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Old 02-14-2017, 05:36 PM   #1
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Best countertop?

What would be the best countertop to hold up to the vibrations and bumps and all that jazz?

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Old 02-14-2017, 06:27 PM   #2
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Corian- works like wood, looks like $$$. Absorbs no moisture.
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Old 02-17-2017, 03:59 PM   #3
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I think we've decided on cutting board countertops just because we do a lot of cooking and having it in one of my previous homes we like the look and functionality etc. In schooley's I've seen a million different countertops and I really think part of small living is making things functional. I recommend checking out Pinterest and looking at skoolie and small home Interiors you might get some ideas that way
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Old 05-24-2017, 01:10 PM   #4
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butcher block

ikea has some great prices
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Old 05-24-2017, 01:27 PM   #5
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One of the things I like about a real cutting board countertop is that when they start looking rough and nicked up...you just sand them back to new.
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Old 05-24-2017, 02:57 PM   #6
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Bottle caps!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BULSAMdD...areoffcentered

...not really. But they look cool!
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Old 05-24-2017, 06:35 PM   #7
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How about Granite?

I am seriously considering granite for my Bluebird. I have found "prefab" granite counter tops & backsplash. They come in 8' lengths and have the bullnose already finished. You cut them to length with an angle grinder, cut the opening for your sink and polish any exposed cut ends.

I had a large kitchen, 2 big bathrooms and a laundry room done with this material. Everything was cut to size onsite. The installers even let me help & showed me how to do it.

The 8' long pre-made counters ran $239-$399 a piece depending on color/pattern. There were more expensive ones but the lions share were under $400.

My second choice would be butcher block. Lumber Liquidators has some good prices on the butcher block. 1-1/2" x 25" x 8' Builder Oak Countertop - Williamsburg Butcher Block Co. | Lumber Liquidators
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Old 05-24-2017, 08:15 PM   #8
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In trying to keep with the art deco look I chose a stainless steel looking laminate. While I'm pleased with the look, it is almost impossible to keep it clean because of the fine "polish" lines in the finish. The Formica material is water proof and hard as nails, but, if you happen to consider that type of laminate material be sure to choose something with a smooth finish.

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Old 05-24-2017, 10:15 PM   #9
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I somehow ended up with 2 huge pieces of granite plus sink and faucet, great condition for free on craigslist, they just wanted it gone and didn't feel like hauling it away. Friend of mine installs these for a living and said when I'm ready he'll help me cut and polish it all up. I'm going to use as little as possible, it is HEAVY! Looks spiffy tho lol
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Old 11-20-2018, 01:04 AM   #10
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Smile 5' of Granite slab supported by plywood underneath

I would love to hear some feedback on granite installed in skoolies. Do you have it, and if so, how has it worked for you?

We have a 5'2" piece of granite that we got for free. We have space for it in our kitchen. I would like to know how it has been for other people, and what support I need to build underneath it. One of the wheel wells is under the center.

We have a 1991 Thomas built International Harvester bus that had 24 rows of seats, 48 seats total.

Thanks for your feedback!!
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Old 11-20-2018, 09:05 AM   #11
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I believe 5' of any stone is going to require extraordinary support. As in zero flexing. Something like a stout, welded steel frame that floats (connected to only one surface, the floor) to avoid breaking the stone apart.
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Old 11-20-2018, 09:22 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tango View Post
As in zero flexing. Something like a stout, welded steel frame that floats (connected to only one surface, the floor) to avoid breaking the stone apart.

Yet also secure enough that it doesn't go flying, resulting in a catastrophic bonk on the head, in the case of a very abrupt stop.
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Old 11-20-2018, 03:54 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chief View Post
What would be the best countertop to hold up to the vibrations and bumps and all that jazz?
Went to a salvage store and bought a 1" thick 8' and a wooden backsplash as well. Wood is flexible.
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Old 11-20-2018, 08:39 PM   #14
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Another vote for butcher block type setups, more forgiving of the flex and torsion.

Ours will be 4" thick Maple from a shuffle board table that was doomed for the dumpster. it will be case blocked by a contrasting colour trim to make up the depth for the counters, and finished with a live edge backsplash....

it won't be light... but it will have a good look and feel to it.
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Old 11-21-2018, 09:04 AM   #15
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I have two pieces of quartz installed. One is 48"x 26" the other is 18"x 26". I know a guy at a granite place and we got a good deal on a remnant piece. I've only driven the bus a few miles a few times now that it is in. Seems pretty solid at this point
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Old 11-21-2018, 09:05 AM   #16
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Make that 3 pieces, I also.jave a 5" x 36" piece as a shelf in the shower. I think that piece is actually granite though
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Old 11-25-2018, 08:42 AM   #17
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Had a big post explaining weight distribution and construction methods/materials. However it all just flew off into internet space.

The basics of it are:

-Make sure your bus is weighted evenly.
-Make sure whatever you put in your bus is securely fastened to the structure of the bus
-Get creative with your materials
-Granite seems like a bad idea to me if it’s a large slab.
-So does 4” thick butcher block.
-Again that’s if it’s a large slab.

-I love my countertop. Old flooring attached with roofing nails to a piece of 1/2” plywood screwed to the 2x4 frame of my custom cabinets.

-here’s a link to our Instagram because I haven’t figured out image posting yet

http://https://www.instagram.com/rollinhomebus/
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Old 11-27-2018, 06:29 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlesreid42 View Post
Had a big post explaining weight distribution and construction methods/materials. However it all just flew off into internet space.

The basics of it are:

-Make sure your bus is weighted evenly.
-Make sure whatever you put in your bus is securely fastened to the structure of the bus
-Get creative with your materials
-Granite seems like a bad idea to me if it’s a large slab.
-So does 4” thick butcher block.
-Again that’s if it’s a large slab.

-I love my countertop. Old flooring attached with roofing nails to a piece of 1/2” plywood screwed to the 2x4 frame of my custom cabinets.

-here’s a link to our Instagram because I haven’t figured out image posting yet

http://https://www.instagram.com/rollinhomebus/

I'd be interested in your reasons while a slab block of wood is a bad idea?
wood flexes even in thick slabs. the countertop will weigh in and about the same as the battery bank that will be on the opposite side of the bus in a more compact section.
Looking to see if there is something I'm overlooking.
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Old 08-26-2019, 08:10 AM   #19
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Stainless Steel Countertop

I'm considering using a stainless steel countertop or getting a kitchen island with a stainless steel countertop I was eyeing on Facebook.
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Old 08-26-2019, 08:53 AM   #20
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Grave digging!

We made our counters from boards, Glued together, stain, 5 coats of polyurethane. Looks great and very strong.
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