Carpentry and Woodworking - removing damaged cabinet shelf

I need to remove the bottom cabinet shelf (particle board) in a kitchen cabinet that was damaged by water. I was planning to use a small circular saw - any other suggestions?

Thanks.

joanb

More information would be helpful.

You could split it from front to back and remove it from there. Are you planning to replace it?

I've done this several times - usually in the cabinet under the sink. The bottom is attached to the cabinet sides in dados so complete removal is difficult - and probably unecessary.

First, do you really need to replace the bottom? If it's reasonably intact but just 'bubbled up' from the water, you should be able to sand it smooth and paint or finish it.

If the bottom is too far gone to repair, use a sabre saw to cut out a square or rectangular piece surrounding the bad area (take out only as much as you have to), then cut strips of wood or particle board wide enough to fit under the remaining bottom and 'bridge under' the hole. They should extend a few inches past the edges of the hole you cut out. Stand them on edge and run a couple of screws thru the existing bottom to hold them in place.

When you have the 'platform' built, cut a new piece of particle board to fit the hole and screw/glue it to your 'platform'. Caulk the seams and call it good. Paint or poly the bottom to seal it and use some vinyl 'shelf paper' to prevent future damage.