How To Take Off Kitchen Cabinets Easily & Safely

Can you take off kitchen cabinets yourself? Yes, with the right tools and a careful approach, you can successfully remove kitchen cabinets yourself, saving on labor costs and gaining valuable experience. This guide will walk you through the entire kitchen cabinet removal process, ensuring a safe and efficient project. Whether you’re planning a remodel or just need to replace a few units, knowing how to detach cabinets from the wall is a key skill.

Preparing for Cabinet Removal

Before you start, gather your supplies and plan your workspace. This initial step is crucial for a smooth and safe operation.

Essential Tools and Materials

Screwdrivers: A Phillips head screwdriver is essential, and a flathead screwdriver can be helpful for prying. An electric drill with various screwdriver bits will significantly speed up the process.
Pry Bar: A sturdy pry bar is needed to gently loosen cabinets from the wall.
Utility Knife: To score any caulk or paint around the cabinet edges.
Stud Finder: To locate wall studs, which is critical for safely removing cabinets.
Level: To check if cabinets are plumb before removing them.
Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes from dust and debris.
Work Gloves: To protect your hands.
Drop Cloths or Tarps: To protect your floors and countertops.
Container for Hardware: Small bags or containers to store screws and other hardware, clearly labeled for each cabinet.
Helper: An extra pair of hands is highly recommended, especially for larger cabinets.

Clearing the Kitchen Workspace

Empty Cabinets: Remove all items from inside the cabinets and drawers. This makes them lighter and prevents items from falling during removal.
Protect Countertops and Appliances: Cover countertops and appliances with drop cloths to shield them from dust and accidental scratches.
Turn Off Power and Water: If your cabinets are connected to any electrical outlets or plumbing (like garbage disposals or under-cabinet lighting), make sure to turn off the relevant circuit breakers and shut off the water supply to prevent accidents.

Removing Cabinet Doors and Drawers

The first part of the kitchen cabinet removal process is to detach the doors and drawers. This makes the cabinet boxes lighter and easier to handle.

Detaching Cabinet Doors

Support the Door: Have a helper hold the cabinet door or place a sturdy object underneath it to support its weight as you work.
Locate Hinges: Open the cabinet door to expose the hinges.
Remove Cabinet Hardware: You’ll typically find screws attaching the hinge to the cabinet frame. Use the appropriate screwdriver to remove these screws. Some hinges might have a clip mechanism that you can press to release the door.
Label Doors and Hinges: It’s a good practice to label each door and its corresponding hinge set with masking tape. This is especially helpful if you plan to re-hang them or if you’re removing them for refinishing. This ensures you know exactly where each piece goes during reinstallation or if you’re only removing a few.

Removing Drawers

Pull Drawers Out: Most drawers slide out on runners. Pull them out as far as they will go.
Locate Drawer Slides: Look for release mechanisms on the drawer slides. There’s usually a small lever or tab on the slide that you need to press or lift.
Separate Drawer from Runner: Once the release is engaged, you should be able to pull the drawer completely off the runner.
Store Drawer Hardware: Keep the screws and any other hardware with the corresponding drawer.

Dismounting Kitchen Cabinets from the Wall

This is the most critical phase of the kitchen cabinet removal process. Here’s how to safely detach cabinets from the wall.

Locating Cabinet Mounting Screws

Check Inside Cabinets: Most cabinets are attached to the wall with screws that go through the back of the cabinet frame directly into wall studs. Open the cabinet doors and look for these screws.
Check Underneath Shelves/Drawers: For upper cabinets, screws might also be hidden underneath the top shelf or above the drawer openings. For base cabinets, screws might be secured through the back panel or the mounting rail at the top.
Look for Filler Strips or Trim: Sometimes, manufacturers hide screws behind decorative filler strips or trim pieces. Gently inspect these areas for any visible screw heads.

Unfastening Base Cabinets

Accessing Rear Screws: Base cabinets are usually secured to the wall studs through their back panels. You might need to reach around the back or through openings to access these screws.
Removing Kick Plates: Some base cabinets have a removable kick plate at the bottom. Removing this can give you better access to the rear of the cabinet and potential mounting points.
Check for Other Attachments: Base cabinets might also be secured to each other or to adjacent appliances. Address these connections before attempting to pull the cabinet away from the wall.

Removing Upper Cabinets

Support is Key: Upper cabinets are typically mounted to wall studs with screws driven through the back. Because they are overhead, they are heavier and more difficult to manage. Always have a helper to support the cabinet as you remove the last screws.
Locate Mounting Points: Look for screws driven through the back of the cabinet into the wall. These are usually found at the top and bottom edges of the cabinet’s back panel.
Gentle Prying: Once all screws are removed, the cabinet might still be held in place by paint or caulk. Use your pry bar gently between the cabinet and the wall to break any seals. Work slowly and systematically to avoid damaging the wall or the cabinet.

