How much will it cost to fix swollen laminate wood?

[kwee]

Can some advise how much would it cost me to fix this? This is caused by a burst drain hose of my dishwasher (on the other side of this kitchen island).

[Jason]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @kwee. We're pleased to have you join us and trust you get plenty of help and inspiration for all your projects around the house and garden from our wonderful members.

Could you please provide the dimensions of your kitchen island and some wider photos? Typically when water penetrates and expands the internal chipboard, repairs of laminate cabinetry are not possible and instead replacement is necessary. 

Let me tag our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. expert in @EricL to assist. 

Many thanks,

Jason

[kwee]

Thanks for the reply Jason. Any chance of sanding that part down and putting a whole piece of laminate on the whole panel? Or is the cost similar to just changing the whole panel?

The panel is about 2.38m and 88cm. Here’s some photos. 

 

 

 

[EricL]

Hello @kwee

Thank you very much for posting those extra photos of your island. Is the laminate piece at the back of your island flexing? Did the timber swell along with the laminate? If the first instance occurred there is a possibility that you can repair the damage. However, if the timber behind the laminate has swelled up you'll need to replace the entire back panel.

To repair the lifting laminate, I suggest cutting the bottom of the damaged area with a sharp craft knife or Stanley knife and putting in some Selleys 100ml Kwik Grip Horizontal Contact Adhesive. Once the glue has gone tacky you can press the laminate back onto the timber. Wipe off any excess glue to prevent it from drying on top of the laminate.

Please note that the laminate cover is very easy to tear off so please take extreme care when lifting it up to wipe the glue on the timber surface. I suggest using cotton buds so that you can bend the stick while applying the glue. 

However, if the panel needs to be replaced, you'll need to speak to the In-store kitchen specialist of your local store. Please make sure to bring the back island panel dimensions as well as pictures of your island.

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your island fixed and ready for use.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[kwee]

Hi Eric,

Unfortunately, it is the timber that has swelled up. So it needs to be replace. Do you know roughly the cost of a 2.38m by 0.88m laminate panel? Just a rough estimate?

Regards,

Alvin

[EricL]

Hi @kwee

I'm sorry to hear that there was no opportunity for a repair. Unfortunately, you're back island panel will have to be quoted at the store. However, if you were using two pieces of the standard Kaboodle range it would currently cost you $203.00 per piece. The maximum width of the Kaboodle Island Back Panel - Gloss White is 1200mm. Its height is fixed at 864mm so it will not be tall enough to cover the back of the cabinets.

Another option to consider is the installation of Easy VJ panels or Porta Linning boards. These are currently the running trends for a quick kitchen upgrade.

Here are some kitchen back island panels displays our Workshop members have shared:

• Kitchen island EasyVJ panelling by @ProjectPete
   
• Kitchen and dining room renovation

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[ProjectPete]

Ah what a shame @kwee 

I'd suggest taking the opportunity to install feature panelling to just cover it up provided you've fixed the leak. 

Most cost-effective option is VJ100 panelling and you'd get the job done for a few hundred dollars. Or you level up with some feature grade timber or something similar.

You should consider cutting out the water damaged section to avoid mould growth.

Hope this helps 

Pete

[kwee]

Hi Pete,

That is a great idea!! Thanks.

[kwee]

Hi Eric,

Yes, panelling is more cost effective for me.Thanks.