waterdamage. Salvagable?

[F_Zero45]

I came across this cabinet with heavy water damage on the edges. I was wondering if it looks like it can be repaired. I have no real wood work exp. and thought this might be the place to ask. It's pretty solid and sturdy. Id hate to trash it if it can be fixed. The top will definitely have to be replaced but that's no big deal.

thx for your help and input.
 

as you can see from the t-molding that the particleboard has expanded a bit.

[ScottS]

With enough time, money, and skill anything can be repaired. But in this case my tendency would be to throw the pictued cab into a dumpster and get started on a new one...

[leapinlew]

I'll agree with Scott on this one. Only because old cabs are plentiful around here. If you really love the shape of that cabinet, it wouldn't be a big deal to trace one side with a flush trim bit. In fact, it would save you a bunch of time making a new cabinet.

[johnvv]

Water + particle board (or MDF) =  junk.  Once they expand, there is nothing you can do.

If you really want to keep the rest of the cab, but best alternative is to carefully remove the damaged side and have a new one cut to the same measurements.

[F_Zero45]

what would you use to 'glue' the replacement pieces back to the cabinet? I mean, so that it doesn't look like it was all 'chopped up' ? wood glue and bondo?

 

[johnvv]

See the 'stickied' thread

    Water Damage base repair - Generic BnB cabinet 

in this forum (look near the top of the current message list).  It show and example of removing bad wood, replacing it, and then using bondo to cover the work.  From there you can prime and paint.

[leapinlew]

what would you use to 'glue' the replacement pieces back to the cabinet? I mean, so that it doesn't look like it was all 'chopped up' ? wood glue and bondo?

 

The side should be held on with blocks and screws (staples). It'll come apart with some work. Put it back together the same way.