How to replace ladder base kitchen kickboard?

[Jaz1]

Hi there,

My kitchen cabinets have a ladder frame kick base, however these have been incredibly water damaged causing the wood to expand and now crumble in majority of areas.

I am wondering if it possible to replace the base or repair it without having to completely remove the cabinets above? The cabinets don't appear to be screwed in. 

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Jaz1,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

I'm struggling to understand what is going on from the two photos you've provided. I can see there is an area that is water-damaged, but I would need to see what is on top of it to understand better. 

Is it possible to get some wider shots to provide context? Is the surface on the right a wall or a cabinet? Has the water damage caused the flooring material to rot also?

Without further context, I would not be able to say whether it is possible, but you may be able to build a replacement base out of a suitable material such as this CUSTOMpine White Matt Particleboard, lift and prop the cabinets, then slide them underneath.

Unfortunately, if there is water damage to the bottom of the cabinets or the floor beneath, they may not be able to withstand the movement and propping.

Once you've uploaded some further images to provide context, I am happy to offer further advice and guidance.

Jacob

[Jaz1]

Hi there,

Sorry those are the only photos I can get which show the damage, given it is all sealed off.

The picture shows a white laminate piece of cabinet, the ladder base in on a concrete floor as the tiles end at the base.

I imagine to see if the floor is damaged would need to actually drill into the base to see if I could check the damage to the floor and bottoms of the cabinets 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Jaz1,

Considering the damage you can see in your second image, it's likely there is damage elsewhere.

Do you know what the source of the water is? Has it been fixed?

Ensuring the water doesn't come back should be the first step in this process.

Seeing the second image, I'd be surprised if there weren't signs of damage elsewhere. Possibly at the bottom corners on the inside of the cabinets. Does it feel damp, or crumbly?

I'd suggest doing some further investigation before we come up with a plan. If you can have a look for further damage and let me know what you find, I'll happily offer further advice.

Also, allow me to tag @Nailbag, @Dave-1 and @JoeAzza for their thoughts.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @Jaz1 

I am also struggling to understand your photos 😕 

If that is a end piece of cabinet on the left and then a stove I am heading towards a resonable amount of water damage. If you can provide a better shot across the front of the kickboard it could help in us figuring out what can be done.

How do you know it is a ladder frame? I didnt know what one was until I pulled out a set of cabinets at work and saw what was underneath. I really dont know how you could jack up a cabinet to be able to repair/replace the damaged ladder style support. To determin how damaged it is you could potentially drill a few holes (25mm size) in the very base of the ladder next to the tiles to determin how much that timber has swelled. Tho you would then need a new kickboard to cover the holes.

The more I go back and look at the photos the more it looks liek there is long term water damage, and I have the same questions as @JacobZ as in has it been sorted otherwise you may be spending money that is not needed.

Dave

[Jaz1]

Hi there,

The balcony is being repaired to stop the water leak. I have drilled in a few holes and the wood is very crumbly when closed to the wall with the balcony but gets better as you go along with next to no crumble. Have put on some vents on so doesn't look odd with holes

 

  

I know it is a ladder frame, as is original kitchen and confirm that with a neighbour who recently renovated their kitchen

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @Jaz1 

I like the "vent holes" and am wondering how stable the bench is. If the bench is stable and you are in the process of fixing the leak I would possibly hold off until you know the fix has been completed.

To answer your original question 

"My kitchen cabinets have a ladder frame kick base, however these have been incredibly water damaged causing the wood to expand and now crumble in majority of areas.

I am wondering if it possible to replace the base or repair it without having to completely remove the cabinets above? The cabinets don't appear to be screwed in. "

So if the kickboard is stable and the front of them is solid then I would say leave as is for now.

If the kickboard is unstable or the timber footing can be pushed/impacted with a screwdriver pushing into it then something needs to be done.

Sadly I dont know of any way that you can replace a ladder base without pulling out the cabinet. Jacking it up would only lift the front. It may be wisest to wait until the water repair has been done then replace the ladder base or replace with plastic adjustable feet?

I have exactly the same tiles and probarly a ladder base under my kitchen benches, I suspect my tiles do not extend under the bench as well. This year is the year I probarly will replace the kitchen as its all particle board including the bench lol shaking my head at my kitchen.

One last thought after the last pic you have supplied. Its complicated and I am not sure if its more work to do instead of pulling the bench out and putting a new base in but here goes.

Use a vibrating tool or drill with multiple holes drilled into the kickboard front so you cut out two or three largeish sections. (500mm space needed)

Once you have the say 500mm sections cut out, then using a timber lever wedge a block under the lever nearest the cupboard and push down, have some weights to leave on the leavers to hold the weight of the cupbard (think a car motor jack) You need to make sure all screws from cupboards through to walls and other benches are removed first.

Then in theory you could pull out the old plinth/ladder and replace with some smaller sections. I think you will run into issues with the tiles being high and trying to get the new plinth in under tho. 

Easy option

Pull out out bench, making sure all screws are out of the walls and any that are connection too side cupboards. Replace footer and then put it back.

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @JacobZ 

I have to agree with @JacobZ in recommending further investigation on the full extent of the internal water damage. 

I personally wouldn’t hold 100% confidence on the leak repair on the balcony until it’s been well tested. 

3 weeks ago I repaired a collapsed internal ceiling caused by similar water ingress from a top balcony. The Plumber was convinced it was repaired. Next time it rained, the section next to my repair caved through. 

Unfortunately from those photos I think the extent of the internal damage is going to be more wide spread, especially if it’s been a long time concern. 

I would also recommend enlisting a registered builder to access. 

Nailbag