How to Replace the Bottom of a Kitchen Cabinet

Have you ever opened your kitchen cabinet to get your favorite snack but instead of getting snacks you notice that the bottom of your kitchen cabinets are decaying and drooping? If so, then this is the right time to pay attention to your kitchen cabinets and if you are here then you must be the one wondering How to replace the bottom of a kitchen cabinet.

The kitchen is frequently referred to as the center of the house where meals are prepared and memories are created. In your kitchen, cabinets are a functional element that often defines its aesthetic appeal. Replacing your kitchen cabinets bottom may seem like a big undertaking task, however, it only requires a proper tool kit and a step-by-step procedure.

In this blog, we will try to explain all the best possible steps that will help you in replacing the bottom of your kitchen cabinets.  

So, without a delay let’s get started.

How to Replace the Bottom of a Kitchen Cabinet:

Replacing the bottom of your kitchen cabinets enhances its overall look. However, it seems like a challenging task but you can do it yourself by just following a comprehensive step-by-step guide that is discussed below in the article. But before moving towards getting the answer of How to replace the bottom of a kitchen cabinet, let’s first have a look at the common issues that are the culprit for replacing kitchen cabinets   

Why do You Need to Replace the Bottom of a kitchen cabinet:

As time passes the cabinets of your kitchen get old and their bottom may sustain significant damage that requires change for many reasons. So, here are some common reasons behind the replacement of your kitchen cabinet’s bottom.

Water Leaks and Spills:

Water leaks and spills are common in kitchens, particularly near dishwashers and under sinks. The durability of the cabinet bottoms may be compromised over time by the cracking, bumping, or decaying caused by continuous exposure to moisture.

Dampness and Mold:

Overly wet conditions can promote the growth of mold and fungi. In addition to harming the wood, dampness, and mold in the kitchen cabinets can also endanger your health. So, it is necessary to replace moldy cabinet bottoms to maintain a hygienic and secure kitchen. 

Overuse, Wear, and Tear:

Cabinet bottoms may become worn out with regular use. Surfaces can become weaker and unsightly due to overuse, wear, and tear from dents and scratches, and the everyday use of large cookware, cleaners, and other appliances in the kitchen.

Harm Caused by Bugs:

Termites and timber ants are two bugs that are drawn to wooden kitchen cabinets. Those bugs can seriously harm a cabinet by eating in at the wood and causing structural instability.

Safety Purposes:

The bottom of your cabinet could eventually lose its stability and can eventually break as time passes causing serious damage. So for safety purposes, the bottom of your cabinets must be replaced. 

Renovation:

The kitchen is the main focus of many homeowners and they want to satisfy their aesthetics by giving a new look to their family unity center.  Renovation of your kitchen cabinets is also one of the main reasons behind the replacement of cabinets’ bottom. 

Understanding these common causes behind the replacement of your cabinet bottom is essential as you can take quick possible action and preserve the overall functionality of your kitchen.

Assess the Damage Before Replacing the Bottom of Kitchen Cabinets:

Evaluating the damage to the bottom of your cabinets is essential before starting the process of replacement of the bottom of kitchen cabinets. For this, empty your kitchen cabinet to check deeply the affected area. Look for any signs of water destruction. Furthermore, check moisture in the air which can cause green or black patches and give off an unpleasant smell. Also, check for any wear and tear like cracks, or loosening. You need to assess the signs of insects or wood-eating bugs if you have wooden cabinets in your kitchen. 

Now that you’ve learned about the common causes of cabinet bottom surface replacement and have assessed the damage, let’s move on to our highlighted topic of the day: How to replace the bottom of a kitchen cabinet.

How to Replace the Bottom of a Kitchen Cabinet: A Complete Guide

Before proceeding towards the actual process of replacing the bottom of a Kitchen Cabinet, ensure that you have all the essential tools required in the process. Here is a list of materials that you require in the step-by-step replacement.

