DIY camper furniture question

[hippysteven]

Hi all,

I'm still thinking about having a crack at making the furniture in my camper and I'm looking at what type of wood I should use, It looks like vohringer is the best to use but it's on the expensive side, what have the DIY'ers of EB used ?

Thanks

 

[thejinx]

Birch Ply

 

[the_troupster]

Conti-board. Don't use it! Experience shows me a tough ply would of been a far better choice!

Jim

 

[rockandrollcamper]

I don't have any association with http://www.magnummotorhomes.co.uk/view_category.asp?catID=116" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; however if your after a pre finished lightweight board then ive heard good things about these. Problem is it doesn't matter whether you want one sheet or 10 the price will still be 80-100 for delivery.

 

[Marvel]

Oak faced ply with plenty of clear lacquer on all surfaces before you assemble it.

 

[69billy]

most of it from magnums..no more than £180 for this and bit not in pic. done ourselves

 

[hippysteven]

Thanks for all of your suggestions.
Ive used birch ply to line my van so perhaps I could use it again to build the furniture. There's a supplier that sells it not to far away and is relatively cheap (Instant thumbs up!) so maybe ill explore that route.
Can anyone see a problem in using birch ply weight wise? I plan on building something similar to a 70 westy layout and colour with a cooler unit and buddy seat etc.

Thanks

 

[dubdubz]

what is the weight difference between the birch ply and the furniture board? I bet it isn't that much...perhaps if you kept the bus fpr several years and did lots of miles you might get it back?

faced ply is the way forward I think....also this gives you more options for finishes too...

 

[Termite]

I used 13mm oak faced ply, then applied danish oil with a rag. It was only faced on one side, so the inside of the cupboard doors are just plain ply. No that I am fussed, as you don't see the inside of the doors very often.

 

[hippysteven]

I like the oak finished ply and dubdubz, I think your right with the weight thing, it can't be that much heavier, i don't it would make my bus go any slower anyhow :lol: I sort of wish I went with stained birch panels instead of a clear coat varnish, but maybe next time around.

 

[lobie]

oak faced mdf dyed to match my og interior then sealed

 

[rockandrollcamper]

This is mine made with solid oak and oak veneered birch ply. In the photo the doors are just resting in place and it still needs tge piano hinged lid/bench added. Bit of a twist on a Devon. Contemporary modern I think.

 

[quentinfarquar]

I'm currently doing mine but keeping it simple for now. Just a buddy box a top locker and bed front. I'm using Birch ply to match the headliner I am doing.



varnished

 

[easy]

Loads of skills here! 8)

 

[hippysteven]

I'm currently doing mine but keeping it simple for now. Just a buddy box a top locker and bed front. I'm using Birch ply to match the headliner I am doing.

What thickness ply are you using there quentinfarquar?

Some nice ideas surfacing here, making your own seems the definite way to go, its cheaper, stronger and looks fresher than a £900 used westy furniture set on eBay!

 

[quentinfarquar]

I'm using 18mm, I'm just making it up as I go. I wanted to see the edges, like on a skate board. I really like retro look and have enjoyed doing it.

I got my wood from James Lathams as only place I could find doing 3mm for a headliner.

 

[Nugsy]

Just in the process of updating my Danbury interior. Ripped all the ply off the old framework, used 6mm and 9mm Birch faced ply and a quick varnish.

Built the cooker unit too but no pics yet

 

[rockandrollcamper]

I like that nugsy.

 

[Nugsy]

I like that nugsy.

thank you

 

[marco]

I like that nugsy.

Me too