Can you take out kitchen cabinets yourself? Yes, with the right tools and a methodical approach, you can successfully take out kitchen cabinets yourself. This guide will walk you through the entire cabinet removal process, from preparation to disposal, ensuring a safe and efficient experience. Whether you’re embarking on a full kitchen demolition or simply upgrading your cabinetry, knowing how to properly remove cabinets is crucial. This process can also be a stepping stone to cabinet installation of new units or even cabinet refinishing for existing ones.
Preparing for Cabinet Removal
Before you start unscrewing anything, careful preparation is key. This phase ensures your safety, protects your home, and makes the actual removal much smoother.
1. Gather Your Tools and Supplies
Having all the necessary equipment readily available will save you time and frustration.
- Safety Gear:
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Work gloves
- Dust mask
- Closed-toe shoes
- Basic Tools:
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
- Cordless drill/driver with assorted bits
- Pliers
- Utility knife
- Pry bar set (various sizes)
- Stud finder
- Demolition Tools (if needed):
- Hammer
- Reciprocating saw with wood-cutting blades (use with extreme caution)
- Protection and Cleanup:
- Drop cloths or old sheets
- Plastic sheeting
- Painter’s tape
- Buckets or sturdy bins for hardware and small parts
- Garbage bags or a large bin for debris
2. Disconnect Utilities
This is a critical safety step. Improperly disconnected utilities can lead to electrical shocks or gas leaks.
Plumbing
- Shut off the water supply: Locate the shut-off valves under the sink for both hot and cold water. Turn them clockwise until snug.
- Drain the pipes: Open the faucet to release any remaining water in the lines.
- Disconnect supply lines: Use pliers or an adjustable wrench to loosen the fittings connecting the supply lines to the faucet and the shut-off valves. Have a bucket ready to catch residual water.
Electrical
- Turn off the power: Locate the circuit breaker for the kitchen or specifically for the outlets and lighting you’ll be working near. Flip the breaker to the “OFF” position.
- Verify power is off: Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm that no power is running to the outlets, lights, or any hardwired appliances connected to the cabinets. Test an outlet before you begin to be absolutely sure.
3. Remove Countertop and Appliances
Often, countertops and some appliances are installed on top of or within the base cabinets. Removing these first makes accessing and detaching the cabinets much easier.
Countertop Removal
The method for countertop removal depends on the material.
- Laminate Countertops: These are usually attached with screws from underneath or adhesive. Look for screws around the sink opening and along the backsplash. If glued, you might need a pry bar and a putty knife to gently break the seal.
- Solid Surface (e.g., Corian) Countertops: These are often glued to the cabinets and sometimes seamed together. You may need to cut through the adhesive seam with a utility knife or a specialized saw.
- Granite, Quartz, or Marble Countertops: These are typically heavy and secured with silicone adhesive and sometimes clips underneath. Carefully score the silicone seam with a utility knife. You may need a pry bar to gently lift the countertop, working your way along the edge. It’s highly recommended to have at least two people for this due to the weight.
- Tile Countertops: Tiles are usually adhered with thin-set mortar. You’ll likely need a hammer and chisel or a reciprocating saw with a demolition blade to break up the tile and underlying substrate.
Appliance Removal
- Dishwasher: Ensure it’s disconnected from water, drain, and electrical supply. It’s usually secured by screws to the underside of the countertop and possibly to the adjacent cabinets.
- Range/Oven: Disconnect from gas or electricity. If it’s a slide-in model, it may simply need to be pulled out. Freestanding ranges might be secured with anti-tip brackets.
- Microwave/Hood Vent: If mounted above the range, it’s typically screwed into the underside of wall cabinets or directly into wall studs. Disconnect electrical power.
4. Clear Out Cabinet Contents
Remove everything from inside the cabinets and drawers. This makes them lighter and prevents items from falling and breaking during removal.
5. Protect Your Workspace
Lay down drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect your floors from scratches, dust, and debris. Use painter’s tape to secure the edges of the sheeting.
Detaching the Cabinets
Once the preparation is complete, you can begin the actual detachment process. It’s best to work systematically, typically from the top down, or in sections that make sense for your kitchen layout.
1. Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware
- Cabinet Doors: Most cabinet doors are attached with hinges.
- Open a door to access the hinges.
- You’ll typically see screws that attach the hinge plate to the cabinet frame.
- Carefully unscrew these screws. You might want to support the door as you remove the last screws to prevent it from falling.
- Label each door and its corresponding cabinet with painter’s tape so you know where they belong if you plan to reuse or refinish them.
- Cabinet Hardware: Remove knobs, pulls, and drawer slides. Keep all hardware in a designated container to avoid losing it, especially if you intend to reuse it for cabinet refinishing or new cabinet installation.
2. Remove Drawers
Drawers usually slide out on metal or wooden tracks.
- Gently pull the drawer out until it stops.
- Look for release levers on the drawer slides. Press these levers to disengage the drawer from the cabinet.
- If there are no levers, you might need to tilt the drawer or gently pry it to release it from the tracks.
