How to Remove Old Kitchen Cabinets

How to remove old kitchen cabinets while remodeling when you are on a tight budget.  Taking out the old cabinets isn’t as hard or as time consuming as you may think.  All you need are a few tools, a little sweat equity and a plan to dispose of the old cabinets.  If they are in fairly good shape, you can sell or donate them.  If the cabinets are beyond restoring, call your local roll-off container company and have them deliver a dumpster right to your backdoor.

How to Remove old kitchen cabinets

Gathering the Tools

There are a few specific tools that you will need to get the job done such as:

  • Pry bar
  • Razor knife
  • Putty knife
  • Hammer
  • Drill
  • Screwdriver
  • Tape measure
  • Reciprocating saw
  • Step stool
  • Tarp or old blanket

Don’t forget the safety googles and gloves.

Preparing the Cabinets and Countertops

Empty out the cabinets and clear everything off of the countertops.  For extra protection, cover the counter tops with a tarp or old blanket.

Turn the power off to any electrical outlets you will be working around.

Taking Apart the Cabinets

Once the area is demolition ready, begin removing the doors and shelving.  Unscrew the doors from the cabinet body.  Keep the hinges attached to the door.  Lift out the drawers and shelves, leaving the brackets in place.  This will make it easier to reassemble the cabinets if you are selling or donating them.

Removing the Frame Work

Most cabinets have been finished off with caulk to keep water from getting behind the cabinets and/or to hide imperfections during the installment process.  Cut the caulk with the razor knife or putty knife.  Slip the pry bar between the wall and cabinet frame and gentle tap on the hammer to finish breaking the seal.

Taking Down the Cabinets

If you do not have a helper to hold the cabinets, find something to put under the cabinets to support them such as a stack of books or a sturdy box.

Unscrew any fasteners that connect the cabinets together.  Next, remove the screws that attach the cabinets to the wall or floor.  Before removing the final screws, make sure the cabinet is not going to fall of you or something else.

When the final screw is out, lift the cabinet up and away from the wall.   Congratulations, on a job well done!

Now, have you picked out your new cabinets?

Do you need a roll-off container company for your kitchen remolding project?  Contact R & R Container Service, in Acworth, GA, today at 770-975-9554.