How to Replace Kitchen Cabinet Sink Base - Part 2 of 2 - Replacement

Fig.1 Kitchen floor and 
cement foundation

By Gary Boutin 

Supplies and Tools:   
Base pieces (3) 5 1/2 by 23 1/4
Caulking silicone white
Electrical cords
Measurement tape
Pencil or marking pen
Radial saw 
Saw bench - portable 
Silicone caulking
Small roller frame
Small roller cover 
Shelf with melamine on both sides
Square metal (yellow)
Vicegrip® pliers

Dr. Jorge Valvus needed his kitchen sink base cabinet shelf replaced. This post is his story.

This post will show the ten steps on how to install the new shelf.

Step 1: Fig.1 shows the bottom of the cabinet with the shelf removed. The three brown pieces of wood need to be replaced with new wood base pieces that will hold the new shelf in place.
Step 2: Fig.2 shows a GMC ® 7-1/4 radial blade that will be used to cut the shelf to its correct dimensions.

Fig.2 GMC ® 7-1/4 
radial blade

Step 3: Fig.3 through fig.5 shows the tape measure that is used to measure from the kitchen wall on both sides of the front of the cabinet. This is the first measurement which identifies the width of the shelf. The length is measured from within the cabinet to get the exact measurement.

Fig.3 Fat Max ® measurement tape

Fig.4 Width left measurement

Fig.5 Width right measurements

Step 4: Fig.6 and fig.7 shows a square that is needed to get good cutting lines. Use a large square with large numbers, like the one below. A pencil or marking pen will also be needed to draw the lines on the new shelf. Since a table saw was not available for this job, a shelf with clear cutting line will make cutting the shelf easier with a radial saw.

Fig.6 Large numbers square

Fig.7 Different view

Step 5: Fig.8 and fig.10 shows the square is locked by placing the top edge of the square thus the bottom leg is a perfect straight line (90°) the bottom leg is creating the line that needs to be cut with the radial saw. Fig.10 shows the lines that was drawn on the shelf and fig.11 shows the radial saw is cutting the base pieces.

Fig.8 Top leg on shelf

Fig.9 Square make 90° lines

Fig.10 Shelf penciled lines

Fig.11 Radial saw cutting 
shelf base pieces

Step 6: Fig.12 shows that once the cuts are made, the edges of the new shelf should be painted with white primer to prevent moisture from damaging the shelf. For fast results use a small roller frame with a small roller cover to add the sealer to the edge of the shelf.

Fig.12 Edges of the shelf

Step 7: Once the shelf is ready to be placed in the cabinet then its time to cut the shelf base pieces. The purpose of the shelf base pieces is that they hold up the base shelf in the cabinet. Fig.13 shows an exact measurement of 5-1/2 by 23-1/4 was taken and then three new shelf base pieces were cut using a radial saw. Fig.14 shows a new base piece at an angle to show the difference between the new and the old. Fig.15 shows an new base piece placed on the left side of the cabinet. Now all the bases pieces are in place and ready to place the new shelf in the cabinet.

Fig.13 Measuring the base

Fig.14 Replacing the 
bottom base piece

Fig.15 Middle base piece
center support

Step 8: Fig.16 through fig.19 shows that now that all the base pieces are ready to be placed into the cabinet, the next step is to apply silicone caulking on the edges of the base pieces. This silicone not only seals the new shelf but acts has an adhesive to glue the shelf to the base pieces.

Fig.16 Apply caulking on the 
older wooden side

Fig.17 Apply silicone to 
new wood shelf

Fig.18 Apply to middle shelf

Fig.19 Applied to left 
side of base strips

Step 9: Fig.20 through fig.23 shows the right side of the shelf was sealed in clear silicone seal.

Fig.20 Right side sealed 

Fig.21 Shelf sealed in front

Fig.22 Right side completely sealed

Fig.23 both sides are done

Step 10: Fig.24 through fig.26 shows the left side of the shelf was sealed in clear silicone. Fig.27 shows the final picture and the cabinet shelf is ready to be used.

Fig.24 Left side sealed 
including dishwasher pipe at
 the end of the wall

Fig.25 new shelf with old 
damaged plumbing pipes

Fig.26 left side completely sealed 
with new plumbing pipes

Fig.27 The work is finished

How to Replace a Kitchen Cabinet Sink Base:

•    Part 1 of 2 - Removal
•    Part 2 of 2 - Replacement

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Note: The DIY Advisor assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any jobs. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed contractor if in doubt about any steps on these posts. All names were changed to protect client's privacy. DIY Advisor. Reproduction of site content including photos without permission prohibited. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011-