STYLE} YOU’LL NEED: FOR THE PLATFORM AND STEPS: Materials: > (1) 4’x8’ sheet of 3/4” interior grade plywood > (2) 8’ lengths of 4”x4” posts > (6) 8’ 2”x4” boards > 1 box of 3” deck screws > 1 box of 1 ½” deck screws > 1 quart paint > (optional) glitter > 24-oz. Mod Podge (two coats) > 144”x 17.5” fabric for skirting for platform > 168” x 9” fabric for skirting for steps > 9 yards wide stiff ribbon for platform and steps > (optional) 9 yards beaded fringe > felt pads for under the legs
How to Create Your Own Pedicure Platform Elevating clients for feet-focused services generally improves nail tech ergonomics, as you don’t have to hunch over to do close-up work. And building your own set-up means you can design and decorate it however you want. (Hello, purple paint and glitter!) BY CANDICE EVEREST
For over a year, I tried to come up with a better pedicure station. The 21” platforms I originally used worked great for getting my clients’ feet up higher for me to work on, but not everyone had an easy time with the two steps. Plus when someone sat at the front of the chair to put their shoes on, the chair had a tendency to rock forward. I finally came up with a solution that is easier for clients, keeps their feet high enough, and accommodates both my FootsieBath pedicure basins and gel toe services. One long weekend later and with the building skills of my husband, the new pedicure platform was complete. I absolutely love the new set-up. Here’s how we built it.
Tools: > saw > power screwdriver > tape measure > paintbrushes > staple gun
FOR THE FOOT CARTS: Materials: > (2) 1”x6”x14” boards > (2) 14”x20” leather sheets > (2) 2”x6”x14” foam > (8) IKEA Capita 8.5” high cabinet legs > (2) IKEA Odda nightstands > machine screws, washers & nuts Tools: > staple gun > spray adhesive > power screwdriver > drill
TO PUT IT ALL TOGETHER:
CUT LUMBER TO SIZE 1. Plywood: Cut (1) 30”x84” piece for the platform and (2) 18”x24” pieces for the steps. 2. 4x4’s: Cut (6) 16.625” legs for the platform and (8) 8.25” legs for the steps. 3. 2x4’s: Cut (2) 84” lengths and (4) 26.5” lengths for the platform and (4) 24” lengths and (4) 14.5” lengths for the steps.
Read more about Everest’s journey to open her salon, Panache Nail Studio in Stanwood, Wash., at blogs.nailsmag.com/blueprint/category/152.aspx.
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Materials: > (2) IKEA Poäng chairs > (2) FootsieBath pedicure basins > (2) UV lights for gel toes Tools: > 3” carriage bolts and washers > drill > scissors
JULY 2012
5/22/12 2:17 PM