Bamboo Countertops

[sherm2954]

The counters in our trailer were a little worn looking, so we wanted to upgrade. Then we had an epiphany; our good friend Chris is a woodworker and he could make us new counters! So we called him and he actually was thrilled since he hasn't had a project in a while. We bought two sheets of 3/4 inch bamboo ($250 each - ouch, but worth it). He used the existing counters as templates and cut, routered, and sanded them for me. I get the fun part - applying finish. I'm using a water based finish and I'll put at least four coats on each piece. I'll sand between coats.
So far I'm super pleased with the results!
I'll post more photos as we get them completed an installed.

 

[holo]

That's going to look really good! Please send pics after the install.

 

[sherm2954]

That's going to look really good! Please send pics after the install.

Will do!

 

[NW Cat Owner]

That will look stunning when you're done!

 

[sherm2954]

That will look stunning when you're done!

Thanks! I just put coat 2 on. Going to put 4 coats on top and bottom for good protection. I have the time, so why not??!!

 

[titanizer]

Awesome!!!!!!

 

[NW Cat Owner]

Why sanding?

I've never worked with wood, so I'm curious why you're sanding between the coats. Won't that take off what you just applied?


Thanks

 

[vermilye]

Most finishes raise the grain a bit. Light, fine sanding between coats knocks that off, resulting in a smoother final finish.

 

[sherm2954]

I've never worked with wood, so I'm curious why you're sanding between the coats. Won't that take off what you just applied?


Thanks

Water based finish causes the grain to raise. Sanding with fine grit paper takes off the raised fibers so you get a smooth finish. The finish penetrates into the wood to protect it. A varnish type of finish provides a coating over the wood, so lots of layers makes a thick finish. With bamboo (and a water based matte/satin finish) if there's a scratch, it can easily be lightly sanded and a new coat of finish applied.

 

[sherm2954]

Today's progress:

 

[NW Cat Owner]

The current issue of Trailer Life is asking for photos/info on mods made to trailers. They'll pay ya 50 bucks if they publish. So, hey, send 'em photos of this mod when it's completed.

 

[sherm2954]

Thanks!

 

[arniesea]

Water based finish causes the grain to raise. Sanding with fine grit paper takes off the raised fibers so you get a smooth finish. The finish penetrates into the wood to protect it. A varnish type of finish provides a coating over the wood, so lots of layers makes a thick finish. With bamboo (and a water based matte/satin finish) if there's a scratch, it can easily be lightly sanded and a new coat of finish applied.

Also if you use a tack cloth after lightly sanding, the finish will be even smoother.

Tack cloth = beeswax impregnated cheesecloth. It lifts the final sawdust particles off the surface that even a vacuum will not remove.

Nice work by the way! Love the look and can't wait to see final photos.

 

[Redandnan]

Counters

I like the look of these. Good job.

 

[Patandlinda]

The counters in our trailer were a little worn looking, so we wanted to upgrade. Then we had an epiphany; our good friend Chris is a woodworker and he could make us new counters! So we called him and he actually was thrilled since he hasn't had a project in a while. We bought two sheets of 3/4 inch bamboo ($250 each - ouch, but worth it). He used the existing counters as templates and cut, routered, and sanded them for me. I get the fun part - applying finish. I'm using a water based finish and I'll put at least four coats on each piece. I'll sand between coats.
So far I'm super pleased with the results!
I'll post more photos as we get them completed an installed.

Going to look beautiful ! Pat

 

[Greg A]

Love bamboo, these will really pop.....

 

[sherm2954]

Also if you use a tack cloth after lightly sanding, the finish will be even smoother.

Tack cloth = beeswax impregnated cheesecloth. It lifts the final sawdust particles off the surface that even a vacuum will not remove.

Nice work by the way! Love the look and can't wait to see final photos.

Yes indeed! Forgot to mention that detail! And I do my final sand with 600 grit so that it is smooth as silk!

 

[sherm2954]

I removed the original backsplash which matched the laminate countertop. It was not great looking. We have ordered Fasade Waves in galvanized. Hoping it compliments the bamboo look. I'm picking up two sheets of galvanized metal tomorrow to attach to the flat walls at the entry door (side of fridge/side of cabinet). I'll use double side tape. That will give us a different accent to match our future appliances as well as a magnetic area to stick hooks, etc.

Here are the counters in place, but not yet complete. I want to give them another 10 days to cure before I set screws and reinstall the sink, faucet, and cooktop. The first few show the finish when applied. It dries to a matte finish. The installed photos have a bit of color variation due to the different lighting. So far we are very pleased with the results.

 

[Charlene Urso]

Looking beautiful!

 

[Chotch]

Looks nice against the oak