Detach Cabinets from Wall: Step-by-Step

Identify All Fasteners: Before you start removing any screws, take a thorough look to ensure you’ve found all the screws holding the cabinet to the wall and to any adjacent cabinets.
Remove Cabinet Hardware: Using your screwdriver or drill, carefully remove all visible screws that attach the cabinet to the wall.
Score Caulk/Paint: If the cabinet seems stuck, use a utility knife to score along the edges where the cabinet meets the wall. This breaks any paint or caulk seals.
Gentle Separation: With the screws removed and caulk scored, have your helper gently pull the cabinet away from the wall while you guide it. Start from the top and work your way down.
Lower Carefully: Once the cabinet is free from the wall, carefully lower it to the floor.

Cabinet Disassembly Steps for Reuse or Disposal

If you plan to reuse your cabinets or are breaking them down for easier disposal, follow these cabinet disassembly steps.

Breaking Down Cabinet Boxes

Identify Joints: Cabinet boxes are typically joined with screws, glue, or dowels.
Remove Back Panel: Often, the back panel is attached with small nails or screws. Remove these to start separating the structure.
Disassemble Frame: Carefully remove screws holding the cabinet sides to the top and bottom pieces. If glued, you might need to use a pry bar carefully or a rubber mallet to gently tap the joints apart.
Label Parts: If you intend to reassemble the cabinets, label each piece clearly.

Kitchen Cabinet Installation Removal Considerations

If you are removing cabinets that were part of a recent kitchen cabinet installation, they might be secured differently.

Check Manufacturer Instructions: If possible, try to find installation guides for your specific cabinet brand. These often detail how they are mounted.
Hidden Fasteners: Some modern installations use hidden brackets or mounting systems that are not immediately obvious. Inspect the cabinet thoroughly for these.
Professional Installation: Cabinets installed by professionals might be more securely fastened or have specialized mounting systems.

Safe Cabinet Removal Best Practices

Prioritizing safety is paramount throughout the entire kitchen cabinet removal process.

Working with a Partner

Essential for Support: As mentioned, having a helper is crucial, especially when removing upper cabinets. Two people can distribute the weight and ensure controlled movement.
Clear Communication: Communicate clearly with your partner. Agree on signals before you start moving anything.

Avoiding Wall Damage

Pry Gently: Use a thin piece of wood or cardboard between your pry bar and the wall to prevent gouging or denting the drywall.
Score Thoroughly: Ensure you’ve scored all caulk and paint lines before attempting to pry.
Support Cabinet Weight: Never let the cabinet’s weight rest solely on your pry bar. Keep it supported.

Proper Tool Usage

Use the Right Bit: Ensure your screwdriver bit fits the screw head snugly to avoid stripping screws.
Control the Drill: If using a drill, set it to a low torque setting to avoid overtightening or stripping screws.
Pry Bar Technique: Use the flat side of the pry bar against the wall and focus leverage on the cabinet’s edge.

Table of Common Cabinet Fasteners

Fastener Type	Location	Removal Tool	Notes
Wood Screws	Back panel, hinges, drawer slides, frame	Phillips or Flathead Screwdriver	May be countersunk and hidden.
Nails	Back panel, sometimes frame joints	Claw Hammer or Pry Bar	Often small finishing nails.
Dowels	Frame joints (especially with glue)	Rubber Mallet, Pry Bar	May require gentle tapping to loosen.
Cam Locks	Modern cabinets, connecting panels	Flathead Screwdriver	Turn to unlock the cam bolt.
Mounting Clips	Some modern cabinet systems	Flathead Screwdriver	Often require pushing or lifting to release.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I remove cabinets that are glued to the wall?
If cabinets are glued, this is more complex. You might need to gently tap the edges with a rubber mallet to break the adhesive bond. Sometimes, a thin shim or putty knife can be worked into the seam to help break the glue. Be prepared for potential wall damage and have repair materials ready.

Q2: What if the screws are stripped or won’t come out?
If screws are stripped, try using a rubber band between the screwdriver bit and the screw head for better grip. If that fails, a screw extractor kit can be a lifesaver. For severely stuck screws, you might need to drill them out carefully, starting with a small bit and progressively increasing the size.

Q3: Can I remove kitchen cabinets alone?
While it’s possible for smaller, lighter cabinets, it’s not recommended. Upper cabinets, in particular, are heavy and awkward. Having a helper makes the process significantly safer and easier.

Q4: What’s the best way to label cabinet parts for reinstallation?
Use painter’s tape and a marker. Label each door and drawer with a number and letter corresponding to its original location (e.g., “Base Cabinet 1 – Door A”). Also, label the hinges with the same identifier to ensure they go back on the correct door and cabinet.

Q5: How do I protect my walls when removing cabinets?
Always score caulk or paint lines with a utility knife. When prying, use a thin piece of scrap wood or a painter’s multi-tool between the pry bar and the wall to distribute pressure and prevent dents or tears in the drywall.

Conclusion

Taking off kitchen cabinets is a manageable DIY project with careful planning and execution. By following these detailed steps, gathering the right tools, and prioritizing safety, you can successfully detach cabinets from the wall, remove cabinet doors, and complete your kitchen cabinet removal project efficiently. Remember that patience and a methodical approach are key to a clean and safe removal.