RE: Countertop Replacement

[sure2rain]

 
I need to repalce the countertop in my 2000 Coleman Bayside. I was wondering how it is secured to the cabinet. Thinking of using MDF board. Looking for words of experience.

[cb]

 sure2rain
No experience w/countertop, but love your name!!  Hope somebody helps you out.

[wahoonc]

 sure2rain
sure2rain, I want to know what happens if you camp with me and byrdr1 Seems everytime we go camping we bring new meaning to the word DELUGE[8D]
 
 If I recall correctly the top is held on with screw from underneath, there should be some little blocks glued or stapled to the sides of the cabinet and the top is fastened to those. If the weather holds out I will check tommorrow for you. The counter top replacement is a project I have considered. I hate that stupid T-molding that Coleman uses. I was going to build a light weight counter top out of 1/4"  plywood with 1x2 edging. I have seen this technique used in some of the better quality TT s.
 
 Aaron[]

[Tim5055]

 sure2rain
If I remember correctly, the counter is held on from the bottom with brackets.
 
 I would think you would want to go with something a little more durable for use in a wet location.  Medium density fiberboard (MDF) just like the stock countertops which are made from particle board (or chipboard) which has been covered with a laminate surface will swell if water gets to the wood fiber.
 
 I would think that you would want to go with a higher end laminate countertop or even move up to some sort of solid surface material.  Now thats an idea, a Corion countertop![]
 
 Take a look at my webpage regarding [link=http://www.title-3.com/HPStove.htm]Replacing the Outside Stove Countertop[/link].  I replaced the small laminate countertop with a larger one made from MDF.  It worked out, but I had to paint it multiple times with a marine grade deck paint to totally seal it. The tops and bottoms flat surfaces were easy, but the open " grain"  cut ends soaked up the paint by the gallon.  OK, maybe not by the gallon, but it took a lot to seal the ends.
 
 Good luck with your project, and let us know how it goes.

[bikolee]

 sure2rain
Aaron has right. It is held on with screws through wooden blocks.

[sure2rain]

 sure2rain
Thanks for the help. I had to replace the sink faucet two years ago and remember seeing the glue blocks. I was hoping to get the top off in one piece to use it as a template but I suppose that I could just as easily transfer the pattern to a piece of cardboard. I could then just go at the countertop with a jigsaw and piece meal it if I have to.
 
 I was concerned if there are any pitfalls to be aware of. Well, I guess someone has to blaze the trail. I ll let you know how it goes.
 
 I was going to just re-use the edge T-edging but your comments have me now thinking of going with something on the lines of wahoonc idea.
 
 I had previously looked at tim s website to checkout the outdoor counter repalcement. Corion replacement, great idea--better not let my DW see this idea.
 
 Well looking out the window the snow is finally all melted off of the camper and only 39 days till the first trip of the year. I better get busy.

[jackgoesthepopup]

 sure2rain
When i replacerd the counter top in our Palimino.  A friend gave me some counter top he had purchased at home depot. That he no longer needed. I just cut it to lengh fastened it with some blocks and screws and made a backsplash with a piece i didn t need. Took me about 4 hours to do.  i know you can get premade counter tops at home depot. If My friend had not given it to me. I was going to buy it there anyway.