Bamboo Drawer Faces and Cabinet Door Hinges - DIY Sprinter camper van

This video shows how I mounted bamboo drawer faces and cabinet doors to my aluminum cabinetry. Products used: go to ourkaravan.com and click on "store" in the upper right corner.
If the store does not work, direct product links are here:
Blum hinges with soft close: amzn.to/36xRkI8
Blum mounting plate: amzn.to/2U7kZTB
Forstner bit: amzn.to/2yVXq4m
Roll-in T-nuts for aluminum framing: rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53... (eBay link)
Note: This video contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. Please know we only promote products we actually use and believe in.
Website: ourkaravan.com
Instagram: our.karavan
Music:
Joakim Karud - Great Days: / great-days

[@foxcroc44]

Excellent job, for a non carpenter, you're doing great! A little tip when drilling with large diameter bits, use the test piece as a pattern, drill hole right through it, then clamp it in place on the door, it acts like steady jig and prevents the bit from skating across the surface ruining the whole door! ;)

[@janlockhart2846]

Red lipstick works great for marking things for a cheap price. Can find at any Dollar Tree store and it's more visible.

[@PowerGearPerformance]

Excellent work and thought process!

[@kevinchudy7457]

Thanks Ken for sharing your good work. I was first hooked after watching your Maxxair fan video. The music always makes me smile. I look forward to seeing what’s next.

[@deagle50ae]

Your videos are great - nice length, lots of info and sharing of the thought process. Not to mention, your use of 80/20 is inspiring! Hoping to do a van build of my own soon and I will definitely give 80/20 a try.

[@tgmorrissey]

Nice work! Looks great.

[@rickchurch7977]

Nice job. I have never even contemplated a sprinter van, but came for your aluminum extrusion framing videos and ended up watching the whole series.

[@masterwebsitedesigners6735]

Awesome work Ken. You're doing a great job. The grease is s good idea... I know a lot of professional carpenter's who do similar but with wood stain or liquid paper.

[@FM-zs2fu]

Thank you Ken, great job!....you are the first I've seen not using all wood. And as beautiful as all the wood is it's also heavy and had been wondering how I was going to do my build. So, I'm very glad I came across your video!... I'm off to watch more of your videos!

[@ashrafmraish]

As always, you are reaching the extreme level of building and creating.. all you work is highly appreciated.. We need to talk when you have time.. to get your opinion in my preparing my upcoming build.Enjoy your evening kenny

[@nateadams1443]

Really nice work.

[@BluegrassHiker]

I like the attention to detail. Good inspiration for my own upcoming build.

[@pearldiver7]

I agree, Ken's attention to detail is great. Inspiration for my van build, too.

[@pearldiver7]

Deal. You keep posting the great vids and we'll keep posting the compliments ;-)

[@kenmarapese9085]

Excellent job. I have built plenty of cabinets and using spacers is commonly done. Most of the time I use graphite to mark locations, I thought the grease worked well. I enjoying the build.

[@EatSleepVan]

Good work! I've been procrastinating the cupboard door hinges too... very soon though. You've inspired me to get on with it!

[@mikevictor3698]

Wow what an amazing job !!! Even using the grease 😆

[@blazeourway4049]

Thank you!! We are currently working on a build out of a military vehicle and have been going back and forth on what to do for cabinetry. I happened upon a picture and ultimately found your channel. Our discussion (and dissension) is over. You made this look so easy. I appreciate how well you capture the entire installation process and your tips and tricks that work for you. You have to create some of the best DIY videos that I have ever seen. Thank you!!!

[@ourkaravan]

I hope you like working with the stuff as much as I have. If you take your time, make sure your extrusions are the right length and mate-up square, I think it is far easier than working with wood. Others have indicated they agree, so hopefully your experience is the same. Thank you for the complements, I have more 80/20 videos coming soon!

[@pjmjunior]

If it works well for you it's NOT incorrect. This drawer fitting is better than on most assembly-line built RVs. I can't wait to see what's next!

[@JDR1971]

Looks good Ken!

[@JDR1971]

If you ever need help just ask, seriously.

