DIY: Counter Top Extension Made Easy
02-15-2018
Author: in The Road Less Traveled
The RV's kitchen—for some it's merely storage space for their outdoor grilling implements. For others, is simply a convenient way to make a quick meal between activities. For many, it's one of the perks of RV ownership rather than camping in more rustic manners or staying in motels. People who full-time RV, however, count on their kitchens as much as anyone living in a brick or stick residence. For one thing, it allows them to reduce the cost of eating out while traveling. For another, it provides them with the opportunity to control the quality of food and its healthfulness—or lack of—particularly in remote areas with few options.
Counter Top Extension Kit
For most people, a basic ready-made kit is sufficient for satisfying their needs. They provide an extra 12-inches in the form of a drop-down extension, and are usually made of sealed oak.
You can attach it to any cabinet overhang. Just, find a place that is unlikely to interfere with any cabinets—or other pre-existing kitchen fixtures—to mount it. Use the provided hardware to screw one end of the piano hinge to 12 x 13-inch piece of oak and the other end to the cabinet overhang. To use it, pull it up and secure it with the metal drop-leaf brace that comes with the kit. When you aren't using it, just fold it back down, out of the way. This is the easier method and results in an extension sturdy enough for most tasks.
Counter Top Hack
Many people have features in their RV or trailer that they have no use for, or even find annoying. These can easily be removed and repurposed. For example, if your trailer came with a foldable tray mounted to one of the walls—usually in what is meant to be the bedroom—these can be converted into kitchen counter extenders.
Just unscrew the hinges from the wall and screw it into a convenient cabinet overhang. Test it out a few times, but if it'll hold a small television, it should be able to handle a 5-quart crockpot.
Build a Counter Top Extension
If you want a larger extension, you're picky about materials, or you just fancy a project and are skilled with tools, buy the parts and build it yourself. In fact, you can even get a piece of wood cut for a small fee at many home supply stores like Home Depot and Lowes. Just choose your plank and either have it cut to size or measure it and cut it to the length you require by yourself.
Either way, you will also need to obtain a large-sized hinge, sturdy screws (if they don’t come with the hinge), sand paper, a metal drop-leaf brace of an appropriate length—or a drop-leg if the extension is going to be long enough its weight will require one—and sealant. Keep in mind that the wood is likely to be in contact with food and liquid. So, after sanding the plank smooth, properly seal it. Then mount it the same as you would with the other methods.
In Conclusion
DIY projects can be quite satisfying, as you put your personal touch on your RV or trailer, which often are a bit "cookie-cutter" in style. Plus, installing a counter top extension provides you with an added amount of coveted space, allowing you to embrace your inner chef, as you prepare your favorite meals.
Related Read: Some of my favorite kitchen tools for the RV
Unfortunately—besides in large, newer model RVers or trailers—the size of the kitchen is often limited, and the counter space is often particularly restricted. Even when you use the stove covers and sink covers, you don't have a ton of food preparation space. Plus, having all of these covered makes the act of cooking more difficult than it would be otherwise. Installing a ready-made kit or building a counter top extension can be a lifesaver, and it doesn't need to be difficult.Counter Top Extension Kit
For most people, a basic ready-made kit is sufficient for satisfying their needs. They provide an extra 12-inches in the form of a drop-down extension, and are usually made of sealed oak.
You can attach it to any cabinet overhang. Just, find a place that is unlikely to interfere with any cabinets—or other pre-existing kitchen fixtures—to mount it. Use the provided hardware to screw one end of the piano hinge to 12 x 13-inch piece of oak and the other end to the cabinet overhang. To use it, pull it up and secure it with the metal drop-leaf brace that comes with the kit. When you aren't using it, just fold it back down, out of the way. This is the easier method and results in an extension sturdy enough for most tasks.
Counter Top Hack
Many people have features in their RV or trailer that they have no use for, or even find annoying. These can easily be removed and repurposed. For example, if your trailer came with a foldable tray mounted to one of the walls—usually in what is meant to be the bedroom—these can be converted into kitchen counter extenders.
Related Read: RV Hacks: For a Homier Home – Part 1
Just unscrew the hinges from the wall and screw it into a convenient cabinet overhang. Test it out a few times, but if it'll hold a small television, it should be able to handle a 5-quart crockpot.
Build a Counter Top Extension
If you want a larger extension, you're picky about materials, or you just fancy a project and are skilled with tools, buy the parts and build it yourself. In fact, you can even get a piece of wood cut for a small fee at many home supply stores like Home Depot and Lowes. Just choose your plank and either have it cut to size or measure it and cut it to the length you require by yourself.
Either way, you will also need to obtain a large-sized hinge, sturdy screws (if they don’t come with the hinge), sand paper, a metal drop-leaf brace of an appropriate length—or a drop-leg if the extension is going to be long enough its weight will require one—and sealant. Keep in mind that the wood is likely to be in contact with food and liquid. So, after sanding the plank smooth, properly seal it. Then mount it the same as you would with the other methods.
In Conclusion
DIY projects can be quite satisfying, as you put your personal touch on your RV or trailer, which often are a bit "cookie-cutter" in style. Plus, installing a counter top extension provides you with an added amount of coveted space, allowing you to embrace your inner chef, as you prepare your favorite meals.
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Author: Carrie Todd
