Crumbling particleboard under countertops

[Chris M.]

Hi all,

I'd like some advice on a place that I'm currently zipping up with a tenant likely to move in Nov 1st.

The kitchen is original and the condo was built in 1983. So lots of fake wood laminate and particleboard. Some areas are getting soft but it's serviceable for at least a couple years. It was an all cash deal so I'm looking to recoup after rehabbing the place.

So here is the question. I replaced the dishwasher when I started on the kitchen. The brackets screw into the underside of the counter, which are made of particleboard and crumbling pretty badly now. The screws can't grab hold and I could see bigger chunks of particleboard coming loose as the dishwasher door is opened and closed.

So how would I approach this as a temporary solution before I replace the kitchen? I was thinking of gluing/screwing a long thing strip of wood under the countertop edge and driving the screws into that. Before I go that route I just wanted to get some other suggestions that might be more feasible. I'm a little worried that the strip of wood would come loose eventually as well.