3. Detach Wall Cabinets
Wall cabinets are typically secured to the wall with screws that go into wall studs.
- Locate attachment screws: These are usually found along the top and bottom edges of the cabinet frame, often hidden behind a small trim piece or directly visible on the cabinet’s mounting rail.
- Pry gently if needed: If the cabinet feels stuck, use a pry bar with a thin piece of wood or cardboard underneath to protect the wall.
- Support the cabinet: Have a helper or use sturdy props (like painter’s tri-stands or stacked wood blocks) to support the cabinet as you remove the screws. This prevents it from suddenly dropping.
- Remove screws: Using your drill/driver or screwdriver, carefully remove all visible screws securing the cabinet to the wall.
- Lower the cabinet: Once all screws are out, gently pull the cabinet away from the wall and lower it carefully.
4. Detach Base Cabinets
Base cabinets are usually secured to the wall studs and sometimes to each other.
- Locate attachment screws: Look for screws along the top back edge, often screwed into a wall cleat or directly into studs. Some may also be attached to adjacent cabinets.
- Check for plumbing/electrical: Double-check that all plumbing and electrical connections are fully disconnected and safely tucked away.
- Pry gently: Similar to wall cabinets, use a pry bar with protection if the cabinet is stubborn.
- Remove screws: Systematically remove all screws securing the base cabinet to the wall and to any adjacent cabinets.
- Slide out or lift: Once loose, you can often slide base cabinets away from the wall. If they are still secured by flooring or other elements, you may need to gently lift them.
5. Handling Stubborn Cabinets
Sometimes cabinets are installed with adhesive or a strong adhesive caulk along the backsplash or sides.
- Use a utility knife: Score any visible caulk lines where the cabinet meets the wall or countertop.
- Pry bar with caution: For adhesive, you might need to use your pry bar more forcefully, but be mindful of damaging the wall or the cabinet if you plan to reuse it. A reciprocating saw with a wood-cutting blade can be used to cut through stubborn connections or wooden support pieces, but this requires extreme care to avoid cutting into plumbing, wiring, or wall studs you intend to keep.
Dealing with Debris and Planning for the Future
Once the cabinets are removed, you’ll have debris and possibly cabinets you want to repurpose.
1. Debris Removal and Disposal
- Sort materials: Separate wood, metal hardware, and any other materials.
- Dispose of properly: Check with your local waste management for guidelines on disposing of construction debris. You may need to rent a dumpster or schedule a special pickup.
- Salvageable items: If your cabinets are in good condition and you’re not doing a full renovation, consider selling or donating them.
2. Preparing for New Cabinet Installation or Refinishing
- Clean the walls and floor: This is a good opportunity to clean up dust and debris from the exposed areas.
- Repair wall damage: Patch any holes or damage to the drywall.
- Assess plumbing and electrical: Ensure all pipes and wires are safely capped or rerouted according to code if necessary.
- Consider a fresh coat of paint: Now is the perfect time to paint the walls before new cabinets go up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I need to remove my cabinets before my countertop?
A1: Generally, yes. While some countertops can be removed without touching the cabinets, most cabinet removal procedures are much easier and safer once the countertop is out of the way. This also prevents damage to the countertop during the cabinet removal process.
Q2: What if my cabinets are glued to the wall?
A2: If cabinets are glued, you’ll need to carefully break the adhesive bond. A utility knife can score the edges, and a pry bar, used gently and with protective padding, can help loosen them. In rare, very stubborn cases, a reciprocating saw might be needed to cut through the adhesive or any supporting brackets, but use this with extreme caution.
Q3: Can I reuse the old cabinets?
A3: Absolutely! If your cabinets are in good condition, you can reuse them in another part of your home, sell them, or donate them. This is a great option if you’re looking for cost-effective solutions or want to give them a new life through cabinet refinishing.
Q4: How do I handle old cabinet hardware?
A4: Keep all cabinet hardware (screws, hinges, knobs, pulls) in a labeled container. If you’re reusing the cabinets, you’ll need them. If you’re installing new cabinets, you might be able to sell the old hardware or repurpose it.
Q5: Is it difficult to remove a kitchen sink and faucet?
A5: Removing a sink and faucet involves disconnecting plumbing. Shutting off the water supply is the first step. Then, disconnect water supply lines and the drain pipe. For the sink itself, it’s usually held in place by clips or adhesive. Once plumbing is disconnected, release these clips or break the adhesive seal.
Q6: What is the best way to remove a base cabinet that feels stuck?
A6: Base cabinets are often screwed into wall studs from the back, sometimes via a mounting rail. Check for any screws along the top or sides. If it feels stuck, ensure all screws are removed. Sometimes, the flooring might be tight against the cabinet base. Gentle wiggling or carefully using a pry bar between the cabinet and the wall can help dislodge it. Always ensure power and water are off and disconnected before attempting to move cabinets, especially those around sinks or appliances.
This comprehensive guide should equip you with the knowledge needed for a successful cabinet removal. Remember to prioritize safety and work methodically.