Before You Order: Footboard Plans
Thinking about building your own footboard? Read this first. It covers what the plans are, what else you need to buy, and the questions I get most. If something isn't answered here, email chris@hawoodworks.com.
1. What you're buying
The plans are a digital download. Nothing ships. You get a PDF plan set to build the Extra Wide footboard for an Ergatta or WaterRower, the same design I built and sold by hand.
- 6-sheet plan set (11 x 17): overview, front and back board layouts, hardware checklist, step-by-step install, and bevel details
- Full-size 1:1 drill templates for the front and back faces (24 x 18 in sheets)
- The same templates as 12 letter-size tiles you can print at home and tape together
The Extra Wide footboard sits your feet about 2-3" higher and gives you a 7" wider stance than stock.
2. Dual-pin or push-button? Check this first
Look at how your foot plates adjust. This decides your shopping list.
- Dual-pin: every piece of hardware is reused from your factory footboard. You only need wood, one strap, and tools.
- Push-button: the push-button foot plates are a fixed width, so you convert to dual-pin to get the wider stance. That means a few extra parts (below).
3. Shopping list
Everyone
- Hardwood: a 1" thick blank at least 17 x 22 in. Most people glue it up from narrower boards. Cherry, oak or ash all work.
- Foot strap: (1) 1" webbing strap, 50-52" long. Any 1" webbing works.
- Printing: print the full-size templates at a print shop, or print the letter tiles at home at 100%.
Push-button owners only
| Part | Qty | Where |
|---|---|---|
| WRPP1720 dual pin coverplate set | 1 | WaterRower footboard parts |
| WRPP1700 dual pin footpad set | 1 | WaterRower footboard parts |
| WRPP366 strap assembly (front bracket + M8 nuts) | 1 | WaterRower footboard parts |
| M8 x 50 mm button head bolt, part 91239A448 | 2 | McMaster-Carr |
| HA Woodworks rear strap mount | 1 | Printed and shipped ($25) or STL file to print your own ($10) |
4. Tools
- To build: jigsaw or bandsaw for the curved profile, table saw or circular saw for the 40° bevel, hand saw and sharp chisel for the notches, drill, awl, backer board, and clamps and glue if you glue up the blank. Bit sizes are listed in the plans.
- To install: (2) 5mm Allen wrenches, a 13mm (or 1/2") socket, and a Phillips screwdriver.
5. Finishing
Finish it however you like: any stain, oil or clear coat that suits your rower and your room. If you want it to match your Ergatta or WaterRower, the Rower Finishing Guide ($25) has step-by-step recipes for each factory finish, plus a what-to-buy list for each color. It's $10 off when you buy it with the plans.
6. Common questions
Do you still sell finished footboards?
Not right now. The plans let you build the same design yourself.
Can I sell footboards I build from the plans?
Not with the included Personal License, which covers building for yourself or as a gift. Selling them needs a Commercial License. Email me about it.
Can I share the plans?
Please don't. The plans are for the buyer only, no copying, sharing or reselling. Every page is stamped with your order number, name and email, and the PDFs are locked against editing. Printing works normally, at home or at a print shop.
Refunds?
Digital products are final sale, no refunds. If your download link doesn't work or a file is damaged, email me within 30 days and I'll send a working copy.
Still not sure it fits your rower?
Email a photo of your footboard to chris@hawoodworks.com before you order and I'll take a look.