Counter Extension

Here's a project we've been wanting to do for a long time.


We're glad we waited, because the idea of turning the shelf to fit all the way across the countertop didn't come to mind until about a week ago.


When it's folded, the brackets show, but when we're set up in camp, we'll probably leave the extension in it's useable position all the time.


Won't use this often, but when the need arises, it will be handy.

Looks good.

I've been looking at permanently mounting the extension like that. Obviously, I'd have to cut down the factory one. That looks easier than pulling the extension out of storage each time you need it. I guess the only disadvantage is access to the drawers when it's down.

GREAT JOB, how did you match up the trim on the end?

We never used the extension before. I don't think it will be a problem getting stuff out of the drawers.

The trim came from the piece of "scrap" that we cut off the long extension.

I've just finished putting step-by-step instructions in the picasa album. Unfortunately, I didn't get out to the workshop soon enough to take photos of the beginning, so I did some drawings.

Tater

Tater,
I really like how you modified the existing extension. I have debated on doing the same thing. I am still concerned it will stick out too far in our Cat, and with it down it will cover the drawers too much. I have thought about cutting it even shorter than yours, so when it is down it will actually sit just above the drawers. We wouldn't pick up as much counter space, but some is better than none. Otherwise we don't use the existing counter extension at all. It is way too obtrusive in the room. And with a 19 month old running around, we need all the room we can get.

I also like your folding chairs. They are very similar to the ones we have. We purchased ours from Lowe's. The wood grain is much darker, like mahogony, but are cushions are also black vinyl. For thee time being, we are leaving as is. It matches pretty well with the new sofa.

Did you get a new table, too? Or are you using the original dinette table? Post a picture of them set-up, if you have one. I would love to see it.

Thanks!!
Julie

Originally, we thought we'd make the counter extension smaller, then we decided we could live with a little inconvience of reaching under the counter to get to the drawers and switches for water heater, etc.

I'd be concerned about your daughter bumping her head on the counter, since there isn't a cabinet right below it.

We kept our table, as we don't have any place to store it in the house. We already have the two swivel rockers in one closet, and the two extra dining chairs in another closet. We're still working on the table mod, and expect to have it finished in a day or two. I'll post a pic or two of the finished project here in DIY, and more detailed pics in the Picasa album in our signature.

Tater

Like many who have the OEM counter extension, I cut mine down but left the extendable leg on it. It stores underneath the sofa.

Looking at Scruffy's job, I'm thinking of doing the same thing. The only time that we take the extension down is when we're traveling and we leave it up the rest of the time. So blocking the drawers when it's down would not be a problem for us.

For those who are contemplating cutting the extension down, remember to place masking tape over the cut line on the formica side and cut from the back. This will prevent chipping of the formica.

My wife wanted to know what that blue thing was... LOL..

to the forum Otis.

That is a blue thing. About 15 years ago our daughter and her DH had a garage sale. They had two blue things that they wanted to sell - but nobody wanted one. So, they tossed them in the trash. I saw them and thought I'd like a blue thing, so took the better looking one. I never told them I took it, and since it was in the trash, figured I wouldn't have to pay for it.

I took it home and stashed it under the bed, just in case I wanted to use it - but I never did. It was under that bed for 6 years. Then it traveled from Dallas to Tulsa and 9 years later back to Dallas. When Scruffy made the counter extension, I said, "I want to put the blue thing there sometimes in case I need it." So, he put brackets on it and the leg from the original counter extension, and I can use it whenever I want. I'm sure that someone will tell me what the blue thing is for. I seem to remember bigger things that looked something like the blue thing.... only bigger. I have terrible memories of using one, but the memories are so bad I blocked them from my mind.

Tater

Her in doors does not like the blue thing, she says that Bri nylon was the way to go but you can't buy it easy now thank goodness
Sean