www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

Been asked to fit out a camper van, some overhead cabinets, storage spaces/bench seats, shelving unit etc.

Im at a bit of a loss what to use. Thinking about 9mm/12mm mdf, painted, but hed prefer wood. Hes thinking about using just 'pine' (wickes softwood ) I was thinking perhaps that in something like that it may not be as stable as perhaps it should be?

I want something that can rout, cut shape readily, without having to trim/bead many edges.

Any thoughts?

The only time i've fitted a van out was with
ply, but thats what he wanted. What about
t&g that would rout or jigsaw easily.

Hi Hitch

Why not try veneered MDF and iron on edging

in general weight is an issue they tend to use 4mm ply but you should opt for 6 or9 with 12 for horizontal surfaces

if its a seated area you should consider 12mm for side pannels and 18mm for horizontal then you wont need a frame for support

fixing to the bodywork can be a pain is it lined or ribbed[stantions] bodywork!!!!!

try and plan for things to have 2 or more uses like table for example fits between benches to make a sleeping area

doors should be sliding or not protrude to far when open
finger holes or very small round knobs are preferable

solid bolts or latches are preferable to hold doors shut

need any more ideas just shout

Well, we are going for a paint finish MDF to keep it simple.
Perfect Bigall, thats what i told him to get, 6 and 12mm mdf

Some 4mm ply too going in.
Seems he wants to bodge new frontages on, and not bother altering any frameworks

just be carefull and try and source your materials from other than a caravan /camper suppler/spares shop as they are up to 3 times the price

Timber etc from Wickes, theres only a few proper campy type bits to replace, hes already got them now.

also remember if you replace a pannel with a thicher spec check for clearence as clearences are often very tight

as in replace a 6mm door panel with 9mm the door won't fully open because the adjoining door is only 7mm away

Where is Knoba when you need him

He did some good work on a camper van.

I must admit I would've gone for ply.

If you're going to use MDF, try and get Moisture Resistant, not only will it be more practical....but routs and cuts more cleanly.....

Cheap job is what he wants. Would have been nice to rip it all out and start afresh. Instead hes keeping some of the frames for benches/beds and just putting on a new fronts. Same in the kitchen area, just new fronts and doors built around the botched framework.