How To Design the Perfect Table Top For Your Campervan

How Big Does The Table Need To Be?

Rather than making a table fit the space you have, make the table fit your needs. What will you be using the table for?

Create a list of all the thing you hope / intend to use your table for. In our case there were a few criteria the table would need to meet size wise for it to be functional for us in the Living Room:

• Large enough for two people to eat at – 2 large plates + 2 cups
• Large enough for two people to use laptops on
• Large enough to play board games with 3/4 people
• Small enough so the hallway access is not blocked whilst in use.

What Shape Should Your Table Be?

Remember, your table does not need to be a standard rectangular shape. This may not be the best shape to suit all of your needs. In our case we found that a kidney bean shape fit our space and requirements a lot better. Creating a table top with hardwood means that shape possibilities are endless as the sides / edges of the wood look good no matter how they are cut.

Does Your Table Have More Than One Use?

This is an important question to ask yourself when choosing the shape and size of your table top. Does your table need to sit in different positions for its different uses. Below are a series of diagrams showing all of the situations we use our table in. Notice that the table sits in different positions in each to optimise useability and effectiveness.

Make Templates

Having asked yourself all the questions above you’ll have a rough idea of what size / shape of table may work well for you. The most important thing you can do now is create some templates out of cardboard to get a feel for what the table would actually be like to use. Make sure that it is a comfortable shape and suits all of your needs. Place the template on top of the lagun table mounting bracket to get a feel for how it can move around your space. Don’t be afraid to try multiple shapes and sizes and amend as you go. You want to make sure the design of the table works well for your campervan before committing to it.

Cut Table Top To Size

Once you are happy with your template it is time to transfer this to the real tabletop. Tabletops can be made with nearly any material. Hardwood, plywood, plastic, laminate, there are so many options at different price points. We recommend using a hardwood worktop if you are creating a unique shape with curves. This way you will not have to worry about finishing edges with finishing tape etc. Draw around the cardboard template directly onto the hardwood with pencil then carefully cut the shape out using a jigsaw. Use an electric sander to smooth the edges and neaten everything up. Finally use a protective varnish to ensure the tabletop can withstand the wear and tear of daily use.

Mount tabletop

This is the easiest step of all. Simply position the tabletop onto the mounting bracket where you want it to sit. Mark onto the back of the table through the holes where the screws are to be positioned. Drill some small pilot holes then screw the mounting bracket to the underside of your tabletop. then fit the mounting bracket back into position on the Lagun leg with tabletop attached. Very simple.

Conclusion

The table is often the hub of a van as you will spend the majority of your time using it. Whether it’s for working, dining or anything in between you want it to suit your set-up perfectly. This is why thoughtfully considering the design / shape / size of the table for campervan is so important. You won’t regret the trial and error it takes to design your perfect tabletop (we certainly don’t!). We hope this post helped set you on the right track to designing the shape / size of your new tabletop.

Feel free to ask us any questions regarding the installation of the table or anything table related in the comments section below.