Replacing a broken sink board is an easy DIY project that most homeowners can complete themselves. However, before you start, there are a few things that you should prepare in advance.
This will ensure that your project goes smoothly and with little to no problems.
Let’s get started with how to complete this process.
How much does it cost to replace wood under the sink?
The cost of replacing wood under a sink varies depending on the type of material that you choose to replace it with. If you are looking for a replacement, but do not want to spend too much money, an inexpensive option is plywood.
Plywood comes in a variety of thickness options and will replace particle board quickly and easily. However, if you are looking to replace wood under the sink with wood, be prepared to spend more money than if you replace it with other materials.
Also, think about the fact that this option might be more difficult for your DIY skill set.
How long does it take to replace particle board?
The time needed to replace the board underneath your sink will vary heavily from one project to another.
However, the average time taken by most homeowners ranges between three and four hours. This can include removing any damaged fixtures and installing the new ones for good measure.
If you are replacing particle board with wood, make sure that you have a decent amount of time. Wood is much harder to work with as compared to other materials and can take much longer than if the material were something else.
Previously, we have talked about cabinet backer board on our site.
What tools do I need?
Make sure that when it comes to replacing particle board under the sink, everything goes smoothly by gathering all of the necessary tools in advance.
This will prevent any long waits for new supplies or having to run to the store while your sink is still exposed and vulnerable. Make sure that you gather:
- ready mix concrete (make sure it is enough for your needs)
- sledgehammer or hard mallet
- screwdriver set
- leveler (for hanging cabinets above replacement)
- pliers/cutting shears (to cut through the old board easily)
- new fixtures
These tools are similar to those needed if you’re trying to repair water damaged cabinet doors.
Replace particle board under the sink – consider your plumbing
Turn off the water to your home and drain any remaining water using a wet/dry vacuum or garden hose.
Not doing this could result in flooding or additional damage to your under-sink pipes resulting in water leaks around the house or inside cabinets.
Doors and walls can warp due to excess moisture which may lead to costly repairs down the road if not taken care of immediately following a flood.
Making sure everything is dry before continuing will save you time, money, and headaches later on down the line.
Removing Under Sink Board
Here are the steps to follow to replace your particle board under the sink.
Step 1: Find out where your water shutoff valve is located.
This will be covered up by a flap or rocker cover plate, simply lift it to reveal the actual valve handle underneath (usually located near a wall).
Turn off water to the entire house at this valve.
Step 2: Remove any water left in pipes.
If you plan on replacing your sink unit entirely, then unplug it from the wall and turn off the switch to prevent electrical shocks while working underneath the sink.
Ideally, you should replace or remove particle board before removing the actual under sink pipe units if possible as this will make for an easier breakdown of components during installation.
Step 3: Have a bucket handy.
Fill it up with warm water and let all plastic pieces soak (plastic connectors). This will loosen years worth of dried-on gunk between every joint and cracked corner that have caused leaks over time.
Do not use boiling hot water as this may cause warping of plastic parts over time or damage them beyond repair during removal/replacement.
Step 4: Remove water from drain lines (if present).
Use your wet/dry vacuum or garden hose to remove all remaining water and particles down the line.
Do this while the under sink board is still intact as it will make it much easier to replace after you've cleaned and dried all components.
Step 5: Replace particle board unit in place
After all of the trapped water has been removed, replace the particle board unit in place using the original screws that were used for installing in the first place.
If you have paper-type material underneath the particleboard, then replace some of these panels where needed with new ones purchased at the home improvement store before moving onto the next step else you can replace them with more particle boards if they need repair as well.
Step 8: Remove excess paneling
Remove excess pieces of paneling or replace broken areas by cutting out additional sections if necessary using a waterproof rotary tool (highly recommended).
Once done, replace all plastic connectors that came disconnected during re-installation and turn the water on to test for leaks.
Final thoughts of how to replace particle board under sink
While we’re speaking on this topic, we also suggest that you check out this article about how to replace your countertop without replacing cabinets.
With that said, replacing your particleboard will usually solve major issues. In this case, keep in mind that there are many different ways to replace particle boards under the sink so ensure that you are well-educated on the process you’ll be following.
Understanding the best way to move forward is crucial when replacing particle board under the sink as it can save a lot of time, money, and headaches.
