DIY Table Top for Hamper in Our RV

Anyone that has gone camping in an rv knows storage is an issue and counter space is a premium. My wife wanted to upscale this hamper to use as a side table in our rv. The spot we place it divides off the front cab from the rv living space. It is situated between the sofa and dining table. Instead of just a hamper for clothes, it now serves as a table to hold a large drink and holder for books, her ipad etc.

For the hamper table top we used a piece of 1/2" birch left over from another project.

Tools used:

Jig saw

drill driver

finish nailer

orbital sander

miter saw

table saw

wood screws and washers

Minwax Golden Oak stain

Semi gloss clear varnish

Safety first. Always wear safety glasses, ear protection, a respirator or dust mask and heavy gloves when needed.

I had a piece of 1/2" birch plywood left over from a previous project. I turned the hamper upside down to trace the profile. I made the top about 1/2" wider on the curve side. My wife wanted the table to securely hold a large styrofoam to go cup. She found a small gold box that fit so I used it as a template. The remaining birch was cut down on the table saw into long strips and then thoroughly sanded. From this I fashioned a back splash, then a three sided box to hold the drink. I used glue and small 1" nails in my finish nailer to attach all the parts together.

She wanted to store loose books, her ipad, maybe a deck of cards. I added some additional storage along the front of the back splash. We test fit the cup holder. All good. The project was turned upside down and the hamper attached from the inside of the lid with short screws and washers. The table top was stained with Minwax Golden oak. Several coats of a clear poly varnish were applied, a light sanding between each coat.

The table turned out great and we put it to immediate use.

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