clear Coat. I used this one.
RELATED: See my list of basic woodworking tools
How to Make a DIY Footrest
Honestly, you will be surprised how easy this project is!
Except for the side panel cuts, it is extremely straight forward and can be done in about 30 minutes or less.
You can get the printable instructions for this DIY footrest here.
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Side Supports
- Measure and draw lines for the side supports per the picture below.
- Cut the marked side support shapes out with a jigsaw. Be sure to cut along a straight line. A simple straight edge to guide the jigsaw is great for this.
- Once all the cuts are made, make sure to sand down the boards.
Step 2: Attach Slats
- Attach the first 1″ x 3″ slat at the bottom of the side supports using wood glue and finish nails.
- Similarly, attach a 1×3 slat at the top of the side supports using wood glue and finish nails.
- Attach the remaining slats with a gap of ¾”. I used a scrap board for the spacing.
That is it!
The footrest is ready.
Step 3: Finish as Desired
- Paint or stain in the color of your choice. I decided to whitewash my footrest to coordinate with my DIY Modern Farmhouse desk.
- Be sure to seal it well with a top coat to make it easy to clean since we will be putting shoes over it and it will definitely get dirty over time.
That’s it!
I now have a wooden footstool for under my desk.
I have actually been using this for over 2 years now and having it under my desk has really great!
Having an ergonomic computer footrest makes sitting at the computer for long periods of time so much more comfortable.
Don’t forget! You can get this entire project in a printable format in your email below-
Trust me, everyone should have one of these!
It is a quick and easy project that you can make today!
If you build it, I would love to see it! Feel free to email photos to me at anika@anikasdiylife.com or tag me on Instagram @anikasdiylife for a chance to be featured on social media! I can’t wait to see what you build!
More Easy Workspace Project Ideas
- DIY Modern pencil holder
- DIY craft paint holder
- How to make a corkboard
- Easy DIY File Cabinet And Printer Stand
RELATED: 24 Easy Scrap wood project ideas
How To Build An Easy DIY Footrest
How to make a simple DIY footrest using scrap wood for under your desk. This ergonomic wooden footrest is perfect for comfort.
Materials
- ¾” plywood or 1″ x 12″ board – at least 12″ long
- 1″ x 3″ boards – Total 4 cut at 12″ long
- 1¼” finish nails
- Wood Glue
- Paint/stain of your choice
- Clear Coat
Tools
- Jigsaw
- Hammer
- brad nailer
Instructions
- Measure and draw lines for the side supports.
- Cut the marked side support shapes out with a jigsaw. Be sure to cut along a straight line. A simple straight edge to guide the jigsaw is great for this.
- Attach the first 1″ x 3″ slat at the bottom of the side supports using wood glue and finish nails.
- Similarly, attach a 1x3 slat at the top of the side supports using wood glue and finish nails.
- Attach the remaining slats with a gap of ¾”. I used a scrap board for the spacing.
- Paint or stain in the color of your choice.
- Be sure to seal it well with a top coat to make it easy to clean since we will be putting shoes over it and it will definitely get dirty over time.
- That's it!
Anika's goal is to inspire and empower beginners with woodworking, DIY, home improvement, and home decor ideas.
She wants everyone to unlock their creative potential and experience the feeling that comes with making something. Nothing feels better better than seeing something and saying "I can make that!"
Interesting Piece of work. Thanks!
What a clever idea! The stool I have now is just not working out. I’ll have to try this one. 🙂