How Do I Get Old Metal Cabinets Off Kitchen Walls?
Removing old metal kitchen cabinets can be a challenging DIY project, but with the right tools and techniques, you can get those outdated cabinets off your walls. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove metal kitchen cabinets safely and efficiently.
Assess the Installation Method
The first step is to understand how the metal cabinets were installed. Look for:
Screws
Check if the cabinets are held up with screws along the wall studs. This will make removal easier than if they are just nailed in place. Locate all the screw heads so you know where to start.
Nails
See if finishing nails were used along the cabinet frame and into the wall. You’ll need to pry these off the wall carefully.
Wall anchors
Examine if plastic wall anchors were used to attach the cabinets to the drywall. These can usually be unscrewed and removed easily.
Adhesive
Sometimes cabinets are glued directly to the wall for extra stability. You’ll need to break this adhesive seal carefully during removal.
Detailed inspection
Do a very close inspection of the entire cabinet frame attachment points to understand the exact installation method used before proceeding.
Gather the Right Tools
Removing metal cabinets securely requires having the proper tools on hand:
- Pry bar – to pull nails out of the wall and pry the cabinet frame loose. Get a long sturdy one.
- Claw hammer – to remove remaining nails and break adhesive seal.
- Cordless drill with Phillips bit – to unscrew any screws or wall anchors.
- Flat pry bar – to hold the cabinet door open while removing screws.
- Stud finder – to locate studs behind cabinets for removal.
- Utility knife – to cut away any caulk sealant between cabinets and walls.
- Headlamp or flashlight – to see inside cabinet framing while removing it.
- Ladder – to reach upper cabinets safely. Use it even for lower ones for support.
- Safety gear – gloves, goggles, dust mask, ear protection.
Prepare the Workspace
Before starting demolition, set up your workspace properly:
- Clear the area under and around the cabinets so you have room to work and place removed items.
- Lay down drop cloths to catch fallen debris and protect floors/counters.
- Have a trash can or bag ready to discard stripped screws, anchors, and nails.
- Sweep and vacuum the floor to remove dust and grime ahead of time.
Follow Proper Removal Steps
With preparation done, you’re ready to get those outdated metal cabinets down safely:
1. Empty the cabinets
Remove everything from inside and place items in a safe location. This eliminates falling hazards.
2. Detach doors and drawers
Unscrew door hinges and remove drawers first. Set them aside carefully to prevent damage.
3. Remove trim pieces
Take off any decorative trim, false panels, or crown molding on the cabinet face frames.
4. Unscrew wall mounts
Use your drill to remove any obvious screws going into wall studs or anchors.
5. Pry away nails
Use pry bar and hammer to gently pull any nails out of the wall and break the adhesive seal behind.
6. Cut caulk seal
Use a utility knife to slice any caulk bead between wall and cabinet. This allows the frame to detach fully.
7. Support and pry
Position a pry bar behind the cabinet bottom and gently pry frame away from the wall. Support the weight as you work!
8. Pull cabinet free
Once fully released, carefully pull the base cabinet frame fully away from the wall and set it down.
9. Remove wall anchors
For any remaining plastic anchors in the wall, rotate clockwise to remove them fully.
10. Clean up
Gather and properly discard any debris. Fill any wall holes with spackle. Remove any residual adhesive.
Finish the Job
Once the outdated metal cabinets are down safely, a few finishing touches will complete the project:
- Reinstall detached doors, drawers, and hardware onto the removed cabinet boxes if keeping them.
- Stack cabinets neatly if storing them or transport to your removal or recycling destination.
- Thoroughly sweep, vacuum, and mop the newly emptied area to prepare for your new kitchen design!
- Properly repair any drywall damage or holes. Refinish the wall area to match existing texture and paint.
With some determination and the right approach, those outdated metal kitchen cabinets can come down smoothly. Just take proper safety precautions during removal and make sure to prep the area for your exciting new kitchen layout!
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Metal Kitchen Cabinets
How do you detach old cabinets that are just nailed to the wall?
For cabinets nailed to wall studs, use a flat pry bar to gently pull the nails out one by one. Position the pry bar right behind each nail head and lever it out carefully to avoid excessive wall damage.
What is the easiest way to take down wall-mounted metal cabinets?
The easiest removal method is if the metal cabinets used simple screws into the wall studs. Using an electric drill with a Phillips head bit allows quick unscrewing. Just be sure to support the weight as you detach them.
Can I sell or donate old metal kitchen cabinets?
Definitely! If they are still in good, usable shape many secondhand stores, habitat for humanity, or construction salvage warehouses will accept donated metal cabinets for resale or reuse. You can also try selling them online.
How do I get rid of old metal cabinets eco-friendly?
Most metal cabinet components are easily recyclable. Remove doors, drawers, and hardware to recycle separately. Take the cabinet box frames to a metal recycling facility. They can accept them as scrap metal.
What do I use to remove old adhesive after taking cabinets down?
Any residual adhesive left on walls after removing old cabinets can be scraped off using a paint scraper. Then use a solution of warm water and dish soap applied with a scrub brush to remove the adhesive residue. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.
Can I convert old metal cabinets to open shelving?
Absolutely! Just remove the cabinet doors and hardware. Take off any front face frames if desired. Paint or repurpose the cabinet boxes creatively into open display shelving mounted right on the wall.
