Pop Up Camper Table Replacement

Our new to us pop up did not come with a table.  However, replacing a missing or worn table can easily be done.  And, we took full advantage of this project to maximize our camper.

We are still new to figuring out this camping thing.  When measuring for our table, we realized that a little ledge at the edge of the dinette seats would provide a place for a third bed.  The correctly measured table top would lower and allow the cushions to be laid over for a child's bed easily.  We wanted to have this option.  So, we had a piece of plywood cut to this exact size.  For us this was 32 inches wide by 47.5 inches long.  And it fits perfect.

Plyboard isn't the prettiest wood, but would work fine for this project.  I decided that a faux finish would be a fun way to hide flaws in the wood top.  And, faux finishes are the easiest way to add a little flare without having to be very skilled.  I started with the idea from the House of Smith's Blog.

The directions were spot on and lend themselves well to an easy project.  One thing to note starting out is that you really cannot skip steps.  The layering of the stain, primer and paints are key to the project.

For this project, you will need the following:

1. Plyboard cut to fit your own pop up camper space.
2. Table Kit.  I purchased mine from eBay.  
3. Grey stain
4. Grey flat house or interior paint
5. White primer
6. Black or darkest grey craft paint
7. Clear coat polyurethane
8. Screws for floor mount - machine screws, nuts and bolts
9. Wood screws for table mount
10. Brushes 

Before starting, I sanded the wood well on the sides, front and back with a fine grit sand paper.  Then wiped everything free of dust.

I started with a Minwax 22761 Wood Finish Wood Stain Classic Gray, 1/2-Pint.  You can use stain that actually says weathered barn stain if you can find it.  I couldn't so this is what I went with and it worked fine.  I stained the back of the wood or the bottom of my table to make sure that I was okay with the stain color.  I've never done this before.

I liked where this was going so I continued on the front side.  Next, I needed to dry brush primer over the grey stain.  This is putting paint onto the brush and and removing almost all of it before touching it to the wood.  The look should still allow you to see through to the stain.  At no point is this to be a solid coat of paint.  It is a solid coat of stain followed by lots of layers of paint.

The primer is going to add a streaked finish.  It is important to use long fluid strokes when dry brushing anything.

Now it is time to add the grey paint.  Again this is dry brushing until the achieved effect is reached.

At this point, I could start to see the building of the layers of the paint.

Next, continue using the grey paint but with a streak of dark grey or black craft paint.  I used Apple Barrel Pavement Craft Paint.

Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Set - Pavement & Granite Gray (2 Ounces Each)

Smear and mix the darkest grey and the lighter grey paint to provide a streaking affect over the wood.

Continue working and dry brushing the black and grey streaked paint until the look satisfies.  This can't be messed up!  So easy.  Just think long fluid strokes.

Once done, sand over another time to soften the lines and take away build up in undesired places.

It also ages the wood a bit.  As a final step, give a coat or two of clear satin finish.  I think a high gloss would be against the desired effect.  However, it does need to be sealed.  A spray clear coat could be used also.  But I used a brush finish.  I also sealed the front and the back for durability.

Once everything is dried, it is time to secure the table kit.

First, find the center of the back of the table top and secure the round disk with wood screws.

Next, place your table top in the camper with the pole and floor mount attached and helping to find the correct place in the camper to match up the table to ensure that it fits properly into the space.

Mark the spot and remove the table.  One thing that we didn't take into account when building this piece was the amount of space needed to get in and out of the table on each side.  We wanted to make sure that we could lower the table into a bed.  So, after everything was done, we did have to cut the corners.

Mark a spot for each hole to be drilled into the floor.

Drill pilot holes and then add the machine screws to secure the floor mount.

Someone will need to climb under the camper to secure the nuts and bolts with each screw.  This is for security and durability.

To finish our tablescape, I found some acrylic glasses and dishes at Big Lots.  I had been scouring the Internet looking for just what I wanted.  And I was determined not to spend a lot of dishes.  These dishes and bowls were $2 each.  So, I have a full set for four people for $24.  The glasses were $2.50 each.  Not bad.  And they are sturdy and will last a long time.

Some people have asked why I wanted dishes and don't want to just use paper plates.  Well, the environment for one.  And, it is just one more thing to buy and keep and run out of.  We will always have these plates and they can be used over and over.  Sure.  We will use paper plates I'm sure at times.  But, I like eating on an actual plate.

Now, we have a table that can be enjoyed for card games and meals inside when we like.  At night the table can be taken down for easy access to our bed or lowered to make a third bed by removing the pole.

I really like flexible options that we have given ourselves with this addition to our pop up camper.  It was really and easy project and not that expensive.  The most expensive part was the table mount kit.  It was about $25.  However, we had the paint, brushes and polyurethane already.

And remember, this faux finish could be used on just about any project to give a different look.  And this is the kind of project that cannot be messed up!  Its the kind of project that can be fun and done in an afternoon.  I did everything up to the mounting and hardware in about an hour.  I let everything dry over night before adding the table kit.  Other than drying time, this is a quick project!

We really enjoyed this table on our first overnight trip in our camper.  The weather was pretty cold.  So, we enjoyed being able to eat indoors at our table while enjoying the view.  Feel free to comment and share some of our favorite camping meal memories or how you redid a table for your pop up.  I'd love to hear about it.  And don't forget to follow along.  Its quick and easy to do!

Be sure to check out the rest of my blog for other ideas on how to remodel your pop up camper.  My reveal shows where we started in this project and some of the features we added along the way.

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