RV Countertops: Types & Upgrades

RV manufacturers make a big deal about their countertops, often touting solid surface counters or thermoformed. In reality, there are several primary countertop types you’ll find in most RVs, each having its unique pros and cons. 

So, maybe you’ve narrowed down your RV choices to two models with different countertops, and this is the final factor that will sway your decision. Or perhaps you’re an RV owner embarking on an offseason renovation and need the right RV countertop replacement. 

In either case, our primer on RV countertops will help you learn more about this part of RV construction.

Key Takeaways

• Types of RV Countertops: The three main types of RV countertops are solid surface (durable, water-resistant, but heavier and costly), thermoformed/pressed surface (seamless, easy to clean, but less heat-resistant), and laminated T-mold (affordable, easy to replace, but less durable and water-resistant).
• Replacing RV Countertops: When choosing a replacement, consider size/shape, material type, budget, and installation needs. Higher-end materials like granite or marble add weight, potentially reducing the RV’s cargo capacity.
• Renovation & Upgrades: DIY countertop replacement involves removing old countertops, cleaning the area, installing the new surface, and sealing it properly. Other upgrades include adding countertop extensions or painting existing countertops for a refreshed look.

Main RV Countertop Types

RV countertop materials vary by manufacturer. These are the most common types found in most modern RVs.

Solid Surface

In RVs, most solid surface countertops are manufactured using synthetic materials, commonly polyester or acrylic resin, and mineral dust in the desired pigments. Once formed, these countertops mimic stone and are more water-resistant and easier to clean. Corian RV countertops are one example of a popular brand. 

Pressed Surface/Thermoformed

Thermoformed RV countertops—also known as pressed surface—are manufactured by heating a sheet of synthetic material until pliable enough to mold into the desired shape and thickness. While solid surface countertops can be thermoformed to create customized shapes, not all thermoformed countertops are made using solid surface materials.    

Laminated T-Mold

Laminated T-mold countertops essentially begin with a particle board material laminated with an acrylic-based resin. The T-mold itself is typically a flexible rubber or plastic edging in a T-shape. This edging is inserted into a groove along the countertop’s edge to finish it off while adding impact protection.

Choosing Replacement Countertops for a Camper

Whether your RV countertops are broken or you simply want to upgrade, you can replace them with any of the aforementioned types. You can also get upgraded materials like granite or marble from individual suppliers. However, you’ll need to be certain your RV can handle the added weight of such materials. If you take that route, you will likely reduce your cargo carrying capacity. 

When choosing an RV countertop replacement, consider these selection criteria: 

• Countertop Size and Shape. Some RV kitchen countertops are square, some are rectangular, and others are in the shape of an L or a U. RV bathroom countertops can also be square, rectangular, or triangular. Whatever your case, you’ll need the precise dimensions of your counters to find a suitable replacement.
• Clearance and Obstructions. You must also consider the clearance to drawers and doors, as well as the rise between the top of the counter or backsplash and obstructions. Examples of obstructions include blind hold-downs, outlet and switch plates, window frames, and corner trim. Finally, you must also check that a fully-finished piece from a vendor can fit through your RV door and/or around walls or cabinets. If not, the final assembly may have to be done inside the RV.
• Type/Material. Solid surface vs thermoformed or pressed surface vs laminated countertops with T-mold. Or maybe you’re looking for a higher-end solid surface material than what you’ll find in most RVs. The choice is yours, but remember how it’ll impact the next factor.
• Budget. In general, countertops will run from least to most expensive in the order of laminated → thermoformed/pressed surface  → solid surface  → natural stone like granite or marble. Most of these will be priced by the sheet, depending on square footage, number of cuts and openings, and edge treatments.
• Installation. When factoring your budget, include installation time, supplies, and/or services. The offseason is a great time for RV renovation projects, but you’ll want to schedule installations like this well in advance to ensure your camper is ready for your next trip season. 

Technician Tip: Skills, tools and equipment, and the extent to which a material can be worked in the field are often considered too late in the process.