[@SunscreenDreams]

Love the work on your van, after watching these videos we are thinking about using aluminium on our build just hope we can build them as good as you.

[@johnwesoloski5789]

The grease alignment is cool, on my overhead L-Track I used Play Doe for hole alignment.

[@ourkaravan]

Probably less messy than my method!

[@RiderVSRoad]

i've done the grease method with a few things in life, always worked haha

[@jjleary1]

Looks great!

[@ourkaravan]

Thank you Jim!

[@baccaratwinningstrategy4sale]

You are doing Great ! Don't you paying attention for any of those Negative comments. People should appreciate all your efforts as you put into your videos !

[@ourkaravan]

Thank you, I appreciate the positive feedback!

[@baccaratwinningstrategy4sale]

Your welcome

[@mikehammer9200]

Very creative process using the grease to mark the screw location. I would have used a transparent grid ruler to find the hidden screw coordinates. Easily transferable to the bamboo drawer face. But I have to commend you for your incredible talent, I have watched all that you have done with the van.

[@SaintTrinianz]

I've been dreaming of this for my Transit except that I want acrylic faces... don't know if I can pull it off but I appreciate the inspiration!

[@DougLooney]

Another way to attack the problem of no-access mark points... Get a sheet of acrylic. Fix it to the front of the cabinet and mark everything with tape or holes. Then lay it on the back of your drawers fronts/doors all arranged face down and transfer the marks/holes. Remember that pencil marks on the tape won't be visible when you lay the acrylic face down - so use tape edges instead.

[@ourkaravan]

Thank you for the suggestion

[@scottbrown7541]

You could have used Play dough on the back of the drawer to mark the location to drill, then just wipe off after drilling

[@tranquilitytravels2994]

Beautiful build! May I recommend using colored chalk for marking instead of grease (or equally staining lipstick). Thanks for taking us through the scary measurement process. Great skills!

[@ourkaravan]

How about lipstick mixed in grease? I'll see if my daughter will let me borrow some of her sidewalk chalk. Thanks for the tip!

[@TerrydeAlaska]

Thanks for the great video...I recently found you on youtube and started following. I wonder if once the doors are adjusted and aligned, if you couldn't drill a short hole into the square tubing, using the original hinge mounting holes as a guide, and use a pop rivet to add additional support to the hinge....nice work...

[@tomprevost2477]

Nice job, going to be sweet. Not sure you really needed the articulating (expensive} hinge there but it works.

[@jenniferj.3068]

Love your videos. Where did you source the Bamboo lumber from?

[@robertw1524]

Hi Ken, you are the best I have found. Who do you follow ?

[@AXODude69]

Getting ready to drill as you said the scary 35 mm hole for my door. 3/4" bamboo 22mm from edge if I want the edge to be flush on the outside of the 80/20 15 series correct?

[@AXODude69]

Ok that makes since and I think in one video you mentioned that help from him. Another question how do you plan to attach bamboo blank panels to the 80/20 that are fixed panels? Also what will you do for the bottom of the upper cabinets 1/4" luan?

[@stevebrown6665]

Really nice May be stealing your idea for my next build

[@AXODude69]

Ok one more bamboo question. What did you use to finish it? I was thinking I would use a clear satin coating on it after I sand it

[@behoward425]

If not already mentioned, Playdough also works well for marking a blind drill location.

[@ourkaravan]

Thanks for the tip!

[@vegasraiders786]

What is your plan for water? tanks, heat, wet bath?

[@AXODude69]

Wow ken somehow I go it in my head you sent measurements into a company and they made them for you. Or I wished that So you cut and finished the bamboo yourself ? Darn hoping I could call out sizes and get a finished drawers and cabinets faces

[@AXODude69]

kenetube i cant thank you enough for the help with my van build.Getting my van galley done this week. And start the upper cabinet build. Thinking I may try to find 1/2 bamboo for it cause 3/4 is way over kill. May even build them out of diamond plate so much cheaper and light weight. I will post a video when its done.When will you be doing your upper cabinets like to see your finished product? Cheers

[@AXODude69]

yes i know the european hardware means going with 3/4". However uppers cabinets with 3/4" i heavy and really unnessary for my build. I'm now going to use 1/4" bamboo as the skin and then use 1/2" for the actual doors. not even using a hinge to it up. and the latch will be just a turn knob. just use my head to hold up while i get stuff out. I do that now in my first van build and its fine. they are aluminum diamond plate.Also toying with the idea of skining the upper cabs un aluminum diamond plate.My van is used for a motorcycle hauler camper

[@TheKylesw]

Awesome work. Where'd you source the bamboo drawer faces from?

