Water – How to seal the raw edges of particle board cabinets for protection against getting wet

The door gasket on your dishwasher may not be sealing - check that for sure.

I would:

1. Stop using the dishwasher for a week to let the area dry out.
2. Mask off the formica/laminate in front.
3. Use a solvent-based polyurethane (exterior grade) on the particle board that is crumbling. This will soak in and hopefully glue it all back together.
4. Think about gluing a thin plastic of some sort over the area so that the particleboard isn't exposed to moisture anymore

1. There is a sub-panel between the bottom of the cabinet and the actual floor. Measure the board so you can create a new one (You can also get a piece of cardboard to create a template to cut from - works great with a cabinet with many angles.). To remove it (since it's particle board) you can just break it out with a hammer. **Be careful not to damage the spacer board that helps support the middle of the panel. If you damage it or if it's in bad shape, you'll need to cut a new piece to replace it.

2. When you measure and cut the new board, you will most likely need to cut it half to get it under the sink. You'll need to figure this out and make sure to add a quarter inch (width of the saw blade) to the width of the new board to compensate for the cut in the middle. Again, you might need to put in a space board in the center for added support. You'll also need consider where the pipes come in which might be from the floor from the wall. If from the wall, it will of course be easier.

3. Once the new board is in, you can use the Sintra panels. Or get a piece of linoleum to cover it so you can help prevent water under the sink as well as hide the center cut (Or any bad cuts you might have made in the process). You could also get the 12"x12" adhesive panels.

Tools

• drill,
• skill saw or table saw,
• possibly a jig-saw
• tape measure
• safety glasses.

Hardware

• screws
• maybe nails