How To Redo RV Countertops

Any DIY RV countertop renovation will follow the same basic steps: 

1. Remove appliances that could be damaged/impacted
2. Remove existing countertops
3. Clean and prep for RV countertop replacement
4. Install new countertops
5. Replace appliances

The difficulty and procedures required in each of these steps will vary. For example, your countertops may include an under-mounted sink, which wouldn’t need to be removed prior to removing existing countertops, but it will require additional care during the removal.

If your new countertops weren’t cut to order directly from a supplier, they may need to be cut to the proper dimensions. The recommended procedure for securing and sealing a replacement countertop may vary depending on the material.

Technician Tip: For long edges like along the walls, additional support will likely be required since RV countertops are built in place instead of being freestanding boxes, as seen in residential applications. Especially when changing to a different material, there may be no supports on the wall from the previous countertop, or the existing support may be at the wrong height or not of suitable strength.

Can You Install an RV Countertop Extension?

The smaller the RV, the less counterspace it usually offers. While there are exceptions to this general rule, one of the best renovations to expand your meal prep area is a countertop extension. If you’re considering this RV upgrade, ask yourself the following questions: 

• Is there space for a flip-up extension?
• Is it possible to install a backer to support the extension’s weight?
• What are your ideal countertop extension dimensions?

Ensure there’s enough clearance for the extension to fold up and lock in place without obstructing walls, furniture, or cabinets. Using a magazine or sheet of cardboard, simulate the extension in different locations, both extended and retracted. This will help you find the place that will work best for your needs and spot those obstructions. 

Also, consider how it affects your movement inside the RV. If the extension blocks the doorway or another essential area when in use, you’ll need to decide whether the added workspace is worth the temporary inconvenience.

Technician Tip: Remember to ensure that the retracted extension doesn’t conceal the outlet on the side of the cabinet, especially if it is the GFCI receptacle.

Like mounting a TV in an RV, a countertop extension requires a backer to support its added weight and the weight of anything you place on top of it once extended. Before proceeding with this renovation project, ensure there’s space and support for you to install a backer (typically inside a lower cabinet).

How Wide Are Countertops in Most Campers?

The countertops in RV kitchens can vary greatly in width. You’ll find front kitchen travel trailers or rear kitchen 5th wheels with countertops that span the entire width of the trailer—nearly 80 inches in some models. It’s difficult to estimate average RV countertop width because the design and layout of RV kitchens vary dramatically from model to model. 

As you’d expect, RV bathroom countertops are typically smaller, with widths in the 19 to 22-inch range. In terms of depth, kitchen RV countertops typically range from roughly 18 to 24 inches deep. However, you can find outliers as narrow as 16 inches and as wide as nearly 26 inches.

How To Paint RV Countertops

If your countertops aren’t necessarily damaged but you’re tired of the look, painting them a new color may be an option. Of course, this will depend on the surface type. While all RV countertops can be painted, not all paints will work for all countertop types. Consult your RV manufacturer for recommended paint types that will work for your countertops before proceeding. 

That said, with the right paint in hand, the process is relatively straightforward. 

1. Protect surfaces that won’t be painted. Use masking tape to protect sinks, stoves, walls, and cabinets. 
2. Prep the surface. This includes thorough cleaning (possibly using a degreaser), sanding, and priming. Like your paint choice, the exact surface prep techniques will vary depending on your counter type. 
3. Paint and let it dry. Depending on the paint type, you may need to complete multiple coats. To protect the paint and extend its lifespan, you can also consider adding a hardener or finishing with a topcoat or sealer.
4. Finishing touches. Remove any masking tape protecting non-painted surfaces, and admire your handiwork!

Technician Tip: Follow recommendations from the paint vendor regarding sanding between coats and other application techniques.

Are you interested in learning more about RV construction and/or renovation? Enjoy these additional resources:

• Aluminum vs Fiberglass RV Construction
• RV Furniture Upgrade Ideas
• Toy Hauler Garage Ideas

What else do you want to know about camper countertops? Let us know in the comments below.