[@timw9843]

Ken, nice work as always. Question - where did you get the nice bamboo facings?

[@BKTX]

You should have used 100% virgin organic grease. Sheesh! Good job as always, Ken!

[@AXODude69]

Hey Ken, Where did you purchase your bamboo doors and drawers faces

[@ad-van-ture]

quality materials/workmanship ....maybe a bit beyond my budget? do you mind me asking if you have a ny idea what your total build cost will be ?

[@RCRGIRL]

Can you just come build that exact same thing for my van? ;) hahaha. I came across this video while researching 80/20, this is damn near perfect for what I'd like to do. Thinking about having a sink (with cover) and the drawers. Looks awesome and really sturdy (from the video before this).

[@ourkaravan]

Haha, I'm on year 3 of working on mine (and loving every minute), so I'm not sure I'd be the best person to ask! I attribute much of my success in getting a nice end-product to the aluminum extrusions. Had I built this van with wood I'm pretty sure it would have already fallen apart and I'd require daily splinter extractions. Thanks for the comment!

[@razorwired130]

Appreciate your channel! Could you go with 10 series on cabinets like this? I'm looking at a 48-inch galley and every inch counts.

[@ourkaravan]

You can, but I discuss why I no longer use 10-series here: ourkaravan.com/8020-extruded-aluminum-van-cabinets/. I'd much rather use 10 series than wood, but I prefer the 15 series over the 10.

[@bowencampbell]

Great work. Love the build. I'm planning to use 8020 15 series. Do you think you could have used fewer cross pieces on the cabinet face frame without sacrificing the structural integrity? At 1.5", they eat up cabinet capacity. Also, do you think the 10 series would be beefy enough for the cabinet?

[@ericthered1274]

I have the same questions - what did you end up doing and how did it turn out?

[@yphasukyued]

Hi Ken, Thank you very much to share this video. You are a very smart guy and I hope to follow your steps. I am trying to get used MB Sprinter van in the next 2 years. What made you get MB Sprinter over other vans? I have read about a lot of people having a problem with the diesel engine.

[@yphasukyued]

Thanks for pointing the direction to me. It is very clear to me now. God bless you, Ken!

[@abesman11]

Beautiful cabinets!!! If I want to build one that is not quite as heavy, any reason not to use the 1" 80/20 instead of the 1.5"?

[@ourkaravan]

Hi, I used the 1" toward the beginning of my build and moved exclusively to 1.5" for a variety of reasons, some of which is discussed here: ourkaravan.com/8020-extruded-aluminum-van-cabinets/ I prefer the 1.5" but given the choice between 1" and wood, I'd go with the former.

[@machatambi]

Could you please share how you attached the drawer slides to the 8020?

[@ourkaravan]

Hi, if you check my ourkaravan KZbin channel I did a video on building drawers. I also have a write up on ourkaravan.com

[@hamiltoncomputers]

We use grease all the time at work to see where things are hitting or where to drill a mounting screw. Is it still incorrect if it works and works well? Great Job!!! I love the videos! Let's get together this spring or summer!

[@janlockhart2846]

Nice, but try red lipstick next time. You can see it better and it's much cheaper. Can find in Dollar Tree.

[@Subgunman]

Nothing wrong with using grease. When installing deadbolts in doors I would always use lipstick as my marking medium, you can find good sources at the dollar store. Just keep some paper towels handy to clean up afterwards.

