How to take cabinets down
with tips from professionals |
Removing kitchen cabinets can largely be done as a DIY job, and could save you money, and the time that you have contractors in your home.
Whether you are installing a new kitchen or are getting it professionally fitted, you may want to remove the majority of the current configuration yourself. And this majority doesn’t require too much skill to tackle. Or perhaps you want to paint kitchen cabinets and just want to discover how to remove doors and drawer fronts?
The first thing to do is get the room ready by emptying all the cabinets. This means taking out all your crockery, pots, pans, cooking equipment, utensils, cutlery, glassware and food items from all the cabinets, both base and wall units, pantries, larders and any pull-outs. Removing kitchen cabinets is usually pretty straightforward and you can usually take them off the wall without damaging the surface underneath.
‘Removing kitchen cabinets isn’t too difficult,’ confirms Ryan McDonough, interior design expert at My Job Quote , ‘but there are some areas that will need a bit of skill. Doors should simply unscrew at the hinges and internal shelves are usually resting on pegs, so they should easily lift off. For drawers, you may need to negotiate the drawer-stop mechanism but otherwise they will come straight out of the unit. Metal and plastic brackets commonly hold units together and worktops in place. So these will also unscrew with the right size screwdriver.
'However, built-in appliances are a bit more difficult. Cabinets where the sink is plumbed in and electric or gas appliances are installed need safely disconnecting first. You may be able to turn the water supply off yourself and isolate or cap the water pipes but call in a gas engineer or qualified electrician to remove ovens and hobs.’
Below, we take you through the basics of removing kitchen cabinets.
How to remove kitchen cabinets and drawers
If you’re going to install kitchen cabinets, the current ones need to be removed first. After you’ve taken everything out of the cabinets and drawers, you are ready to start.
1. Unscrew kitchen cabinet door hinges
When taking on a project such as this, it’s important to always protect your eyes, nose, mouth and hands. Wear protective goggles, mask and gloves as well as old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
The first step is to unscrew the door hinges. There may be a release clip that will make this easier but if not, you just need to unscrew them while someone else holds the weight of the cabinet door.
2. Remove drawer fronts
Drawers can be lifted up from their runners; you should check first if there is a securing clip that needs to be undone.
3. Remove base units
Base units tend to have fixings at the back as well as screws holding cabinets together to their adjacent unit. Once you’ve removed these, the cabinets should be pulled out slowly.
4. Remove all cabinets
Wall cabinets take a bit more effort to remove. This is because the brackets are designed to take a lot of weight. Loosen the screws on the brackets at each side as well as removing screws that connect the cabinets in the middle.
Next, lift it up and out of the bracket. Getting someone else to help makes a big difference. Some cabinets are screwed onto the wall rather than a bracket. In which case, one of you should hold the cabinet’s weight while the other unscrews.
‘Consider what’s on top of the cabinet before you start the general removal process,’ adds Scott Peterson, director of HKUK . ‘Any countertops should be supported with cabinets or end support panels either side of the cabinet that you are removing. Cabinets are usually screwed together and generally, there are four screws on each side. Check any hidden areas such as behind hinge plates and shelves. Base cabinets will usually be screwed to the wall and wall units will often be hooked on to hanging brackets, so once unscrewed from other units these will lift off the hanging brackets.’
5. How to remove appliances
Some cabinets may have appliances hard-wired into fixed connections. In this instance, always get a professional electrician or gas engineer to disconnect and make safe.
Once this is done, you can remove the appliances then tackle the cabinet it was housed in.
6. How to remove the kitchen sink
The same goes for sinks: ask a plumber to help if you’re unsure how to tackle water outlets. Turn the water supply off, keep pipes and outlets upright so waste water doesn’t spill out and dissemble any fixings underneath the sink before cutting the sealant that attaches it to the countertop above.
7. How to remove countertops
Countertops are usually fitted from underneath. Look for screws or bolts that are holding them in place and remove these, slowly, with the help of a friend. Some areas may have glue or sealant to secure in place so these will need to be prised away with a scraper. Prise the countertop up and away from the cabinets.
‘When moving heavy items such as countertops,’ adds Looeeze, ‘use the correct removal products for the job, work slowly and carefully and seek help if needed. Countertops have been sealed and the sealant is made to last.
