Bamboo Countertops in Escape 17B

[Sherm2954]

Originally Posted by Mike Magee

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

I don't have a router table, but I have a friend with a full wood shop. So he did all the cutting, router work, sanding, etc. In exchange I gave him the remaining bamboo (except I had him make me a second blank kitchen counter so that I can make a new one once I find the right sink, faucet, cooktop combo.

[Rzrbrn]

Looks beautiful. Has to be lighter and stronger than the particle board used in my Casita. I wonder how much a cabinet shop would charge to duplicate what you have done.

[Kai in Seattle]

Beautiful! Lovely product, lovely work (kudos to your friend!)!

Bamboo is such a pretty and, as you say, eco-groovy idea!

Always so many factors to consider until you find the product and project that's just right for you.

BEST
Kai

[Sherm2954]

Originally Posted by Rzrbrn

Looks beautiful. Has to be lighter and stronger than the particle board used in my Casita. I wonder how much a cabinet shop would charge to duplicate what you have done.

If you're willing to think outside the box, you could buy the bamboo and take it to a local furniture maker or counter place and ask them to duplicate the originals. The finishing part is really actually easy and for me it's the most gratifying part of the job.

I tried a local countertop shop and got the run around; we don't have time, it'll be really costly because they're custom, don't know what materials to use, etc. I got tired of dealing with them and that was when I realized I should just have Chris cut them for me! It took him about 4 hours of total work to cut the basic shapes, router them using the originals as templates, give the edges a 1/8" roundover, and sand. I'm in charge of the finishing. In exchange, I had him keep the remaining bamboo. Total cost was right at $600 for all new counters plus a blank kitchen for when I decide on a new stove, sink, and faucet. I'll have another $80 in the job when the backsplash arrives. I'll have the counters after the 4th of July and I'm hopeful I will get the backsplash installed before the rally at Bullards Beach in mid-July!

[Linda Stewart]

It looks beautiful!

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Fiberglass RV mobile app

[WaltP]

I'm also looking forward to the installed pics. I'd like to know the details of the backsplash install also. Do you have the same wall covering as the new models? I'd like to have backsplashes in the galley but don't see how to do that.

Walt

[srothermel]

I used Baltic Birch plywood for my table, counters and doors in my 17' Boler. I will try and get some pictures later today. The wood is a nice compliment to these great old trailers!

[Rzrbrn]

Scott looking forward to your Baltic Birch. Did you do the routing/sawing yourself?

[srothermel]

Yes, I did all the work on our Old 17, door fronts, table top, counters, new sink and taps, cook top, laminate floors, newer fridge, l.e.d. lights, new fans, curtains, upholstery etc...

[srothermel]

Reno pics!

[Mike Magee]

Originally Posted by srothermel

I used Baltic Birch plywood for my table, counters and doors in my 17' Boler. I will try and get some pictures later today. The wood is a nice compliment to these great old trailers!

Apologies to the OP for this diversion of his thread, but I'd like to ask what you used to finish your birch ply. Looks like you did something to prevent blotching... then maybe a dye? Just guessing.

[mizterwizard]

https://www.calibamboo.com/bamboo-plywood.html

Google is your friend.

I have bamboo flooring from Lumber Liquidators. We really like it.

[Sherm2954]

Originally Posted by WaltP

I'm also looking forward to the installed pics. I'd like to know the details of the backsplash install also. Do you have the same wall covering as the new models? I'd like to have backsplashes in the galley but don't see how to do that.

Walt

I removed the original backsplash which matched the laminate countertop. It was not great looking. We have ordered Fasade Waves in galvanized. Hoping it compliments the bamboo look. I'm picking up two sheets of galvanized metal tomorrow to attach to the flat walls at the entry door (side of fridge/side of cabinet). I'll use double side tape. That will give us a different accent to match our future appliances as well as a magnetic area to stick hooks, etc.

Here are the counters in place, but not yet complete. I want to give them another 10 days to cure before I set screws and reinstall the sink, faucet, and cooktop. The first few show the finish when applied. It dries to a matte finish. The installed photos have a bit of color variation due to the different lighting. So far we are very pleased with the results.

[Sherm2954]

Originally Posted by srothermel

Reno pics!

Nice work!

[Sherm2954]

Originally Posted by Mike Magee

Apologies to the OP for this diversion of his thread, but I'd like to ask what you used to finish your birch ply. Looks like you did something to prevent blotching... then maybe a dye? Just guessing.

Apology not needed! I'm always interested in learning more. Glad you asked the question!

[mizterwizard]

Looking better and better. I like it.

[Sherm2954]

Originally Posted by mizterwizard

Looking better and better. I like it.

Thank you. I'm not super in love with the stock kitchen, so I had a blank counter cut from the bamboo so that once I find the right sink, faucet, and cooktop (preferably flush mount, glass covered for sink/stove) I can cut the holes, finish the new top and swap it out. Reace at Escape sent me the info on the new flush cooktop they're using, so I might go with that. I'll be in Chilliwack for AC install in late August....can't wait!

[mizterwizard]

We installed an under mount sink in or kitchen when we remodeled it 3 years ago. I'll never install anything else. Here is HomeDepot's page of undermount sinks. https://www.homedepot.com/b/Kitchen-...s/N-5yc1vZcgk0

It is so much easier to wipe up spills and such when it just sweeps into the sink with no rim to obstruct things. It works really well with a disposer for sweeping trimmings into the sink and down the drain. Of course that doesn't work out very well in an RV but at home it is great.