Dinette Table and Pantry Counter Extensions

[Ronbrink]

Warning, if ‘drilling’ screw holes in your beautiful fiberglass makes you squeamish, then I suggest you pass on this post! Since I couldn’t find another Lagun (a 1.5 year long search) to match the existing Fiber-Granite for ‘his’ and ‘hers’ twin bed tables, I ended up buying two from Oliver, in contrasting color, to achieve that goal. Hence, I wanted to somehow make use of the original Lagun tabletop, so came up with a plan for a couple of extensions. Since I had prior experience altering the nightstand tabletop, to add convenience electrical outlets and USB ports atop, I felt more confident in making further ‘cuts’. Yep, measure six times and cut once, all the while asking myself  “should I really do this?”! Fortunately, all turned out well with no regrets. My plan involved using the existing pantry counter to extend the dinette table, then the Lagun to replace and extend the pantry counter. My target was to bump each out to align with the edge of the street side bed rail, a gain of 6.75” at the dinette and 5.5” at the pantry. Note that the dinette extension is recessed a bit due to difference in width, but okay with that since the seat backs needed the extra space for better fitment.


 

A table saw was used to cut the pantry counter to size, a strip of 3M molding tape was used to bond the two segments, as well as self-tapping screws; 5 longer in the center, 3 shorter on each side of the joined segments. Note the use of multiple bit extenders to enable enough length for a straight screw set.

The extended table was then checked with a straight edge and found to be perfectly flush! Yeah!

 

Now for brackets to create an edge to fit in the existing thumbscrew wall mounts. I had a remnant of aluminum angle, which was cut in half, positioned and bonded to the extension segment with the aforementioned tape; perfect fitment.

Because the table was extended further from the wall, the position of the support post changed accordingly. 

Final outcome.

In cutting the Fiber-Granite, tape was used at the saw line to prevent the fiberglass from chipping; a file was then used to smooth the cut edges. For the ‘new’ pantry counter, 3M Dual Lock Reclosable Fastener was used for a stronger and more secure attachment. Note that the Lagun was flipped in the ‘tape pic’ only to illustrate the finished cut; all sawing was done facedown.

 

Final outcome.

As mentioned, the previously altered nightstand tabletop with installed ‘desktop’ outlets for multiple AC and USB ports. In my year model, this tabletop was designed to lift up to access a tray, which could then be removed to gain further access to the drawer. An added convenience to owners that opted for the Lagun table, which restricted use of the drawer when mounted. Note the cut is barely visible, being that the wall segment was turned around so the finished edge would face forward.

 

[MAX Burner]

Very clean mod - many thanks for posting!

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Great mod!  We were fortunate because the previous owner replaced the table, night stand, and pantry tops with beautiful African Sapele.  The table and pantry were extended by 4”.

[Ronbrink]

25 minutes ago, Wandering Sagebrush said:

Great mod!  We were fortunate because the previous owner replaced the table, night stand, and pantry tops with beautiful African Sapele.  The table and pantry were extended by 4”.

Very nice! I was hesitant to mix colors, but the Monte Blanc F/G actually enhanced the overall decor and blended well with the gray flooring in our Oliver. 

 

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

@Ronbrink, I really like what you’ve done.  Here’s how the Sapele looks in our Ollie, our Lagun table (not pictured) is a lighter mahogany.

[topgun2]

Just gotta love the "warmth" of wood!

Ron - I don't believe that anyone has done this type of thing with fiber granite before.  Yes, there have been some extensions made for the kitchen counter top but nothing to the extent of what you have done.  Good job!

Bill

[Ronbrink]

13 hours ago, topgun2 said:

I don't believe that anyone has done this type of thing with fiber granite before. 

Like many, I’ve always considered the dinette table to be too small, especially when laying out a ‘big camp meal’! I’ve seen several modifications over the years, mostly the beautiful wood creations of resort, but when the extra Lagun table came into play I just had to make use of it. That said, this may be an alternative use for owners that regret opting for the Lagun.