Removing kitchen cabinets is a daunting task for many homeowners, but it can be a manageable project with the right tools and instructions.
The main thing to keep in mind is that the cabinets should be taken down logically so you don’t damage anything in the process. This guide of Peelsnyc will teach you how to remove kitchen cabinets safely and efficiently.
Contents
What to Know About Your Kitchen Cabinets Before Removal
To remove your kitchen cabinets, you’ll need to figure out what type of cabinets you have, especially if you’re planning to reuse them for any purpose.
Type of cabinet: Unified
- Cabinet description: Unitized cabinets can be built in place by using the wall’s back. This style is typical in homes older than 25 years.
- How do they attach: You can stick them with glue or nails.
- Is it okay to reuse: Not often.
Type of Cabinet: Prefabricated
- Description: The newer cabinets come with their backs. Most commonly, cabinet units are assembled to form a complete cabinet set. However, they can also be used separately.
- How do they attach: They are usually screwed into walls via screws through the back or around the edges.
- Is it okay to reuse: Yes.
Open your old cabinets and examine the back to identify what type of cabinets. If the back is made of the same material as the sides, it’s possible to reuse prefabricated cabinets. They are not suitable for reuse if the cabinet’s back is on your wall.
These steps will help you remove cabinets once you’ve identified the type.
How to Remove Upper Kitchen Cabinets
Step 1: Gather Supplies
You will need the following tools and materials to take out your upper kitchen cabinets safely:
- Crowbar or pry bar putty knives
- Two putty knives
- Utility knife
- Hammer
- Drill
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Blankets and furniture pads
- Scrap wood to support cabinets (if you don’t have someone helping you)
You might also consider renting a 10-yard dumpster if you dispose of old cabinets or make kitchen renovation
Step 2: Prep Your Kitchen
These steps will prepare your kitchen for removal before you start to remove cabinets.
- Turn off the electricity in the kitchen by turning off the breaker box.
- After turning off the power, take out the range hood.
- Cover your countertops with furniture pads and blankets to prevent scratches or other damage.
You will need to prepare your kitchen to remove all the wall cabinets and countertops. These steps will help you get started removing the upper cabinets from your kitchen.
Step 3: Prepare Your Kitchen Cabinets for Removal
Before you take down your kitchen cabinets:
- Empty your cabinets.
- Make sure to check your cupboards for hidden electrical connections.
- Use the drill to remove cabinet doors. The hinge attached should be removed from the cabinet using the training. You can speed up the process if you don’t intend to reuse or donate your cabinets. However, gloves and goggles are recommended.
- If possible, remove shelves.
These are the additional steps to take to remove your kitchen cabinets for reuse.
- Take out any loose screws and hinges from the cabinets and place them in a container or plastic bag. To keep materials together, attach the container to each cupboard once the cabinets are removed.
- Before removing them, label or number them with tape if you intend to reinstall them, this will ensure that they are in order and prevent confusion later.
You can begin removing cabinets once they have been empty and prepared.
Step 4: Remove Exterior Elements
Exterior elements include:
- Caulk – Use a utility knife to cut away any caulk connecting the cabinets to the wall or exterior elements like trim. This will help you reduce damage when dismantling. You should also do this if you have any old paint connecting the cabinet and wall.
- Molding/Trim – If you aren’t trying to save the molding, you can use a hammer to wedge a pry bar beneath the trim and then pull it away from the cabinetry.
If you’re trying to disassemble cabinet fixtures without damage and want to save the molding as well, use at least one putty knife along with the pry bar. Find a nail and slide a putty knife between the trim and cabinet close to the nail and then pull out slightly, then insert the pry bar on top of the putty knife and continue to pull the trim.
If it seems like the trim is about to crack, insert a second putty knife between the pry bar and the trim. Move to the next nail and repeat. Continue until it is loose enough to remove in one piece.
Step 5: Separate Cabinets From Each Other
You can skip this step if you have cabinets older than one unit.
Screws usually connect prefabricated cabinets at the sides. Use a drill to remove all the screws from the cabinets. These screws will be loosened but will remain attached to the wall. They will no longer need to be supported.
Step 6: Remove Cabinets From Wall
To remove kitchen cabinets that are attached with screws:
- As you remove the screws, make sure that the cabinets are adequately supported. You can either have someone help you or place pieces of wood underneath the cabinet to support the weight. This is essential if you want the cabinets removed without damaging them.
- Begin by removing screws nearest to the bottom. Next, work your way up and remove all screws. As you pull the last screws from the top, be prepared to lift the cabinet off the wall.
- Continue this process until all units have been removed.
You will need to remove cabinets away from the wall if they are unattached or were attached with glue and nails instead of screws.
To Remove Glued Kitchen Cabinets:
- Protect yourself by wearing gloves and goggles
- If a support system or helper cannot support the cabinet, it could fall onto the counter below when you take it out.
- Begin by securing the cabinet sides with the hammer. Next, use the crowbar or pry bar to wedge between the wall and base cabinets. To limit damage to the drywall, you can pry directly over any stud. To prevent any damage, you can use a wooden block to place between the lever of your crowbars and the wall.
- Next, remove the cabinet from the wall by prying it off the wall.
Step 7: Congratulate Yourself!
Once you’ve removed your kitchen cabinets, it’s time to move on to the next phase of your project.
This guide is for you if you want to remodel your cabinet: How To Install Kitchen Cabinets?
FAQs
How Hard Is It to Remove Kitchen Cabinets?
Cabinet removal is an easy DIY project. This project doesn’t require special tools or equipment. It is also not time-consuming and requires very little construction knowledge. This project is easy to handle if you have essential tools, are weekend free, and can lift 20-30lbs.
How Much Does Kitchen Cabinet Removal Cost?
For 25 feet of cabinets, you can expect to pay $450 to $1,000 if you hire a professional. DIY cabinet removal is often cheaper than hiring a professional. This means that renting a dumpster or doing it yourself will be more affordable.
How Long Does It Take to Remove Kitchen Cabinets?
Depending on how many cabinets you need to remove and what materials you use, the entire project can be completed within a few hours. In case of any unexpected issues or problems, it is best to allow yourself at least one full day.
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Conclusion
It’s time to find a new challenge! You have successfully removed the kitchen cabinets. You have learned about efficient ways of removing kitchen cabinets, and you have built skills for other DIY projects, which will allow you to upgrade your home at least one or two times before you’ll have to move out. You have learned so much from this article, and it’s only the beginning.
If you follow our advice and pass these helpful guidelines, you will eventually master the art of DIY, making every home improvement project exciting and pleasurable.
