Owner guides
Guide to renovating caravan cupboards
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If you’re new to the scene, then there’s no doubt that a caravan renovation can seem like a daunting process. Where do you even start? Instead of tackling it all at once, it helps to break it up into smaller, more manageable projects. And one of the tasks with the biggest aesthetic impact is renovating caravan cupboards!
With just a few handy tricks and tips, you can instantly transform the look of your caravan without diving into a full-blown rehaul. Consider it the perfect way to dip your toes in the renovation water. Before you know it you’ll be hooked. We’ll walk you through some great cupboard ideas so that you can get this project up and running ASAP.
Safety Disclaimer: We are not certified, builders or carpenters. This is only an introductory guide to renovating caravan cupboards so make sure to do your own in-depth research and consult appropriate professionals before beginning.
Tips for renovating caravan cupboards
Wondering how to renovate a caravan? Keep it simple and start small. Caravan cupboards are a very prominent feature inside your caravan, and with just a little touch up, you can completely change the look and feel. Here are some tips to help you out!
1. Consider a coat of paint
Start with the basics. Instead of ripping out those old cupboards, take a look at whether a fresh coat of paint could do the trick.
Wood cabinets are ideal for painting! However, almost any surface can be taken back with sandpaper and then painted over. You can go for fresh white paint to brighten up the interior and create a sense of more space, or opt for a darker hue for a cosier, more dramatic look.
Simply unhinge the doors, sand them back and paint that first coat. Add a second coat and once it’s dry, pop the doors back on again.
The great thing about paint is that it’s fun, cheap and you can redo it over the years every time you want to revive the look of your caravan!
2. Go for acrylic
If you’re looking for a fresh, modern look, then you can’t go wrong with acrylic. This hard-synthetic, high-quality plastic offers a shutter-resistant surface that is a great alternative to glass.
You can remove each of your cupboard doors and use putty to attach the acrylic, allowing it to dry before you reattach. Of course, you’ll need to be able to cut it to size, and then hold it in place until it dries.
It’s something you can attempt on your own, or bring in a builder for a little work.
3. Get new handles
You don’t even need to touch the doors of your cupboards to completely change the way they look. Instead, just update the handles.
It’s true that the handles go through a lot of wear and tear over time with use. Simply unscrewing them and screwing in new ones is one of the simplest ways to breathe new life into your cupboards. There are all sorts of different handles on the market, so shop around and have some fun!
4. Refinish the cupboards
Wood is a great look for cupboards and one you might want to keep! Instead of repainting them, choose to refinish them instead. It can be quicker, easier and cheaper with these steps:
Clean the surfaces
Strip the wood: you need to work out what stripping agent is required. Each one has a different use, so it helps to do your research!
Sand, prime and then varnish the wood.
Try out different caravan cupboards before you renovate
There’s one very easy way to work out exactly what you want when it comes to renovating caravan cupboards. You can try before you build!
Camplify NZ has a number of different caravans for you to test out, so you can get a really good idea of the look and feel you’re going after for your own renovation. They do say that imitation is the highest form of flattery, so why not try and get your inspiration from others who have been there, done that?
Here are some of our favourites for you to check out:
Hamilton
Test out whether the wood look is for you with a stay in the Hamilton Caravan. All their cupboards feature a light wood grain.
Jake the Jayco
Wondering whether a repaint is what your caravan needs? Jake the Jayco is the perfect example of how much a good paint job can brighten up the place. Rent it today!
NZ4u2u 2 berth
If you’re looking to test out different handles to find the right design for you, then NZ4u2u 2 berth is a great starting point. They have very long bar handles that stretch across the entire cupboard.
Start renovating caravan cupboards today
With these tips and a little inspiration behind you, you’re ready to dive in and start renovating caravan cupboards. Once you start, you’ll quickly realise how small changes can have the biggest impact! And when you’re done, you can rent out your own caravan on Camplify and get a return on your investment!
Why Camplify?
Each year, many Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their campervan through Camplify. By doing so, they quickly generate a long-term passive income stream. And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:
Comprehensive hire insurance.
24/7 nationwide AA Roadside breakdown cover for hirers.
Dedicated customer support.
If you’re interested in earning a return on your investment, you can calculate how much income you could generate each year by using our earnings calculator.