Learning how to remove kitchen cabinets is an excellent way to save money on a remodel. You can reduce labour costs and speed up the process: after all, the quicker your old kitchen is gone, the quicker you can install a new one!
Cabinets take up a large amount of space, even in small kitchens. Plus, if you’re hoping to sell your old cabinets (and make some money on the side), you’ll need to dismantle them very carefully.
At Rehome, we want to stretch your budget further. So, if you’re up for the challenge, learn how to remove kitchen cabinets with our handy, step-by-step guide.
Can I remove kitchen cabinets myself?
Yes, of course! Removing kitchen cabinets isn’t nearly as complicated as you may think (particularly if you’ve never taken on a task like this before).
Some elements may require a helping hand (taking down upper cabinets, for example), but dismantling cabinets that have been installed with screws should be fairly simple.
However, there are some circumstances where manual removal may not be possible without causing serious damage to the cabinets. If the cabinets have been affixed with glue, sealant or nails, for example, this will be a much more difficult job.
Before gathering supplies, we recommend examining your cabinet’s construction: how are the doors attached? Is it worth carrying out the job yourself (and damaging the cabinetry) or paying more for a labourer to salvage the cabinets?
Safety tips to remember
We all need a helping hand now and then, and this job is no different. For kitchen cabinet removal, we recommend calling on a friend to help. They can help carry the cabinets to another location and keep you steady if you need to use a stepladder.
What you need
Supplies will vary depending on the age and complexity of your cabinet’s construction, but generally, we recommend gathering the following items:
- Gloves
- Glasses
- Electric drill
- Pliers
- Drill driver bits
- Pry bar
How to remove kitchen wall cabinets
1. Remove shelves and appliances
Begin by emptying the cabinets of all contents.
Remove any small appliances, such as microwaves, that are housed within or beneath the cabinets. Lift out any adjustable shelves off of the shelf pins and set them aside (keep the pins where they are).
2. Remove doors
Next, detach the cabinet doors by unscrewing the hinges. Doing this lightens the load and will prevent the doors from swinging open unexpectedly during removal.
3. Cut paint or caulk
Use a utility knife to slice through any paint or caulk, sealing the cabinets to the wall. While this isn’t common, this step helps prevent damage to the wall surface when the cabinets are removed.
4. Unscrew side screws
If the cabinets are joined to adjacent units, locate and remove the screws on the interior sides that hold them together. Now, each cabinet can be separated for individual removal.
5. Unscrew back screws
With assistance supporting the cabinet's weight, locate and remove the screws securing the cabinet to the wall studs. Typically, there are four screws per cabinet. Once these are removed, carefully lower the cabinet from its position.
How to remove kitchen base cabinets
1. Remove drawers and shelves
Begin by emptying all contents from the cabinets. Pull out the drawers completely and set them aside. If the shelves are adjustable or removable, lift them off their support pins and remove them as well.
2. Detach the sink
Before removing the sink, turn off the water supply valves located beneath it. Disconnect the water supply lines using an adjustable wrench, and detach the drain pipes by loosening the slip joint nuts.
Carefully cut through any sealant around the sink's perimeter with a utility knife, then lift the sink out of the worktop (depending on your strength and the weight of your sink, you may need to call in a friend here!)
3. Uninstall dishwasher
Double-check that the dishwasher is turned off at the circuit breaker. Disconnect the water supply line and the drain hose from beneath the sink. Remove any screws securing the dishwasher to the underside of the worktop.
Gently slide the dishwasher out from its cavity, taking great care not to damage the surrounding cabinetry or flooring.
4. Cut caulk
Using a utility knife, carefully slice through any caulk or sealant where the worktop meets the backsplash or wall.
5. Remove the toe kick plate
The toe kick is the recessed panel at the bottom front of the base cabinets. Use a pry bar or putty knife to gently remove this panel, exposing any screws or fasteners that may be securing the cabinets to the floor or wall.
6. Unscrew side and wall screws
Locate and remove the screws that secure the cabinets to each other (side screws) and the wall studs (wall screws). These are typically found inside the cabinets, near the back panel. Grab your electric drill to make this process quicker!
7. Lift the cabinets out
As base cabinets can be even heavier and more unwieldy than wall cabinets, we recommend asking a friend to help you lift the cabinets away from the wall (with all fasteners removed).
Place the removed cabinets on a protective surface to prevent damage.
FAQs
How long does it take to remove kitchen cabinets?
The time it takes to complete a full kitchen cabinet removal will depend on the size of the home and the scale of the job!
For an average-sized kitchen, two people can expect to spend at least two days on the removal process. Larger kitchens or cabinets that are glued and nailed rather than screwed may extend this timeframe.
How hard is it to remove old kitchen cabinets?
With the right tools and know-how, removing old kitchen cabinets can be manageable for someone with basic DIY skills. The difficulty level is usually influenced by the way the cabinets have been installed and their condition.
What should I do with the kitchen cabinets I've removed?
After removal, consider the following options for your old cabinets:
- Reuse or repurpose: If the cabinets are in good condition, reusing them in other areas of your home (like a garage or utility room) can be a practical option.
- Sell or donate: Placing the cabinets for sale or donation can reduce waste.
- Recycle: If the cabinets are beyond reuse, recycle the materials!
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Once you’ve learnt how to remove kitchen cabinets, start shopping for ex-display kitchens from brands like John Lewis of Hungerford, Harvey Jones and Heatherington Newman.