Work on the joins and loosening off the silicon first, then gather some extra manpower to help move the countertops, as they are extremely heavy and very delicate. The areas to take particular care is around any cut-outs, as these points have been weakened. Never attempt to lift a countertop just with two people with one person at either end – it’s a recipe for disaster.’
8. How to remove backsplash tiles
If you have tiles on the wall above the countertop, you may need to remove the bottom row before tackling the worksurface. Use a hammer and bolster if you don’t need to keep the tiles afterwards and always wear protective goggles and gloves.
Can I remove kitchen cabinets myself?
Yes, you can remove kitchen cabinets yourself but it is better done with a friend and it's always worth checking the installation to see how hard a job it might be. For example, if the cabinets were fitted with glue and nails rather than screws, it will be much more difficult to pry apart and out, and you will certainly damage the cabinetry as you do so.
‘Most people are unaware there is an art to removing a kitchen,’ says Looeeze Grossman, founder of The Used Kitchen Company . ‘It is only when they attempt it that they realize it’s not as easy as it seems. Kitchen cabinets will need to be unscrewed from their hinges, using a drill for speed. Make sure you keep the screws and always label which ones came from which cupboard or drawer. If you can, tape them to the back of each cabinet.
How long does it take to remove kitchen cabinets?
Allow yourself at a minimum two days to remove kitchen cabinets; this is for two people in an average-sized kitchen. A larger space will take longer. The type of installation will also affect how long it takes to remove kitchen cabinets: glued and nailed cabinetry will be harder to remove than a kitchen neatly screwed together.
What should I do with kitchen cabinets I've removed?
Removing kitchen cabinets not only makes the space ready for the new versions but it also enables you to sell them and make a bit of money at the same time.
You could sell privately or use a company that specializes in this sort of thing.
Alternatively, think of using the cabinets for a mudroom or laundry room design. Refinishing kitchen cabinets or staining kitchen cabinets could give wooden versions a new look for the room, or they could be painted.
How to Remove Kitchen Cabinets: A DIY Guide
Get your kitchen out of the 80s with new cabinetry. Learn how to tackle the upper and lower storage areas step-by-step.
ByJon Behm| Last Updated:02/17/2023
Your Step-By-Step Kitchen Cabinet Removal Guide
Are you looking to update your kitchen, but don’t have the time or budget for a full-on remodel? Luckily, there’s a simple way to give your kitchen a facelift without breaking the bank — remove and replace your cabinets.
While you might hire a professional to install new cabinets, removing them yourself is a simple task if you have the time to knock it out. All it takes is a little finesse with your pry bar and a few precautions to avoid damage to your countertops and floor.
Click a step in the list below to jump to where you need help, or read on to start at the beginning.
Cabinet Removal FAQs
What tools do I need to remove cabinets?The majority of the tools you need to remove cabinets are available in a standard toolbox:
- Pry bar
- Putty knives
- Utility knife
- Hammer
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- Reciprocating saw
The process of removing cabinets is a beginner DIY project. It doesn’t require any special tools or equipment, isn't very time-consuming and requires minimal construction know-how. If you have a basic tool kit, an available weekend and are able to lift 20-30 pounds, you can handle this project with ease.
How much does kitchen cabinet removal cost?If you opt to hire a professional, expect to pay between $645 - $1,370 for 25 linear feet of cabinets.
For DIY cabinet removal, the cost tends to be as low as your debris disposal method, so renting a dumpster and doing the work yourself will often be a cheaper option.
The whole project can be completed in a few hours, depending on the number of cabinets that need removed and the materials you are working with. It’s best to give yourself a full day to complete the project in case any unexpected difficulties come up.
How to Remove Cabinets From Your Kitchen Walls
The process of getting rid of cabinets isn’t tough in itself. If you have a free weekend and a basic toolkit, you’ll be good to go. Just remember that you'll be without cabinets until new ones are installed. So don't plan to tear them out without a solid storage plan in place for the contents if it's going to be a while before the new ones arrive.
Ready to get started? Read on to see what you need to begin the job.
Cabinet Removal Prep
Gather Tools
Most of the tools you need for cabinet removal are found in your basic toolbox.
