How to build an RV table?

In this blog post, we will answer the question: “How to build an RV table?” We will discuss the steps on how to build an RV table. We will talk about the necessary tools, accessories, and the measurement process. At the end of this post, you will get to know how to build an RV table with ease in just a couple of days.

How to build an RV table?

To build an RV table, you will need to follow the steps described below.

• Select the right place

• Cut the plywood to the required size

• Round off the corners

• Fix edge banding or corner protectors

• Smoothen the surface

• Apply the stain

• Apply a clear coat

• Fix the floor base mount

• Install the table base leg and mount

• Fix the plywood on top of the mount.

Select the right place

• Building an RV table is easy if you have the right ideas in place. There are only a few simple steps required to build an RV table.

• First, you will need to decide on the right place. Be sure to select the right place in your RV where you want to build the table.

• It is also important to select a place that has a sturdy floor to fix the floor base mount. Make sure that the floor has wood at the bottom for easy installation.

• Selecting the right place depends on your preference. Some people might want to use the table as a dining table. Be sure to know your requirements and select the place accordingly.

Cut the plywood to the required size

• The next step is to cut the plywood to the required size. For this, you will need to measure the size of the table that you want to build.

• Based on the size of the table, you will need to cut the plywood into lengths and breadth. Be sure to consider the interior measurements of your RV where you want to fix the table. Avoid building an extremely large table since it might be inconvenient

.

• Ensure that there is enough space to walk around the table and there is enough space to place a couple of chairs to sit around it.

• Draw the measurements on the plywood and make sure you use an electric saw while cutting it to get a fine finish.

Round off the corners

• The corners of the plywood can be pointed and it can hurt you on the edges. Hence, it is always a good idea to round off the corners. Having a round corner also provides a good look for the table. This also helps to keep the plywood from splintering.

• Mark the corners before using an electric sander machine. There are plenty of electric sander machines that are cheap enough to get this task complete.

Fix edge banding or corner protectors

• Edge banding gives a good look throughout the edges of the plywood. There are various types of edge banding and they also arrive in different colors. You can use some glue to stick the edge banding on the table.

• If you are unable to round off the corners, you can use corner protectors. These are cheap and easy to install. Corner protectors also prevent the wood from splitting at the corner and also give your table a good look.

Smoothen the surface

• Using a sander machine, you will need to smoothen the surface of the entire plywood. Smooth plywood gives you a proper appearance and it is essential to have a smooth table top to apply the stain.

Apply the stain

• According to the wood and your preference, you can choose a wood finish stain. This provides a rich appearance and makes the plywood look like a table.

• It is always good to opt for a penetrating stain that is not too expensive and easy to apply. Try to use a color that is complementary to the wood color in your RV.

• You can also experiment and use as many coats as possible until you get the color of your choice. Use a normal brush to apply the stain.

Apply a clear coat

• Next, you will need to apply a clear coat. Using a spray-type water-based polyurethane clear coat is a good option. However, this is entirely left up to you and your choice.

• Follow the instructions and apply as many coats as you require. In some cases, people use up to six or seven cots to give a great finish. A clear coat provides a glossy look and a silky smooth result which is worth it.

Fix the floor base mount

• Next, you will need to fix the floor base mount to the floor of the RV. You will be required to drill a few holes in the bottom of the floor and fix the mount.

• Ensure to purchase a floor base mount along with the table base leg. You can find several combinations and these two items come together. The floor base mount usually arrives with the screws so you might need a drill to get this fixed.

• You can also opt for an adjustable pedestal table mount if necessary. The floor base mount also has a cover that can be fixed into place when not in use.

Install the table base leg and mount

• Once you have the floor base mount installed, you will need to install the table base leg to the mount. This is an easy process and it will hardly take time.

• Most of the table base legs can be fixed by screwing them to the mount into the floor base. Be sure to get a strong and thick table base leg that has a decent weight capacity.  

Fix the plywood on top of the mount

• Finally, you will be required to fix the plywood on top of the mount. To do this, you will first need to fix a base that goes under the plywood surface. This base arrives with the base mount and the base leg.

• You will need to use the drill or a screwdriver to fix the base under the plywood.

• Once you have this fixed, you must carry the plywood and place it on top of the mound. That said, your table is now ready and stable.

• Ensure to get help from another person while fixing the table since this can be a little tricky. You might need someone to look under and make sure that the table sits correctly on the base.

• With a few adjustments, you can tighten the table and double check it is strong enough. You can add a tablecloth if necessary to keep the table clean at all times.

Those were a few simple steps to build an RV table. With the right material, this task can be completed in two to three days. It is a simple process, but you might need to wait for the stain and the clear coat to dry. Contact an expert to get this job done if you are not comfortable working with tools.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have answered the question: “How to build an RV table?” We have discussed the steps on how to build an RV table. We have talked about the necessary tools, accessories, and the measurement process. Have you built an RV table before? Let us know about your experience in the comments below.

Citations

DIY DINING TABLE FOR A CAMPER

DIY Farmhouse Camper Table

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-RV-Table-Sturdier

https://itstillruns.com/build-rv-dinette-7785159.html

R.V. Dinette and Sofa Makeover

https://cahillscreative.com/shop/diy-plans/rv-dinette-table-and-storage-bench-plans

https://www.lyfuninterrupted.com/post/how-to-make-an-affordable-rv-pedestal-table-easy-diy