Are bamboo countertops too heavy ?

[chrisetmike]

Hi
We are getting close to start building the counter tops in our 1967 Overlander. We have new cherry wood that we will be staining the same colour as the original finish. I am looking to modernize the look a bit. I think a bamboo counter top would look great but I am a bit worried about weight.

Does anyone know how much weight these countertops would add to the trailer. We are staying close to the original layout.

Thank you for your time
Chris

[Dingo Girl]

I'm at the same spot on my 67 Caravel.
I don't want to make it any heavier than it was either.
I may go with 5/8 plywood like the original & put a Formica type to on it.
Bamboo is pretty but very soft & will dent easily. I know this from using it in my home.
I'll be watching your thread for input.
Good luck with the 67!

[David F]

Having a ‘67 caravel, I was not too concerned about weight given that the trailer is so light to begin with. So, for countertops, I used stainless steel for the Galley and 3cm granite for the gaucho side table and bathroom.

[Dingo Girl]

Did you end up liking the stainless? Is it hard to keep clean?

[BigSxyWhtGuy]

Originally Posted by Dingo Girl

Did you end up liking the stainless? Is it hard to keep clean?

Stainless steel is easy to keep clean. It’s standard surface for restaurant counters as well to prevent cross contamination.

[Dingo Girl]

Thanks!

[chrisetmike]

Originally Posted by Dingo Girl

I'm at the same spot on my 67 Caravel.
I don't want to make it any heavier than it was either.
I may go with 5/8 plywood like the original & put a Formica type to on it.
Bamboo is pretty but very soft & will dent easily. I know this from using it in my home.
I'll be watching your thread for input.
Good luck with the 67!

Thank you for your input. Nice to hear from someone who has used bamboo countertops Never thought about denting , thanks for your input. Good luck with your Caravel!

[chrisetmike]

Originally Posted by David F

Having a ‘67 caravel, I was not too concerned about weight given that the trailer is so light to begin with. So, for countertops, I used stainless steel for the Galley and 3cm granite for the gaucho side table and bathroom.

If we hadn't stripped and polished interior skins, I would have seriously considered your suggestion but I really think it would be too much shiny steel

[craftsman]

Bamboo hardness depends on how it’s assembled. As sheets it’s constructed much like plywood. It ranks on hardness tests close to both Hickory and Pecan. It’s used in flooring and can be extremely durable ,again depends on grain orientation. It makes great countertops. It has a higher weight to strength ratio than steel and is relatively light weight. It’s actually a grass not a wood.

[DaveP]

As for the weight difference, it is probably not that much different. Different grades of 3/4 inch plywood and particle weigh 2 to 3.5 pound per square foot (according to Google). That is not going to be much different than the 3/4 inch bamboo. Ask the manufacturer for a weight and then figure the different.

[craftsman]

Bamboo hardness depends on how it’s assembled. As sheets it’s constructed much like plywood. It ranks on hardness tests close to both Hickory and Pecan. It’s used in flooring and can be extremely durable ,again depends on grain orientation. It makes great countertops. It has a higher weight to strength ratio than steel and is relatively light weight. It’s actually a grass not a wood.