[@Subgunman]

I forgot to mention that this is the absolute best cabinet build I have seen on KZbin! Everyone else is doing stuff in wood and when it comes to safety I would have my doubts. These extrusions are by far the best for safety. I also realized where I have seen this stuff used before, for convention displays! Easy to assemble and very sturdy!

[@Mauronic100]

Thanks for making this vid! What bamboo thickness did you choose for the drawer faces 1/2 or 3/4? What factored into the decision? Are there any places where you could or should use 1/4? I was thinking maybe 8020 overhead cabinets.

[@ourkaravan]

I wanted to use 1/2” but realized the 3/4” would be easier since the European hinges need a 1/2” deep hinge cup drilled into the back of each door. Also the 3/4” provides better strength for all of the screws to hold the hardware (lifts and latches) in place. The overall weight gain for the amount of wood I used was only about 12 lbs total over what 1/2” would have weighed.

[@samuelmead8670]

I was planning on using a 1/2" wood to face the drawer and cabinet, is it possible to bore the hinge on the cabinet with 1/2" wood? I saw that you drilled 1/2" deep

[@ourkaravan]

That is one of the issues using 1/2” material with European hinges. A 1/2” cup depth is required for all the hinges I could find. Everbilt makes a surface mount swing hinge but I can’t confirm if it would work.

[@defya4632]

Have you found a system so that the drawers do not open unexpectedly while driving because the blocking of the drawer slides is weak

[@ourkaravan]

Yes, the next video published after this one shows how I did the latching hardware.

[@tztz1949]

Double sided tape works well for this. What drawer system did you use?

[@ourkaravan]

Good suggestion. I have a write up on the drawer builds here: ourkaravan.com/building-drawers Take care!

[@DakotaHusted]

where did you get the wood for this? or what is it called?

[@ourkaravan]

This is vertical, natural grain bamboo. You should be able to order it from a hardwood store.

[@levi20ae]

Where did you purchase you bamboo plywood sheets from? Your videos have been very very informative

[@ourkaravan]

Thank you! It is Plyboo brand and you should be able to order it from a decent hardwood store. I have placed orders from two different hardwood companies in the Sacramento, CA area and both were able to obtain it.

[@AlexBeau]

I'm having trouble interpreting blum's chart. If you were using 15 series 8020, would your overlay dimension be more like 38mm (1.5in)? How did you come up with your 33mm overlay dimension?

[@AlexBeau]

Ah ok that makes sense. So you would use 38mm if you were doing a full overlay, but you left roughly .200" of an reveal. I get it now! I've really been enjoying watching your build as I work on my own! Keep up the good work! :D

[@quinnsimpson747]

I was wondering the same thing! I don’t see where Ken had left a .2” reveal though.

[@ourkaravan]

There is a reveal as mentioned. It’s a personal choice but I liked seeing a bit of the aluminum on the corners.

[@grupel4031]

What have you experienced with this drawer set up with noise or rattling. 80/20 is certainly solid and very silent. Thanks! Keep it up man, love your vids!

[@ourkaravan]

I've had to do some level of rattle control. I found that those little round felt pads between the wooden drawer faces and where they close against the 80/20 took care of it. It also made the latches feel very positive when they latch, as they now have a bit of cushion when the drawer sucks closed. It's also important when surface mounting panels to the 80/20 to have it secured every 18-24" so it doesn't rattle against the framing, or better yet I've been applying some extremely thin felt between panels and the aluminum, then you can fasten it at whatever distance you like with no rattling. Thanks for the complements!

[@unacamper6700]

PRUSSION BLUE.....GET SOME.

[@jimmyryder2726]

Considering that you've mention you're not at all carpentry inclined, you did a great job for a non carpenter. One question though, where did you get the bamboo door faces from ?

[@ourkaravan]

The bamboo is from the company Plyboo and I have purchased it from two separate hardwood stores in my area. Both were able to order it for me without any issues. If you live in central California I can share where I bought mine, but I would check around locally first. Thank you for the very kind words!