That’s a good thing, because it means you can get your project started whenever you’re ready without having to run to the home improvement store for special equipment.
This is also a good time to consider how you’re getting rid of the debris. If you’re saving the cabinets, make sure you have a space cleared to store them or a way to transport them to a donation center. If you’re tossing them, a 10 yard roll off dumpster is a convenient option that comfortably fits in most driveways.
Cabinet Removal Tools
Tools | Supplies |
|---|---|
Pry bar | Gloves |
Putty knives | Goggles |
Utility knife | Tarps |
Hammer | Spare 2x4s (for supporting needs) |
Drill | Step ladder |
Screwdriver | Measuring tape |
Wrench | |
Reciprocating saw |
Preparing the Area
It’s time to get started, but don’t jump right into demolition mode.
There are a few things you need to do before the screws start coming out. These tasks aren’t hard, but they are important to a successful project and will help you keep the area clean and organized as you work:
- Empty out your cabinets.
- Clear everything from the countertops.
- Shut off utilities to the kitchen.
- Cover the floor and countertops with tarps.
Disassemble Cabinet Fixtures
It’s time to disassemble the cabinets. Start with anything that might move or get in the way when you start removing the body of the cabinets. This includes:
- Doors: Unscrew the bracket from the cabinet body so the hinge remains with the door.
- Shelves: Either unscrew the bracket from the cabinet body or simply lift the shelf from the support peg.
- Drawers: Pull the drawer all the way out, then lift and continue pulling. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to detach the sliding bracket from the drawer.
Be sure to label each drawer with a sticky note if you plan on reusing or donating the cabinets.
Take Off Trim and Seals
It’s time to remove the pieces of wood framing that join the cabinet with the floor or wall. The trim is typically decorative and does not contribute to the cabinet’s attachment. The most common things you’ll have to remove are molding, trim and caulk. Luckily, they are all pretty easy to get rid of.
- For caulk: Use a utility knife to sever the connection between the cabinet and other surfaces.
- For molding and trim: Use a hammer to wedge your pry bar behind the trim and pull it away.
While this might seem like a step you can skip, don’t. If you fail to remove these attachments now, you’ll be forced to do it later on when your cabinets are no longer affixed to the walls with screws, which is more dangerous.
Keep in Mind
If you’re trying to save the trim, be sure to work slowly and in smaller sections.
However, if you want to keep the cabinets intact but something has to break, let the molding crack. It’s far cheaper to replace trim than a cabinet.
Rent a Dumpster for Your Old Cabinets
4 Steps to Remove Upper Cabinets
It’s officially time to get to the heavy work and remove the bare bones of the cabinets. So, get your hammer, drill and screwdriver, pick the left or the right end of your cabinets and get started.
1. Place Supports
Measure the space between your countertops and the bottom of your cabinets. Then, cut your 2x4 into four pieces matching the length. Place one of your cut supports under each corner of the cabinet you’re removing.
These supports aren’t intended to hold the cabinets in place forever. They are to help for a moment if your hand slips as you pull the cabinets off the wall.
Remember to ask someone for help if you need assistance with detaching your cabinets.
2. Detach Cabinets From Each Other
Not all cabinets will require this step since some might stand alone or simply do not connect.
However, it’s a good idea to double-check to be safe.
Look at where your cabinet touches another one to see if there are any fasteners. Keep in mind that they may be covered for aesthetic reasons, so look for circular discolorations, stickers and other signs that a screw might be covered up. Also, only look on the sides on the cabinets — you won’t be removing any fasteners on the back until the next step.
Once you’ve located the screws, this step is as simple as unscrewing them.
3. Unfasten the Cabinet From the Wall
You’ll need to determine how your cabinets are attached to the wall to move forward with your project. There are two standard ways they are secured: screws and glue. Luckily, determining what type of cabinet you’re dealing with is as simple as looking. If you see screws, you need to remove them. If you don’t see screws, the cabinets are most likely glued.
How to Remove Cabinets Attached With Screws
Starting at the bottom, work your way to the top as you remove screws with a drill or screwdriver.
Remember as you work on the final screws to support the cabinet so that it does not fall once detached.