Tools and Materials you need

Replace plywood with MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard). Measurement tape A marker The round saw or Jigsaw puzzles Drill The nuts and bolts Wood glue. Sandpaper Optional: Paint or varnish for enhancement. Gloves and Goggles for safety purposes.

As soon as you get all the necessary tools, you are all prepared to begin replacing the bottom of your kitchen cabinets. Here is a step-by-step procedure guide on How to Replace the Bottom of a Kitchen:

Empty the cabinets:

Before you start, empty all of the contents from your cabinets. This will protect the objects and give you broad access to all surfaces.

Remove the Old Damaged Bottom of the Cabinet:

Now that you have removed all the items, move towards the next step and remove the damaged cabinet bottom that has to be replaced. You may need to take out the screws or nails, based on how the cabinet’s bottom is secured. To remove screws or gently lift out nails, use a sharp tool like a pry bar or drill. If the bottom is glued in place, you may need to use a saw to cut it out. But take care not to harm the sides of the cabinet.

Measure the New Bottom of the Cabinet:

Measure the old damaged bottom that has to be replaced with the new bottom. Calculate how big the old bottom was or how much space it took out. Make a note of these measurements on the new MDF or plywood piece.

Cut the New Bottom:

After measuring the space, let’s move to a very crucial step that has to be done very keenly. Measure and cut the new bottom of your kitchen cabinets to the correct size using a circular cutter or jigsaw. To eliminate any sharp edges, sand them as well.

 Set the New Cabinet Bottom:

After measuring and cutting this is the point where you have to fit in the new bottom of your kitchen cabinet. To ensure a proper fit, insert the replaced bottom cut into the cabinet. Adjust as needed. After adjusting it properly move to another step.

Replace the New Bottom of the Kitchen Cabinets:

To replace the new bottom of the kitchen cabinet you just have to apply the wood glue on the edges where the freshly cut bottom piece of the kitchen cabinet has to settle. Place the new piece in the proper position. After positioning use screws to settle the new bottom of the cabinet. 

Final Adjustments:

You can also do other optional steps like painting or sanding the edges to give your kitchen an enhanced and aesthetic look.  

Put Your Essentials Back:

Put back together any parts you removed once a fresh of your kitchen cabinet bottom has been secured and the paints and coatings have had time to dry. After thoroughly drying and finishing put your essentials back into the cabinet.

After following this step-by-step guide you can easily and effectively replace your old damaged cabinet bottom with a new one.

 

Tips to Consider While Replacing Bottom of Kitchen Cabinets

For an accurate fit and to prevent gaps, make sure that every measurement is precise.

For reliability and longevity, use timber that is the same as the first bottom in terms of thickness and quality.

To keep yourself safe from wood shavings and cutting tools, put on safety gear.

When to Hire a Professional to Replace the Bottoms of Kitchen Cabinets:

You can hire an expert to replace the bottoms of your kitchen cabinets if there is a significant damage or framework problem that could compromise the stability of the entire cabinet. The replacement of your kitchen cabinet bottoms can be done properly and securely if the job is handled by an expert. It is also beneficial when you don’t have the tools or experience needed for accurate cutting and fitting. 

Hiring a professional is also advised when you do not have enough time to do this job,  if your cabinets are expensive, or in any other situation where mistakes could have serious consequences.

Conclusions:

How to replace the bottom of a kitchen cabinet:  Replacing the bottom of your kitchen cabinets may seem difficult and frustrating at first but with the right tools and tips you can successfully and properly replace the bottom of your cabinets. 

You can carefully and effectively replace the bottoms of your cabinets just by assessing the damage removing the old bottom, taking proper measurements, cutting, and setting the new bottom into its fine location. (The proper detailed methods for replacing the bottom of the kitchen cabinet are discussed above in the article.) 

By following these methods you can professionally replace the bottom of your kitchen cabinets, also give them back their appearance and functionality, and make sure your kitchen stays a functional and friendly area for many years to come.

Also read: https://howipedia.com/how-to-remove-a-child-proof-lock-on-a-kitchen-cabinet/