Cutting board folding countertop extension

[drdave]

We wanted a folding countertop extension, but the camco one got terrible ratings.   I decided to make my own.   It's rock solid and only cost me about $30 bucks.   The hinges are rated for 70 lbs.  I'm not sure if that's the weight rating combined or for each hinge, but either way more than enough for our purposes.    I don't think we'll ever put much more weight on it than a maybe a pile of dirty dishes, small coffeemaker, bags of groceries, etc.

Here's what I used:

Cutting Board


http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00233429/

16" folding brackets (pack of 2)


http://www.amazon.com/Parker-Folding-Shelf-Bracket-Pairs/dp/B0006LA2G0/ref=pd_sim_469_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=31JY7PZ6CDL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0M3KFPEMMK9HR1V2RDMR

I trimmed about 1" off the end of the bracket tips and re-drilled new mounting holes under the cutting board because they stuck out just a bit.  They also make 12" brackets that probably would have worked better and been less unsightly but I wasn't sure when I ordered these.  

Here's the link for the 12" model

http://www.amazon.com/Folding-Shelf-Bracket-SP1794-pairs/dp/B0006LA2FG/ref=pd_sim_469_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=31JY7PZ6CDL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1BEYDW2PZ6GSRQ2ENDDK

  Another nice thing about the the hinges is that although they don't lock in the down position, due to friction the board seems like it will stay in place during travel and not bang in and out.

I used 1" self tapping screws into the cabinet frame to mount the hinges.  The top of the hinges are flush against the bottom of the countertop.    I mounted the hinges first, placed a piece of cardboard between the countertop and cutting board to give an even gap to allow a slight upward motion to release the hinge arms.   I then centered the cuttingboard on the hinges, marked and drilled pilot holes in the cutting board and mounted with 1" wood screws.  It sits about 1/8" lower than the countertop.  I'm thinking I could put a couple washers on each wood screw to bring it up to level with the countertop, but even if I leave it it's a close enough it probably doesn't matter.    




[img style="max-width:100%;" style="" src="http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y483/TLBones/IMG_0452%202_zpsfdreqkmg.jpg"]

[img style="" style="max-width:100%;" src="http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y483/TLBones/IMG_0456_zpsnhd4ftwg.jpg"]

I also put a magnetic strip on the stove fan/light thing.



[img style="max-width:100%;" style="" src="http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y483/TLBones/IMG_0457_zpsilq9ipsy.jpg"]

[thudd3r]

nice...i used the same brackets for our flip up table...they work great.

which sink cover/cutting board is that?  looks like our sink is the same size and we have been looking for a cover/cutting board

camco?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EDUUGW?colid=2H7EVSNXFNG8P&coliid=I3DNV4CZW74OET&psc=1&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl

thanks

[drdave]

Yeppers it's that same camco one in white.   It's not bad...comes with little adjustment things to keep it from moving on your sink.  We leave it on during travel and haven't had it move.    

[mitch]

Looks like you did a great job, congrats.

[thudd3r]

thx tlb

[daplumbr]

Great find on the brackets. My order for the 12" version will go in today. I'll reuse my Camco extension, but get rid of the flimsy single bracket it came with. 

[bobbie56]

This is a great idea. My leaf on my 21RBS is not holding well to the brackets. If it breaks again, I will just replace it with this.

[daplumbr]

Thanks to tlbones, my 16TBS has a great counter extension install. The Camco extension with the brackets tlbones found is sturdy and much needed. It folds completely out of the way when not in use and "locks" with friction in the down position. In the up position it adds counter space in just the right spot next to the sink and firmly locks up. It's also easy to get around, so it doesn't block any of the 3 doors there (exterior, bathroom, refrigerator).  

[attachment id="1294" thumbnail="1"]

[drdave]

[quote source="/post/20252/thread" timestamp="1459902768" author="@sandroad"]Thanks to tlbones, my 16TBS has a great counter extension install. The Camco extension with the brackets tlbones found is sturdy and much needed. It folds completely out of the way when not in use and "locks" with friction in the down position. In the up position it adds counter space in just the right spot next to the sink and firmly locks up. It's also easy to get around, so it doesn't block any of the 3 doors there (exterior, bathroom, refrigerator).  


[/quote]Looks great!   I'm glad the hinges worked out.   I agree the friction in the down position is more than enough to keep it in place during travel.