Be sure to look on the bottom and top of the cabinet to ensure there are no screws attached to a hidden lip.
How to Remove Cabinets Glued to the Wall
Begin at the side of the cabinet and wedge your pry bar between the back of the cabinet and the wall. Do this in a couple of spots on the side to fully loosen the glue before repeating on the top and bottom of the cabinet. To minimize potential damage to the wall, use a stud finder and pry on top of any studs that may be behind the cabinet.
As you loosen the glue’s hold, be sure to keep a tight grip on the cabinet so that it does not fall.
4. Lift and Remove Cabinet
Once you believe you’ve fully detached the cabinet from the wall, gently lift the cabinet upwards and then pull it away from the wall. Be sure to do this step slowly in case there is any residual glue that has not come loose or you’ve missed a screw.
Once the cabinet is completely removed, clear it from your work zone so that you have plenty of space to remove the other cabinets.
4 Steps to Remove Lower Cabinets
While very similar to removing the upper cabinets, tearing out the lower ones requires a bit more effort and know-how, mostly because of the sink, dishwasher and countertops. Don’t worry — even with all of these extra obstructions, removing lower kitchen cabinets is still a pretty simple DIY task.
1. Lift Out the Kitchen Sink
Grab your wrench and utility knife and get started. In case you skipped the prep section, don't forget to shut off your utilities to the work area. Then, unhook all the pipes that lead to the sink. After that, use your utility knife to slice through any caulk attaching the sink to the cabinet or countertop. Finally, unscrew the sink and lift it out. Be sure to place it outside of your work zone.
2. Remove the Countertops
Your countertops will probably be attached to the cabinets with screws and caulk.
Double-check this by looking at the bottom of the countertops. If that’s the case, simply unscrew the countertop and use a utility knife to cut the countertops away from the caulk. Then, simply lift it off the cabinets and move it out of the way. For more in-depth tips, check out our step-by-step countertop removal guide.
3. Detach Piping
This step is not needed for all kitchen cabinets, but might be necessary if a sink and dishwasher are not located next to each other. If so, the water pipes need to travel through a side cabinet wall to get to their destination.
You can detach the pipes in two ways depending on the type of cabinets you have. If your cabinets have no back panel, use your jigsaw to cut the side panel so that there is no wood between the pipe and the wall, which will allow you to slide the cabinet out around the pipe. If the cabinets have a back, you’ll need to use your wrench to detach the pipes and remove them.
4. Unfasten and Remove the Cabinets
All that’s left to do is remove the cabinets.
Unscrew them from their neighboring cabinets and then detach them from the wall before pulling them out. For more in-depth directions, follow the instructions to remove upper cabinets.
You’re a Step Closer to Your New Kitchen
Your cabinets are gone, but what’s next? Will you replace them with a modern, sleek look or was this just a step in a larger kitchen renovation? Whatever's next, removing your cabinets was a big undertaking and helped push you toward your dream kitchen.
What Do You Think?
Planning a kitchen demo? We're listening. Head over to Twitter or Facebook,
and use #dumpstersblog to join the conversation.
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How to dismantle a wardrobe, wall and sofa for transportation, dismantling upholstered furniture
How to disassemble a wardrobe, wall and sofa for transportation, dismantling upholstered furniture Transport and movers
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Disassembly
Transportation of a wardrobe, wall or sofa is a very laborious process, because each such item will need to be disassembled. To cope with the task without the help of professionals, follow our advice.
Dismantling wardrobe
Furniture of this type is in great demand, but there is a lot of work with it. You will need: screwdriver or screwdriver, hex wrench, hammer. The disassembly process goes as follows:
- Remove all shelves, drawers and rungs (both sliding and screwed) from the cabinet.
- Remove locks and closers. These are special parts that ensure a tight fit of the doors to the walls and guarantee a smooth running of the door leafs.
- Remove the door leaves - to do this, they need to be slightly lifted and removed first from the lower grooves, and then from the upper ones.
If there are mirrors on the doors, cover them with rugs or blankets, wrap them in thick polyethylene or stretch film and wrap them with packing tape. Do not forget to warn the carrier company that there is a fragile item among the furniture being transported. And even better - mark it with the appropriate inscriptions. - Unscrew the rails (guides) and fittings. Be extremely careful - they are very easy to bend.
