New Countertops

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Greg A
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New Countertops

I need to replace countertops/backsplash.  Anyone done this project that can share some ideas/pics for materials options to tackle this.  I'd love to do a small ceramic tile, but I'm leary to use it and grout would need to be caulk to withstand the stresses of trailering so dont know that would be a good option.  Corian might be cool, but has to be custom ordered.  On my 13 Scamp I used an interlocking rubber gym mat trimmed in wood to match the cherry cabinet doors and it turned out pretty interesting.

ManWithaVan
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Refinishing your Countertops

Depending on what your countertops are made of re-finishing them is probably easier than you think.

If your existing countertops are Formica they can be refinished (even without removing them).

They have some Amazing Formica choices today, I recently refinished a kitchen with Formica that looks so much like Granite you have to look very, very, closely to know it is not a stone counter.

The process requires basic woodworking/carpentry skills, a little patience, and a router with a flush-trim bit. Without going into a long-winded lesson, here are the basics...

First (assuming your existing countertop and backsplash are sound) you want to scuff up the existing countertop (I use a belt sander) so the glue can adhere. Next you want to cut pieces from your new Formica sheet (they come in a variety of sizes) which are 1/2 inch larger than the countertop surface. You will also want to cut strips for your edges which are 1/4 inch wider (and longer) than you will need, along with strips for your backsplash (plus edges for the backsplash). Then you will apply contact cement to the backside of your edging strip (do one strip at a time) and the edge of your countertop. After they dry you carefully place the strip on the edge of the countertop and press (thoroughly) into place, the bond is instant.

Note: You will need to strategically pre-plan where the exposed edges of the edge pieces will be placed. For example, in a camper you  will have a three sided countertop, you want to place the two side edges on first and then put the long (exposed) edge on. The reason for this is so that you don't catch the corner of the (side) edging while walking by and snag it. Likewise; you want to place the countertop on after the edging has been installed so you don't snag the edging with a plate or a knife (the countertop protects the top-edge of the edging).

Once the edge piece is pressed into place you can route the edges. Only set your router deep enough to trim off the excess Formica. Be certain to hold the Router flat against the surface of the edging. Go slow and don't get impatient (note: I usually go around each piece twice).

Next will be the countertop surface, place cement on both the countertop and the backside of the Formica, use dowels (or 1/2 inch PVC pipe) placed across the top of the counter, every 6 inches to keep the two surfaces from touching while you  are positioning the Formica. Remove one dowel at a time and press the countertop into place (note: you can use the heel of your hands to press the two pieces together, be careful to apply pressure everywhere). Then route your edges.

For the sink and/or stove cut-out(s) you can use a jigsaw to cut out the holes, be sure to cut the hole smaller than the finished hole so you can trim the excess with the router to get the exact size opening for the sink and/or stove.

Finish by doing the backsplash in the same manner as the countertop, be sure to pre-plan how your edging will be installed.

If you want to have a stone or Corian type countertop you could remove your existing countertop and take it to the fabricator, they could use your existing top as the template for your new countertop.

One final suggestion, if you want real stone, they can use slabs which are half the thickness of regular stone countertops and simply overlay your existing countertop. This would save weight and fuel by pulling 1/2 the weight of a full thickness countertop.

Happy Scamping

As Always,

Happy Scamping !!!

Scooperscamp
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corian/solid surface

I have the same issue and would love any suggestions. On our still new-to-us 19 ft., I need to replace at least one of the countertops.  Seems that the stove was missing some screws on the sides and under the oven so on a recent trip the stove bounced around and cracked the formica and broke the core in two places so I can't just put the laminate back over it. 

I just visited a local countertop shop and they will sell me a scrap of Corian, roughly 5 ft x 2 feet, for $120 .  That will be enough for the long side which has the sink and 3 burner stove in it.  The material there now is 5/8" (looks like some kind of particle board core with laminate on both sides for some reason) and the Corian is 1/2" so it should fit nicely, at most needing some shimming.  I have never worked with Corian or any solid surface countertop but YouTube tells me the cutouts for the sink and stove shouldn't be too hard with skilsaw and angle grinder.  The stock countertops have wooden edging that matches the cabinets which I hope to replicate, though I may fall back to just gluing some plainer edging.  I'm supposed to send him a drawing. 

I'll keep you posted.  Greg, you may want to check with a countertop shop near you.  They usually have lots of scraps lying around that may just happen to match your cabinets.  I am just going to use white.  My cabinets are birch (looks like) and the current countertop is a little off white.   BTW, I have done tilework in bathrooms and kitchens in several homes and I would not use ceramic tile in an RV for the reasons you mention, an more.  Besides the grout movement issue you mention, you may need to add backer board to the current countertop and some reinforcement underneath since the countertop itself is only 1/2" of particle board sandwiched between two very thin sheets of some kind of laminate.  If it flexes at all going down the road, it could be trouble for the mastic.  But maybe someone has actually done it.  This is all speculation on my part.  I wouldn't think just adding a layer of laminate on top would be too challenging.  Unfortunately, I don't have that option.

Scooperscamp
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solid surface countertop

A contractor friend gave me some Corian that he demoed out of a kitchen and it made a nice little countertop for my new cooktop and sink.  I removed the bulky three burner stove with oven (which we rarely used), added a shelf, and added more support front to back.  I was able to salvage the front edge and added an edge on the back (by the dinette), gluing it with clear epoxy because I don't have matching glue but it looks just fine.  I still have to make a return for edge that wraps a few inches along the panel at the front by the stairs and fill in the space just under the countertop where stove was.  I may leave this space open or get someone to make me a birch door.  I'm happy with the way it came out.  

Scooperscamp
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Left out the pics

Left out the pics

Greg A
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Countertops

Very nice! Escpecially like the recessed stove. Looks like the same Suburban one I put in my Escape.

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