[@FBall-im8ui]

Hi Ken, i HAD THE exact same idea for aligning th drawer fronts and wa wondering why product to use to stick on the back, thought of paint but grease is so much better, perfect, can you please list the closing latches so we cn order all items at the same time. i am curious to see how they will lock on the extrusion, I am assuming there will nbe an attachment for it to lock? Thanks again, I saw some rounded corners bamboo cabinets that looked cool but I am nit able to construct or bend aluminium. I'll send you th link soon.

[@FBall-im8ui]

Thanks Ken, they look great! Yeah drilling sometimes can be nerve racking.

[@ericmueller1987]

Do you by chance have a hinge part number? The link no longer works. Thanks for the great videos!

[@ourkaravan]

Thanks! Yes, the cabinet door hinge is Blum B71T7500D

[@ericmueller1987]

Thanks for your time.

[@ourkaravan]

@@ericmueller1987 Not a problem!

[@gabakusa]

you can use lipsticks too instead of grease ;-)

[@jim6335]

Hi Ken, great tutorial like always. Are you planning to add stove and plumbing? Hot water? Propane , diesel or electric stove?

[@dibley1973]

Fantastic idea and execution.

[@douglasdegreef2284]

I've been following your build closely and love every bit of it. Can't wait till I have the funds to start mine. Your build is so well thought out. Thanks for including the build list. As far as water heater/heat goes I dig what Winnebago did with the Revel. They're using a diesel fired heater (Eberspaecher Climate Control System’s Hydronic D5 coolant heater series) to heat the cabin/water and grey water/...possibly a line to keep the diesel fuel warm too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3Wni3uqZZ6Gf7s I can't wait to see you're final build.

[@SamWoodward]

Hi, I'm loving these tutorials. Very inspiring. We were trying to get a Rock n Roll bed shipped back in 2011 and nobody would entertain the thought. Like the person you mentioned, we also had a galley in our old Sprinter with a large capacity water tank and electric pump and it was a pain (plus who wants to drink water that's been sat in hot plastic?). We're building our new Sprinter with a 5 gallon steel jerry can from Dinuba so that the water is drinkable and a plastic can for gray water. Much less work.

[@SamWoodward]

kenetube yes, an importer would be amazing. I tried to convince my sister to send me one but UKretailers were not keen to help (I'm from the UK, living in the US. The seats are everywhere over there and Europe has super strict crash test regs so I'm not sure why the US hasn't embraced them). I look forward to following the rest of your build :)

[@katielinton1881]

I am thinking about using a 14 gallon stainless fusti tank. They use them in the wine industry. I don't like the idea of drinking from water stored in plastic either. It has a fairly large lid to open and let it dry out when needed. They have a ball valve you can thread into the bottom for draining it.

[@brucebondi6104]

I would like to know if you purchased your bamboo online or if you sourced it locally?

[@ourkaravan]

Hi Bruce, I purchased the bamboo from two different local vendors. It's made by Plyboo and you should be able to order it from any decent hardwood store.

[@brucebondi6104]

ourkaravan Thank you very much for your reply

[@ourkaravan]

No problem!

[@bjbhehir]

Great job, came out amazing!! I've built a few cabinets over the years and I can remember how nervous I was when it came to attaching the draw slides and hinges on every project!! I've used this Kreg Hinge Jig, it really makes it easy and fast!! www.kregtool.com/store/c60/hardware-jigs/p408/concealed-hinge-jig/ Just curious, when you attached the draw slides to the frame they fit perfect, did you measure those out when you built the frame or did you have to go back and adjust them? Thanks for all the time and effort in making these videos, they're great!!

[@ourkaravan]

Always nice to know about helpful tools, thank you. Yes, very nerve-racking without it. I used a test piece before committing to drilling the bamboo. The drawer slides are available in lengths in 2 inch increments. I had the framing built before I ordered the slides, so I knew what length to order. Any other adjustment such as sliding the slides forward and back can easily be done with the 80/20, and likewise if the rail needed to be higher you can simply loosen the carriage bolts and slide the 80/20 up or down. Makes it easy to get it perfect!

[@bjbhehir]

@@ourkaravan Trust me that's the only tip I could give you, your build is awesome!!

[@ourkaravan]

@@bjbhehir Thank you, much appreciated!!