DIY Camper Van Kitchen Build Part 2: Painting, Installing Cabinets, and Building Custom Drawers
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If you’re new here, my name is Lauren, and my husband Jason and I are in the process of converting a Ram ProMaster into a full-time home for us and our two dogs. Our goal is to live a simpler life, save money, and travel. This post documents Part 2 of our van kitchen build (you can check out part 1 here), where we focused on painting, installing the cabinets, and building custom drawers.
Why We Primed Our Cabinets
We used half-inch birch plywood for the cabinets, known for its durability and resistance to moisture. However, after seeing horror stories of mold in van builds, we decided to take extra precautions. We started with a mold- and mildew-resistant primer to safeguard against potential issues. Following this, we chose Behr Ultra paint with built-in primer for added protection.
Pro Tip: Use an eggshell enamel finish for kitchen cabinets. It’s easier to clean compared to matte or flat finishes.
Installing the Kitchen Cabinets
Once the primer and paint dried, we assembled and secured the cabinets into the van. Here’s how we tackled it:
Cutting the Back Panels: We cut and primed the back panels to ensure they fit perfectly.
Securing the Cabinets: Safety was a top priority, so we used screws and brackets to secure the cabinets to the van’s floor and walls. We deliberated on how many screws to use, balancing sturdiness with practicality.
Double-Checking Stability: Ensuring the cabinets could withstand bumpy roads or accidents was crucial. It’s always better to over-secure than risk instability later.
Choosing the Paint Color
After polling our YouTube and Instagram followers, we went with Behr’s Sage Brush for the cabinets. The subtle green complements the rest of our van’s interior beautifully. This interactive step made the project even more rewarding as we incorporated our community’s input.
Building Custom Drawers
We opted to build our own drawers using half-inch birch plywood. Without a router or table saw, we relied on Kreg pocket holes and wood glue to assemble them. Here’s the process:
Cutting the Pieces: We measured and cut all the pieces needed for the drawers.
Assembling: Using pocket holes, we secured the pieces together. We initially placed screws inside the drawers but encountered issues with screws poking through. Flipping the pocket holes to the outside resolved this.
Finishing Touches: Sanding and additional wood glue ensured a sturdy finish.
Lesson Learned: Be prepared for trial and error—mistakes are part of the learning process.
Next Steps
With the kitchen cabinets installed and drawers complete, we’re ready to tackle the next phase: plumbing, installing the sink, and adding drawer handles. Stay tuned as we continue transforming this space into a functional and beautiful kitchen.
Takeaways for Fellow Van Builders
Always prioritize moisture resistance when building in a van.
Engage your community for design input—it makes the process more enjoyable and interactive.
Don’t let a lack of professional tools stop you; there’s always a workaround.
Be Part of Our Van Build Adventure!
Thank you for being part of our van build journey! Connecting with this amazing community has been so rewarding, and we’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel and share your questions or suggestions in the comments. Whether you’re looking for more van build tutorials, behind-the-scenes insights, or a Q&A session, we’re here to create content that supports your journey too. See you next time!
