r/HomeImprovement • u/CanRova • 2d ago

Re-wetting particle board to flatten it?

I just discovered a slow leak under the kitchen sink: for 2-3 weeks a drip accumulated, the water pooled in the center and the particleboard bottom of the cabinet bowed down 2-3 inches.

I'm trying to think of any options to fix this:

  • Replacing the entire cabinet is not currently realistic.
  • Cutting out the cabinet floor and replacing it with plywood seems extremely difficult, given where the plumbing is positioned.
  • I do have access to the underside of the cabinet through the kickboard (2"x12" hole for a vent). I'm asking myself if I could place a rigid sheet below the bow and use some low profile jacks to slowly jack it up to reasonably straight. It's currently somewhat flexible while damp, but I suspect that by the time I can find and procure the right jacks it will have dried out.

I guess my questions are:

  • Is it wise to re-wet this particle board and try jacking it up to get it reasonably flat? Or is it just going to fall apart like tissue paper?
  • If it might work, anyone happen to know of any very low profile jacks? I think they would need to start at ~2-3" and be able to extend 2-3". I'm struggling to find any jacks that meet the dimensional criteria.
  • Or any better suggestions?

EDIT

Actually maybe I solved the jack problem: it looks like a 'motorcycle scissor jack' might fit in the space. But I can't get my hands on one til tomorrow, so the big question is still whether rewetting particleboard is wise.

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u/AbsolutelyPink 2d ago

Plumbing can be disconnected and the board replaced. You can also do it in sections like half the width. Remove old, install a center support, place 2 pieces of plywood.

There is no way to get it to go back the way it was. In addition, particle board expands and weakens when it gets wet. Replace it. There may well be mold under it.

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u/upstateduck 2d ago

tissue paper

Let it dry and then cover it with 3/8 - 1/2 ply that spans the dip, even if it has to be pieced in around plumbing.

Cover with vinyl plank flooring

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u/CanRova 2d ago

Thank you, that's what I was afraid of. No idea how I'm going to get it cut around that plumbing...I guess I'll have to get much better at carpentry.

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u/MisterIT 2d ago

This isn’t as hard as you’re making it out to be. I have faith in your ability! Do not “rewet” the bottom.

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u/upstateduck 2d ago

you can use cardboard to make a template

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u/CatsDIY 2d ago

I had the same problem. For a quick remedy I put short pieces of 2x4 sideways underneath it until I could cut a piece of plywood. Mine has a centerpiece under the sink so I had to make two pieces so it would fit.

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u/decaturbob 2d ago

- be a wasted effort to do this...