Week 26 - Worktop, Sink & Hob

Now that the splash-back has been fitted I can add the worktop with the sink and hob so that the water and gas can be connected. I began by cutting the worktop to size with a circular saw – width as well as length due to modifying the kitchen units. I then used a jigsaw to cut the hole for the sink and hob.  

When this was done, I was able to screw the sink in place and screw the worktop down to the units from underneath. Once in position, I ran some sealant around the sink and hob unit and also between the worktop and the splash-back.

I am not totally happy with the result of my sealant as there is a bit of a knack to it so I might remove the sealant for it to be redone at a later date. On the whole though, the kitchen area looks excellent and is really starting to take shape!

Week 25 - Gas Layout

Inside the gas locker the gas is connected up using flexible tube, but on the outside I used 8mm copper pipe which can be tricky to work with as it is hard to bend and essential that you get a good connection to prevent gas leaks.

I decided to fit a strengthened back panel in the cupboard in order to help prevent vibrations which would also help me layout exactly where everything will go and give me more depth to screw into. A tip I picked up a bit later is to run the copper pipe through a short piece of garden hose where it is fixed down and this will dampen any vibrations and help stop the pipe from juddering loose.

On this back panel I laid out where the gas pipe and waste water pipe would be fixed as well as adding a ball valve to cut off the gas should the regulator fail (just an extra security measure). I cut a hole with a hole saw to allow the water pipe to fit through and in the corner I fitted an alarm.

This alarm runs of a 9v battery and tests for smoke, gas leaks and carbon monoxide. It seems daft to have a smoke and carbon monoxide detector low down and in a cupboard but I am most worried about a gas leak at the moment.

Week 24 - Gas Locker 2

Time to fit some of the steelwork. I started by cutting a new base for the cupboard and once I had the shape and size correct, I measured and cut the position for the gas locker to sit through. I could now see how the gas locker would look partially submerged in the kitchen unit and the replacement base could then be stained and varnished.

You can see the layout of the two cylinders in the picture below with the gas outlet and drop-out grills. There is also a regulator fitted to the top of one cylinder (don’t forget to include the additional height of the regulator when making your gas locker).

 The next task was fitting the kitchen top splash-back. This fits in neatly and screws against the wall of the van to give the carpet area a bit of protection from food, drink and water. I think it will look quite good when I fit the tops on the kitchen shelves.

Week 23 - Gas Locker 1

Having now got my gas locker, it was time to fit it. I had already checked underneath the van to work out the best locker position and for the placement of the drop-out holes. I then cut through the bottom floor of the larger cupboard with a jigsaw – accuracy wasn’t an issue because I would be putting in a replacement floor later, although this task would have been easier to do during the construction of the kitchen units.

From here I was then able to get in with a drill and hole saw to cut out where the drop out holes will go. I bought insert grills from eBay which were 50mm inside diameter so I cut 54mm holes which gave a perfect fit.

I also cut another hole which would act as a drop out point for any gas between the locker and the gas hobs.

In addition to the gas, a 32mm hole has been cut through the floor to allow for the waste water pipe to go into an external waste container. I will use a kitchen plug to fill this hole when the pipe is brought inside (when the van isn’t being used or when it is moving).