New Countertop - Page 2

Chas · 02-21-2003, 10:05 PM

Dave-O,

Very nice! A bit over the top, but very nice!! What's next, a double oven? a Sub Zero? I think I will wait until after I get granite in the house before I start in the A/S.

Chas

smily · 02-22-2003, 06:47 AM

While I was sleeping last night it came to me, (I know I am eat up with it), Airstream installed many Corian countertops. Now that is some heavy stuff!

I believe thay have been installing corian for over twenty years. There is a thread somewhere on this topic.

Fred, cant wait to see the Bambi!

Brass countertops, wont they tarnish?

Smily

Dave-O · 02-22-2003, 06:57 AM

Chas,
So you think the red leather couch will be too much?

Yes the granite is a bit much, but how do you turn it down when the whole shooting match cost about $300?
Yes, I have heard it from the wife who does not have granite countertops (yet). But it is easier to justify given the smaller dimensions of the trailer. Better materials at that level are only incrementally more.

Besides, I will probably go with Pleather as opposed to the real stuff

\

I did match my sink covers and fridge fronts to match the stainless steel, but it was with spray paint. I wish I could find cheap stainless steel inserts for the front of the fridge.

smily · 02-22-2003, 07:05 AM

Stainless is cheap!

I buy it from the local sheetmetal shop.

I bet you can buy two panels cut to size for less than buying a set from a RV dealer. Some number 2 stainless would suit you just fine.

I think about 75 dollars will cover the bill.

Smily

Dave-O · 02-22-2003, 08:50 AM

Not bad, thanks Smiley! And you are right about the laminate by itself being expensive. I checked Lowe's for some Wilsonart stainless steel laminate and they wanted like $550 for a 4X8 sheet (you had to buy a whole sheet). That's when I went to the spray paint aisle!

thenewkid64 · 02-23-2003, 01:29 PM

I have done a number of laminate projects on the motorhome as well as around the house. A router or laminate trimmer (lightweight very high speed router) is a must for the true/clean edges.

I see only one issue with the counter that Ken ahs used (preformed from HD) and that is the presswood base. Considering the number of cutouts and exposed edges I would be concerned with mouiste getting into the base and causing the dreaded swelling.

One of the reasons that the countertop that are premade cost less: The formica material is not as thick, this is to allow for the heating and bending to make the one piece backsplash.

When I did the counter in our Argosy MH The original base was Plywood, but the backsplash was presswood. The presswood fell apart in my hands. The plywood I saved and reused scraps for other prjects on the MH.

The biggest problem with learning how to laminate is that soon you think everything can be freshened up with just a sheet of laminate..................

Dave-O · 02-23-2003, 02:41 PM

I was amazed at the sheer number of different colors and patterns you can get in laminate. Everything from the metals (Diamond plate, copper, SS, etc.) to tree bark, popcorn, denim. The variety was mindboggling.
On another note, when I was checking out the granite they had an acrylic tile that was small, smooth river stones that had a clear acrylic poured over the top that ended up being 1/4 to 3/8 thick. The effect of a creek or river bottom almost was too much to resist. very cool!

**Pick** · 02-23-2003, 02:55 PM

I did mine last spring, but for those that have not seen it:

femuse · 02-23-2003, 03:14 PM

Pick,

Your kitchen looks a lot like ours (1974 29'). A lot cleaner !!!

Mike wants to know if removing the old counter-top was a lot of work? We want to get rid of the ugly cracked porcelain coated sink that came with our 1990 32'. I guess it is easier to replace the whole counter in order to put a stainless sink.
I like the color of your counter-top: it is nicer than the original p***y yellow. I hope it's something I can get at Lowes.

Chantal

thenewkid64 · 02-23-2003, 03:41 PM

Here is a Link to the pic of the after, go to my gallery for a before.

Lowes has half a dozen laminates in stock in a 4X8 sheet. That is where I got mine. If you have a kitchen remodel shop in the area you may want to get a per sheet price from them on a custom order as well as the big box. The custom kitchen guys can be cheaper since they buy a larger quantity of the custom colors. I did that when I redid my kitchen in the house.

**Pick** · 02-23-2003, 03:44 PM

Chantal, I did get that color at Lowes! I forget what it is called, but it is Formica brand laminate. When my wife and I first looked at the Airstream she said NO! because of the p****y yellow color of the countertop. Only after I assured her that we could replace or relaminate the counter top did she allow me to finalize the deal.

The main thing to watch out for when removing the counter top is "hidden" screws. There are some along the edge under the lip, and some along the wall under the oven. The previous owners had also reinforced along the wall behind the stovetop. The countertop is very light, so if you cannot get it off there is still a screw or two hidden somewhere.

smily · 02-24-2003, 08:26 AM

the final product with pre fabricated counter top

smily · 02-24-2003, 08:27 AM

how about the matching cutting boards?

smily · 02-24-2003, 08:30 AM

I changed the range to white while it was out