- Dismantle the frame by unscrewing the top, sides and back from the base. Fold the fastening elements in a separate bag - they will still be useful for further assembly of the cabinet.
- Carefully unscrew the legs.
Dismantling upholstered furniture
How to disassemble a sofa for transportation? Everything is very easy if you follow the following points:
- Remove cushions, armrests and other soft items. Pack them in large plastic bags.
- Unscrew the sides, seat and backrest. Wrap each piece in bubble wrap.
Secure the edges with tape. - Wrap leather furniture with an additional layer of soft fabric - it will protect it from scratches and cracking. This is especially useful for those who have a long trip to another area or a move in winter.
- Unfasten the mattress and put it in a special cover or wrap it with foil.
- Unscrew the legs.
- Put fasteners and accessories in a separate box or a regular bag.
- If the sofa has a folding mechanism, tie it with twine.
Furniture wall dismantling
The dismantling of the wall for transportation takes place in the following sequence:
- Remove the mezzanines.
- Remove all shelves from cabinets, cabinets and shelving. Fold them over so that the raw edges are on the same side. Then they can be put "on edge".
- Screw the handles onto the inside of the doors.
- Remove the hardware and place it in a separate bag. In order to know exactly where this or that element came from after moving, sign the package with a marker.
- Remove all glass and stained glass from the facades. Wrap them in bubble wrap and put them in boxes. On each such box, attach a sticker with the inscription "Glass" - this will make the loader be more careful.
- Cover varnished surfaces with adhesive tape to protect them from damage.
If there is a lot of work to be done and you don’t know how to deal with it yourself or you don’t have enough time, use the service of masters in disassembling and assembling furniture.
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How to remove the doors, disassemble the sliding wardrobe with your own hands for moving
Coupes are valued for their massiveness and volume. The wider and higher the cabinet, the more spacious it is.
And the better it fits into the interior, becoming its continuation, and not just looks like freestanding furniture. But in the event of a move or repair, it is not so easy to disassemble the wardrobe with your own hands. Where to start and how to do everything right?
Contents
- How to move a closet without dismantling
- Step 1: Remove and pack sliding doors
- Step 2: Remove drawers and other storage systems
- Step 3. Freeing the cabinet
- How to dismantle the sliding wardrobe for moving
- Where to begin the complete disassembly of the sliding wardrobe
- Complete dismantling of the wardrobe cabinet for further assembly on site
- Memo on fasteners
Situations are different. Good wardrobes last a long time. And repairs in living rooms and offices may be required much earlier, after 2-3 years. How to be in this case?
To paste wallpaper or lay out tiles on the walls, change the flooring (laminate, linoleum) it is not necessary to disassemble the wardrobe completely.
It is enough to lighten the structure as much as possible and move it if it is fully cabinet furniture. But if it is built-in, then you will have to take extreme measures - to carry out a complete dismantling of the facade and internal filling. Just like when you move.
The initial sequence of actions, how to disassemble the wardrobe correctly and avoid annoying mistakes, is the same in any case.
Step 1. Dismantling and packing compartment doors
The most expensive part of any closet is the facade. It is his replacement that will cost a pretty penny. Therefore, the removal of compartment doors and packaging must be approached very responsibly.
Sliding compartment doors can be removed very easily:
- First, additional fittings should be removed from the doors, if any. These are door closers and locks. It is not necessary to remove them from the furniture body.
- Then lift the door slightly by holding the side profiles and pull it towards you to remove the wheels from the lower rail.
- After this manipulation, the door can be removed very easily from the top rail. Thus, they act with all the doors in turn.
The best packaging material for compartment doors is foam film and cardboard. Carefully wrap the doors with them and fix the packaging with tape.
Step 2: Removing drawers and other storage systems
After removing the doors, the entire inside of the cabinet will be open and convenient for further disassembly.
But first, care must be taken to facilitate the reassembly of the housing in the same form. After all, most of the parts have the same size. And at the same time they are installed on different fasteners.
Don't neglect to write instructions "for yourself", so you will reduce the time for re-assembly! Many moments are simply forgotten.- If your closet doesn't have assembly instructions, sketch out a freehand drawing of the interior on a piece of paper.
