Sealing kitchen end panels

[SheeNic]

I’m fitting new units in a utility room. I’ve had to cut 2 end panels , one of which has 2 cut edges and therefore will have a cut edge to the floor. Should I seal the panel at the bottom and if so what with?
I asked someone who fits kitchens and he told me that he doesn’t bother to seal end panels, but this doesn’t feel right especially given that it’s a utility room!

 

[Mr Chibs]

Yes, should be sealed, also the cut should be at the worktop not on the floor (in an ideal world).

Cutting and Sealing Kitchen End Panels

Hi Folks , I am installing a cooke and lewis kitchen . The end panels which attach to the base unit sides are designed to be cut back on height . Ive been told that where possible , cut the excess from the top , to stop water ingress as they are lined chipboard . However , in one area...

www.diynot.com

 

[Deleted member 174758]

I've fitted kitchens (for a living) for a while and I also spent more than a few years shopfitting (which involves a lot of laminated MDF) - I always used to seal cut ends. That guy is taking quite a risk. Used silicone, D3 PVA or oil-based paint depending on what I had available

Yes, should be sealed, also the cut should be at the worktop not on the floor (in an ideal world).

Maybe, but impossible to achieve if you need to scribe to the floor

 

[johnny2007]

I've fitted kitchens (for a living) for a while and I also spent more than a few years shopfitting (which involves a lot of laminated MDF) - I always used to seal cut ends. That guy is taking quite a risk. Used silicone, D3 PVA or oil-based paint depending on what I had available


Maybe, but impossible to achieve if you need to scribe to the floor

Agree with you, but with dodgy floors i've always preferred to have uneven gap at the bottom rather than a cut.
And for dodgy walls, I've always preferred to chase a bit of the plaster rather than scribe the panel.
My way is to leave as much of the panel intact, because the factory seal is always going to last longer than anything else.
The cut on the worktop side is unlikely to get wet, but I always seal it with oil based varnish.
On one occasion I couldn't find it in the van and used a candle to rub wax on the cut.
That kitchen is still there afaik.