Countertops & Tables

Countertops

    • I wanted a natural, warm wood aesthetic with visible grain

    • The thicker material adds visual weight and makes the countertop feel more substantial

    • Fits the overall look and style of the van interior

    • Heavy — adds alot of weight to the build

    • High maintenance — requires regular oiling or sealing to prevent drying, cracking, and stains

    • Moisture sensitive — can warp or swell if exposed to standing water

    • Prone to scratches and dents compared to harder countertop materials

    • Add a small lip over cabinet sides for a more finished look and to help prevent spills from running down the cabinetry

      • I used about a 1/4" overhang past the cabinet sides

      • Account for drawer face thickness and handles when determining the final overhang

    • Secure the countertop by screwing up from underneath the cabinet

      • Pre-drill holes to prevent splitting the wood

      • Wood will expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes — expansion clips can help reduce the risk of cracking or warping

    • Round over the top edge and corners for a softer finish

      • Keep the edges that meet walls or adjacent cabinetry flush rather than rounded for a clean fit

    • Countertop space is extremely valuable in a van — prioritize as much usable surface area as possible

    • Add extra space with a fold-up countertop extension, like the one installed to the left of my sink

    • Undermount the sink so you can place a cover over it when not in use

    • A sink cover creates additional workspace, hides dirty dishes, and helps contain odors

  • Plywood Countertop

    • Lightweight and budget-friendly

    • Can be finished with paint, stain, laminate, or epoxy

    • Requires sealing to protect against moisture

    WilsonArt Thinscape

    • Thin profile

    • Durable surface

    • Lightweight

    • Beautiful finished appearance

  • Although butcher block is quite heavy, I love how it looks in the van. It adds warmth and a more home-like feel to the space.

    In a future build, I’d consider WilsonArt Thinscape as a lighter-weight alternative.

Tables

    • I have 6 tables in the van, all made from 1/2" Baltic birch plywood with a custom painted design

    • 1 main table on a Lagun mount in the back at my U-shaped couch

      • Fills the center space when converting the seating area into my bed

    • 1 table on a Lagun mount at the sliding door entrance

      • Can be used as a standing desk

      • Also works when sitting in the swiveled passenger seat

    • I found a mounting bracket that attaches directly to the passenger seat base, allowing the Lagun mount to install there

    • 1 table outside the rear doors

    • 2 tables outside the sliding door, mounted off the back of my kitchen unit

      • One designed for standing height

      • One for sitting

    • 1 portable table stored on top of the drawer under my fridge

      • Adds extra countertop space when cooking or unloading groceries

      • Removable so it can be used on my lap in bed or outside in a chair

    • Creates places to eat, work, play games, and host

    • Multiple tables let me change up my routine and use different areas of the van

  • Lagun Table Mount

    • Allows the table to adjust in height and rotate into multiple positions

    • Max capacity: 50 lbs

    • Don’t automatically mount the bracket in the center of the table — rest the tabletop on the mount first to find the most versatile placement

    • Buy directly from LagunUSA.com rather than Amazon to avoid knockoffs

    Piano Hinge

    • Used for fold-down table setups

    Table Support String or Wire

    • Holds the table level when folded open

    Edge Banding

    • Covers the exposed plywood edges if you are staining the tables instead of painting

    • Store the Lagun arm on the mount under the table when not in use

    • Do not overtighten the connections, which can strip or damage the mechanism

    • Lagun offers a standard-length arm and a longer arm — I used the longer version for the passenger seat setup

    • Pedestal tables (with a center pole) — limited adjustability and the pole can get in the way of your feet

  • I love having multiple tables throughout the van for eating, working, and relaxing. It’s nice to change up the scenery when living in a small space. The l]Lagun mounts are the best in the market too.

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