Bamboo Countertops in Escape 17B

[Sherm2954]

The counters in our trailer were a little worn looking, so we wanted to upgrade. Then we had an epiphany; our good friend Chris is a woodworker and he could make us new counters! So we called him and he actually was thrilled since he hasn't had a project in a while. We bought two sheets of 3/4 inch bamboo ($250 each - ouch, but worth it). He used the existing counters as templates and cut, routered, and sanded them for me. I get the fun part - applying finish. I'm using a water based finish and I'll put at least four coats on each piece. I'll sand between coats.

So far I'm super pleased with the results!

I'll post more photos as we get them completed an installed.

[Mary F]

Beautiful! I have bamboo flooring in my house. Using it for countertops should work out really well.

[Jon in AZ]

I can't want to see that installed in your trailer. Looks great!

[Steve Carlson]

I like it!

[Captleemo]

Where did you get the sheets of bamboo from?

[fofobraselio]

Wicked! Love the look of bamboo!

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Fiberglass RV mobile app

[Davie B]

Beautiful job. In North Florida I can’t find bamboo plywood at any price.


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[Sherm2954]

Originally Posted by Captleemo

Where did you get the sheets of bamboo from?

We have a local business (Almquist Lumber, Arcata, CA) that sells tons of specialty wood. They had a sheet of some exotic African wood that was about $600. Super helpful staff and really knowledgeable!

[Captleemo]

Well it really looks nice.

[Mike Magee]

Why 3/4" instead of 1/2"? Just curious. It looks nice.

[thrifty bill]

High quality replacements, nicely done! I really don't understand why most of the trailer mfrs go cheap on counter tops.

[Sherm2954]

Originally Posted by Mike Magee

Why 3/4" instead of 1/2"? Just curious. It looks nice.

matches the thickness of the originals so i don't have to change anything else. wiht 1/2 inch I would have had to move the rails that the tables rest on when in "bed" mode. Also, I wanted the greater strength and stability of 3/4".

I am adding a backspash made by Fasade (the "waves" pattern in galvanized) which I think will complement the bamboo.
Fasade | Waves (Horizontal)

[Captleemo]

Well keep us posted with pictures of your progress. Looks like your going to inspire a lot of people with your ideas.

[Rzrbrn]

Very nice indeed.

Is bamboo heavy?

I am not a woodworker. Why not polyurethane?

[FishingBob]

I bet that's going to look really nice installed.

[Sherm2954]

Originally Posted by Rzrbrn

Very nice indeed.

Is bamboo heavy?

I am not a woodworker. Why not polyurethane?

Not really heavy but dense and strong (and it's a grass, so it's very eco-groovy, low environmental impact, sustainable). It's durable and looks great. The water based finish penetrates and has a satin or matte finish that doesn't show a lot of wear, and if it does get to where we want to spruce it up, a very light sanding and you wipe on a new coat that dries super fast and doesn't stink.

From a bamboo sales site:
Why we like it
If you're designing or remodeling a kitchen or bath and need an eco-friendly upgrade, bamboo countertops may be for you. They're warm, durable, uniquely beautiful and will hold up to years of kitchen abuse. Drop in sinks are recommended. The parquet end grain shows the least scratches when cut on. All bamboo counters can be easily re-sanded as needed. This is a great choice for DIY installations, especially if you're on a tight budget.

Features & benefits
Durable — the parquet end grain and strand bamboo options have highly dense surfaces that hold up to food, moisture and cutting

DIY installation — cuts, sands, stains and seals like most hardwoods

Affordable — one of the least expensive eco-countertops to buy, install and maintain

Low-maintenance — can be sanded and refinished easily and inexpensively

Non-toxic — formaldehyde-free; finished with a food-safe mineral oil/beeswax; learn how to test a non-toxic product for tolerance

Bacteria-resistant — includes a naturally-occurring bacteria-resistant agent that won't mold or mildew

Eco-friendly — manufactured from rapidly renewable 100% Moso bamboo which is a sustainably-harvested variety; Moso is not the variety the pandas eat

[k corbin]

Originally Posted by Rzrbrn

Very nice indeed.

Is bamboo heavy?

I am not a woodworker. Why not polyurethane?

A 4' x 8' sheet of 3/4" Bamboo plywood weighs 90.3 lbs.


A 4' x 8' sheet of 1/2" Fir plywood weighs 40.6 lbs


A 4' x 8' sheet of 3/4" Fir plywood weighs 60.8 lbs


A laminate covered 1/2" fir plywood counter is going to be half the weight of a 3/4" bamboo plywood countertop.


Poplar cored plywood is lighter in weight
Balsa cored plywood weighs the least but has the least strength so you would need some extra cross bars supports in areas such as between the cutouts for the stove and sink.

If saving weight is a high priority, which it well could be depending on the rating of your tow vehicle, then 3/4" bamboo plywood is not the best choice of materials. That is my situation therefore I crossed Bamboo countertops off my list of viable options despite their attractive look and ecological appeal.

[Sherm2954]

In order to provide the best info, I weighed each cut piece compared to the original. Total weight difference is 2.5 lbs. This is a 2011 Escape 17B.
Large dinette:
Old = 18.5 lbs
New = 20 lbs

Small dinette:
Old = 9.5 lbs
New = 10 lbs

Cabinet
Old = 9 lbs
New = 9.5 lbs

Cooktop/sink
Old = 8 lbs
New = 8 lbs

Hope this helps

[Sherm2954]

Originally Posted by Sherm2954

In order to provide the best info, I weighed each cut piece compared to the original. Total weight difference is 2.5 lbs. This is a 2011 Escape 17B.
Large dinette:
Old = 18.5 lbs
New = 20 lbs

Small dinette:
Old = 9.5 lbs
New = 10 lbs

Cabinet
Old = 9 lbs
New = 9.5 lbs

Cooktop/sink
Old = 8 lbs
New = 8 lbs

Hope this helps

Today's progress:

[Mike Magee]

Good info. Looks like you know your way around a router. Wow, this should turn out great.