In this post, I'll share the step-by-step process I used to make an ultra functional table for UNDER $130 that can be used for dining, working or playing games.
It's almost impossible to find an RV these days that meets all of our wants, needs and desires. Unless money is no object that is. Those of us who are full-time RVers have limited space for just about everything, let alone woodworking tools. The good news is that this project is so simple there is no reason to shy away from it.
Most RV's have unused areas or spaces that just aren't functional. This is where the fun begins because if you can imagine it, then you can build it. I searched high and low for a pre-made table. I went as far as to contact a couple of RV manufacturers only to be given outlandish prices for an OEM option. One quoted me over $800 and another quoted me almost $1300! Needless to say...neither of these were an option.
SUPPLIES AND TOOLS NEEDED FOR THIS PROJECT
SUPPLIES
- 18x24 Cabinet grade 3/4 inch plywood ($35 or less)
- 3/4 inch Self-Adhesive Wood Edge Banding ($15)
- Wood Stain ($6)
- Clear, Satin Polyuerthane Spray ($10)
- Sequoia Flush-Mount Table Leg System ($60)
- 200 grit sandpaper ($2)
- Old cloth for applying stain
- Masking Tape
TOOLS
- Drill Driver
- 1/16 Drill Bit
- Coping Saw or Similar Saw
- Aeresol Can (typical size)
- Iron
- Pencil
FABRICATING THE TABLE TOP
STEP 1 - CUT THE PLYWOOD TO SIZE
This process is pretty simple. You have a couple of options when it comes to fabricating the table top. Option 1: You can purchase a pre-made table top, then modify it. Option 2: You can purchase a piece of cabinet grade plywood from Home Depot or Lowe's. The great thing about option 2 is that they will cut the plywood to any size you like! I recommend option 2!
STEP 2 - RADIUS THE CORNERS
Once you have the table top cut to size it's time to radius the corners. When you're on the road full time you have to be resourceful. If I was making this table at my old workshop I would have a radius template and various saws to accomplish this. But on the road, an aerosol can and a cheap coping saw works just as well!
You can see here that this makes for a perfect radius! Simply connect the dots and voila! You have a rounded corner.
Apply masking tape to the corners of the plywood on both sides. Doing so helps to keep the plywood from splintering as you make the cut. Mark the radius with a pencil, then use the coping saw to make the cut. Be sure to sand the surface of all 4 corners after making the cut. This should take less than 30 minutes.
STEP 3 - APPLY THE EDGE BANDING
After you've rounded the corners it's time to apply the edge banding. Be sure to buy WOOD edge banding(with the adhesive already applied)that matches the plywood! The plywood I used was Birch so I purchased Birch edge banding.
The process to apply the edge banding is simple and only takes about 10 minutes. All you do is align one edge of the banding flush with one edge of the plywood, then use an iron to heat the adhesive so that the edge banding is adhered to the edge. Once applied, you can use a razor blade to trim the edge banding so that it's flush with the plywood surface. Be careful when trimming the edge banding so as not to gouge the surface of the plywood.
STEP 4 - SANDING
Use the 200 grit sandpaper to prepare the wood for staining. Make sure all areas of the table top are smooth and free of rough edges. I used a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to make sure all sanding dust is removed from the surface before applying the stain.
STEP 5 - APPLY THE STAIN
I recommend Minwax Penetrating Stain as it's Inexpensive and easy to apply. Stain color is a personal preference, but I recommend using a color that is complimentary to the existing wood color in your RV.
Apply as many coats of stain as you like until the color is where you want it. I used a cloth to apply the stain, but you can use a brush if you like. Allow the stain to dry per the directions and then it's on the the next step!
STEP 5 - APPLY THE CLEAR COAT
The type of clear coat you choose is a personal choice. I decided to use a spray type water-based polyurethane because it doesn't require any additional tools and clean-up is a breeze.
Apply the clear coat per the directions. I ended up applying 6 light coats making sure to sand in between coats using 200 grit sand paper. This process can take a while, but be patient. The silky smooth results are worth it.
INSTALLING THE TABLE LEG BASE SYSTEM
The great thing about the Sequoia Flush-Mount Table Leg system is that there is no need to drill a large hole in the floor of your RV like with other systems! This makes this type of system very flexible because you really can install it anywhere.
STEP 1 - FIND A FLAT SURFACE TO MOUNT THE FLOOR BASE MOUNT
This is very important! Make sure the location you choose is suitable before you fasten the floor base to the floor! In this case, there were no obstructions in the area I chose so I pre-drilled the holes through the flooring and underlying metal. Then I fastened the floor base to the floor using the included screws. Going through the flooring and into the underlying metal made for a super secure mount.
We have a Class A coach, so there was a perfect spot on the just behind the "Dog House" and in between the captain and co-captain seats. The floor base mount also has a plastic cover that can be snapped into place when not in use.
STEP 2 - INSTALL THE TABLE BASE LEG AND TABLE MOUNT
Installing the table leg to the floor base is very easy. Simply line up the tabs, twist the leg the leg to lock it into place, then tighten up the black collar! This makes for a very stable and sturdy table!
Attaching the the table mount to the underside of the table top is accomplished using the supplied screws. Once that's done you can install the table top to the top of the table leg.
The great thing about having an extra table in this location is that we can swivel the table and chairs making this a great space for eating, working or playing games.
I even went a step further and created a smaller table for playing checkers or chess. It's small enough to leave in place while traveling too. Shawnna found this at a local discount store for $3! All I had to do was add the table mount like the one for the larger table.
So there it is. The finished project(s) for under $130! Adding extra work space, eating space or play space to your RV is not as difficult as you might think.
With a little ingenuity and patience, anything is possible!
~Brian