Transforming Free Wood into our Dream Kitchen

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Table of Contents

Transforming Free Wood into our Dream Kitchen

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction

2. The Wood Scraps: A Generous Gift from David Shaw

3. Making Use of the Wood Scraps

3.1. From Coffee Table to Van Furniture

3.2. Bird's Eye Maple: Perfect for Van Countertops

3.3. Building a Butcher Block Style Countertop

3.4. Overcoming Challenges with the Wood Lengths

3.5. Finishing the Countertops with Totalboat Houseon Clear

3.6. Cutting Holes for the Stove and Sink

3.7. Building a Flip-Up Counter Extension

3.8. Using Leftover Hard Maple for the Border

4. The Van Build: Hustling to Make it Livable

4.1. Moving Day Madness

4.2. Finalizing the Electrical System

4.3. Testing the Lights and Outlets

4.4. Overcoming Wiring Issues

5. Adding the Finishing Touches

5.1. Installing the Dining Table/Bed

5.2. Getting Ready for the Road Trip

6. Conclusion

The Wood Scraps: A Generous Gift from David Shaw

A few months ago, a local woodworker named David Shaw gave me a stack of beautiful wood scraps for free. These "scraps" were actually big and usable pieces of wood, but for David's shop, the Northern Joinery, they were considered as scraps. Instead of burning or discarding them, David decided to give them away. Overwhelmed by the generosity, I couldn't wait to put this wood to good use.

Making Use of the Wood Scraps

From Coffee Table to Van Furniture

One of the first projects I tackled with the wood scraps was a coffee table. I used a large piece of walnut, which turned out to be a stunning addition to my living room. It didn't take long for the table to sell, but I still had a significant amount of wood left. With the imminent move into my van with my wife, cat, and dog, I didn't want to store this beautiful wood for an entire year. Instead, I decided to repurpose it and Create custom furniture for our van.

Bird's Eye Maple: Perfect for Van Countertops

Among the wood scraps, I discovered a collection of bird's eye maple. These strips were already cut into uniform sizes, making them ideal for van countertops. I learned that these strips were acquired from an auction where Brunswick pool tables were being dismantled. Utilizing this unique wood, I decided to craft a butcher block-style countertop with a beautiful grain pattern.

Building a Butcher Block Style Countertop

To construct the countertop, I attached the bird's eye maple slats to a Baltic Birch subtop using wood glue and CA glue. Using CA glue as clamps, I ensured a secure hold while the wood glue dried. By combining the strength of the wood glue with the Instant curing properties of CA glue, I created a solid and Durable countertop that would withstand the rigors of van life.

Overcoming Challenges with the Wood Lengths

While working on the butcher block countertop, I encountered two challenges. First, I realized that I had just enough bird's eye maple to cover both countertops, leaving no room for waste. Second, most of the slats were the same length, making it difficult to achieve a random and visually appealing butcher block pattern. To address these issues, I cut some slats into random lengths, allowing me to stagger them with the full-length pieces for a more natural-looking pattern.

Finishing the Countertops with Totalboat Houseon Clear

Once the countertops were assembled, I sanded them up to 220 grit. To bring out their natural beauty and ensure long-lasting protection, I chose Totalboat Houseon Clear as the finishing varnish. This marine-grade varnish is known for its durability, ease of application, and low VOC emissions. It was important for us to use low VOC products since we were finishing the countertops indoors due to the cold Ontario weather. After two coats of gloss and a final top coat of satin, the countertops looked stunning and were ready for installation.

Cutting Holes for the Stove and Sink

Before installing the countertops in the van, I had to cut holes for the stove and sink. Precision was key, as any mistakes could lead to leaks or improper fit. Taking careful measurements, I used a jigsaw to create the necessary openings. A satisfying click confirmed that both the stove and sink fit perfectly into their designated spaces.

Building a Flip-Up Counter Extension

To maximize counter space in our van, I decided to build a flip-up counter extension. I utilized folding shelf brackets, purchased from Amazon, to support the extension. I used the remaining hard maple strips to create the border, ensuring a seamless integration with the existing countertops. This extension provided us with additional workspace when needed, without sacrificing precious floor space.

Using Leftover Hard Maple for the Border

Although I had used most of the hard maple strips for the countertops, I had a few leftovers that were not long enough to cover the entire edge of the long countertop. To ensure a uniform and polished look, I ripped some leftover hard maple into strips and used it to create the border. This not only added a decorative element but also served to protect the edges of the countertops.

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