- Mark all removable shelves on the drawing, number them.
On the shelves themselves, it is convenient to make marks with an alcohol marker. - Remove removable shelves, pack.
- Do the same for the drawers. If they stand in a module, like a chest of drawers, it is especially important to follow the same order of their installation when reassembling. After all, both the facades and the adjustment of the drawer are carried out strictly under “his” guides on the case.
- Understand how to remove mesh baskets, trouser racks and other storage systems, if any. Usually, a special stopper is provided in the retractable mechanism, which prevents them from falling out of the guides. However, if it was necessary to disassemble the wardrobe with your own hands in order to move it, the baskets can be left in place. They are lightweight and don't make it difficult to move around. But the elements of the body made of chipboard should be removed to the maximum.
Step 3: Release the housing
After the doors, interior shelves and drawers have been removed, the weight of the remaining structure is usually not so heavy.
The sliding wardrobe can be carefully moved away from the wall together with an assistant to make room for repairs. It will have to be carried out locally, providing for “protection” in the form of packaging for the cabinet body.
Sometimes the frame of internal filling is attached to the walls with the help of corners on self-tapping screws for reliability. It is enough to unscrew them from the case with a Phillips screwdriver.
If this solution does not suit you and you need to completely disassemble the wardrobe, for compact storage during repairs elsewhere, then read on.
How to dismantle a sliding wardrobe for moving
If in order to move the dismantling of a sliding wardrobe was precisely to lighten the frame, then for moving it is necessary to disassemble the housing itself. It is very difficult to take it out of the apartment, lower it and load it because of its large size.
How to start a complete disassembly of the wardrobe
Preparation for the complete dismantling of any piece of furniture begins with a sufficient supply of packing material.
You should also prepare a box of a suitable size to put all the small hardware and accessories in it. In case of loss, you will have to be puzzled by buying new ones, and this is not always possible if some specific and paired fastener kits were used in the assembly.
We also recommend stocking up on cushioning material. They can also serve as cardboard rolled up in several layers.
Spacers are needed to level out the thickness of the rails screwed to the side walls, holders for rods, etc. To facilitate assembly, it is better not to remove them at all, just pack them more carefully. As you know, chipboard "does not like" multiple assemblies and it is better to minimize twisting and then screwing into place of fasteners.
Complete dismantling of the wardrobe body for further assembly on site
The beginning of the process of disassembling the wardrobe completely coincides with the step-by-step instructions described above.
After the cabinet body is freed from removable shelves, drawers, storage systems and pulled out from the wall, it is completely dismantled. To do this, you need the usual hand tools in the form of screwdrivers, a screwdriver with Phillips and hex bits, a nail puller. Power tools save a lot of time.
- Rear wall. Can be nailed or overlapped or inserted into a groove. In the first case, it is carefully disconnected using a nail puller or a Phillips screwdriver. In the second, they are pulled out of the groove in the process of disassembling the case.
- Inner filling . Remove the remaining bars under the hangers, drawers and shelves. Then the shelves and stiffeners of the wardrobe are unscrewed.
- Housing. After dismantling the shelves and stiffeners, the rear wall, the cabinet structure becomes shaky. And ideally, if free space allows, it is better to disassemble it lying down. If there is no free space, then helpers are needed who will hold the internal partitions, the roof, the bottom of the closet when unscrewing the fasteners from the outer walls.
- Coupe top, bottom rail, side stops. If possible, it is best to leave in place (roof, bottom and side walls of the cabinet) and pack carefully.
Memo on fasteners
For the assembly of wardrobes, the same fittings, fasteners and hardware are used as for any other cabinet furniture.
- Cam tie . Often, internal shelves with a rigid mount are fixed using eccentrics (minifixes). It is necessary to carefully turn the mechanism on the eccentric itself clockwise to release the holding rod and the shelf can be easily removed.
- Dowels. Hidden fasteners for furniture dowels are rarely used in wardrobes. But if it is, then such shelves are removed last, when disassembling the case.
- Confirmed . Can be with a cross and a hex head. In order not to break the thread, it is better to use a screwdriver to unscrew. For manual disassembly, confirmations are too tight (as an option, you can always buy them).
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