How to Remove 1950s Metal Cabinets

Introduction

1950s metal cabinets were very popular in kitchens and bathrooms during that era. Often coated in pastel colors like pink, turquoise or yellow, they were a hallmark of mid-century style. However, many homeowners today want to update the look of their vintage 1950s kitchens and bathrooms. Removing the old metal cabinets can be the first step in creating a more modern aesthetic.

There are several factors to consider when figuring out how to remove 1950s metal cabinets. First, you need to decide if you will be reusing or replacing them. 1950s cabinets are well-built and can be restored, repainted or resurfaced to give them new life in a remodeled room. However, if the goal is a completely new look, such as installing custom wood cabinets, then the metal ones will need to be removed and discarded.

Below are some tips on how to remove 1950s metal cabinets properly and safely. With some preparation and elbow grease, you can have them dismantled and ready for your new kitchen design in no time.

How to Prepare for Removal

Before starting demo work on the metal cabinets, take some time to prepare. Proper planning makes the removal process smoother.

Clear Out Cabinet Contents

Completely empty out all the cabinet contents. Remove everything from shelves, drawers and the interior of the cabinets. This also makes the cabinets lighter to maneuver when detaching them from the wall.

Photograph Kitchen Layout

Take photos of the existing kitchen from multiple angles. This provides a helpful reference for reconstruction later. Pay close attention to plumbing and electrical that will need to be reconnected in new cabinet installation.

Cover Nearby Surfaces

Use drop cloths or plastic sheeting secured with painter’s tape to cover the counter tops, floors and any adjacent surfaces that could potentially be damaged during the removal work.

Assemble Tools, Equipment and Supplies

Gather all the necessary tools, equipment and supplies before getting started. Useful items include:

• Flat pry bar
• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
• Hammer
• Cordless drill
• Utility knife
• Flashlight
• Headlamp or work lights
• Ladder (for upper cabinets)
• Garbage bags
• Boxes or crates for storing any salvaged hardware

Turn Off Water Supply and Electricity

Locate the shutoff valves for the water supply lines to the kitchen sink. Turn them off to prevent leaks when disconnecting the plumbing. Also turn off power to the kitchen at the circuit breaker box to avoid getting shocked.

Create Access

If the cabinets are surrounded by countertops on three sides, you will need to remove them to gain access. Cut countertops with a circular saw or use a pry bar to gently lift off countertops and detach them from the cabinets.

How to Remove 1950s Metal Cabinets

Once fully prepped, you can start dismantling the vintage metal kitchen cabinets. Take your time and use proper safety precautions during each step.

Detach Doors and Drawers

The first step is removing all the cabinet doors and drawers to make the main carcass lighter. This also allows you to better see the interior cabinet structure.

Start by unscrewing door hinges using a Phillips-head screwdriver. Detach hinge plates from both the cabinet frame and the door. Remove doors and set aside carefully.

For drawers, unscrew any rails on the sides or underside of the drawer box. Slide drawers out and detach completely from the cabinet.

Remove Cabinet Interior Parts

Take out all shelving, rails, rollers and any other hardware inside the cabinet carcasses. An electric drill with driver bits makes quick work of removing the many screws.

Set aside cabinets parts like shelves or drawers that are in good shape for potential reuse or resale later. Discard any damaged components.

Detach Countertops

If you plan to keep the existing countertops for reuse, gently pry them away from the cabinets. You may need to slice through any caulk beads sealing the seam with a utility knife. Slowly lift up the countertop section by section until completely detached.

Disconnect Plumbing and Electrical

Under the sink, disconnect the supply lines, P-trap and drain pipe from the sink by unscrewing slip joints and nuts. Cap off any open pipes so they don’t leak.

Disconnect any electrical wiring like under-cabinet lighting or garbage disposal circuits. Turn off breakers as needed for safety.

Unfasten Cabinets from Wall Studs

The main cabinet carcasses are screwed or nailed into the wall framing studs for stability. Locate all points where the cabinets are fastened.

Use a pry bar to gently pull the cabinets away from the wall. This breaks the seal of any caulk, adhesive or paint.

Unscrew any fasteners connecting the cabinets to the wall studs using a drill or screwdriver. You may need to cut through stubborn nails with a utility knife or reciprocating saw.

Slowly pry the cabinets away from the wall little by little. Take care not to bend or torque the units, which can damage them.

Remove Cabinet Bases

For standalone cabinets like islands or peninsulas, unfasten the base frame or legs from the cabinet carcass. This is usually held together by screws.

Detach the countertop from the cabinets following the same process above. With the base removed, the cabinets can be lifted off.

Take Out Entire Section Carefully

With all fasteners, plumbing and electrical disconnected, the cabinet section can now be removed. Carefully lift the unit off the wall and out of the kitchen.

Slide the cabinets out gently to avoid snagging them on door frames or corners. Use an appliance dolly or furniture sliders to maneuver if needed.

Discard old cabinets or store for reuse. Then prep the area for your beautiful new kitchen design!

Tips for Easier Removal

Removing old cabinets takes some work, but these tips make the process smoother:

• Use work gloves for protection from sharp metal edges.
• Have a helper to ease lifting and moving the cabinets.
• Take cabinets out systematically in small sections vs. all at once.
• Stack cabinets neatly after removal to keep work area organized and safe.
• Salvage usable hardware like hinges for potential reuse later.

What to Do After Removal

Once the metal cabinets have been taken out, a few additional steps will get the space ready for new kitchen installation:

Remove Any Remaining Debris

Clear away any leftover cabinet parts, tools or demo debris from the area. This creates a blank slate for new cabinet layout.

Clean Surfaces

Wipe down the walls and patch over any holes or flaws that were hidden behind the original cabinets.

Prepare Electrical and Plumbing

Exposed pipes and wires will need to be adapted and extended to the new cabinet configuration. Consult a kitchen remodeling pro for any complex system revisions needed.

With the vintage cabinets gone, you have a wide open canvas to design the stylish, updated kitchen of your dreams! Careful removal is the crucial first step.

Common Questions About Removing 1950s Metal Cabinets

Many homeowners remodeling 1950s kitchens have additional questions about properly removing original metal cabinets:

What is the easiest way to remove old metal cabinets?

The easiest and safest method is to take cabinets out systematically by detaching all doors, drawers and interior parts first. Remove any trim or soffits above before unfastening from the wall. Finally, disconnect plumbing and electrical before gently sliding out.

Can I refinish or repurpose 1950s cabinets?

Yes, 1950s metal cabinets are very sturdy. With some TLC, they can be restored by stripping paint, applying new coats, replacing hardware, etc. Many homeowners repurpose them in laundry rooms, garages or basement spaces.

How do I patch walls after removing cabinets?

Examine walls after pulling cabinets out. Fill any holes or flaws with spackle. Sand smooth and repaint with primer and finish paint to match rest of wall color.

What precautions should I take when removing cabinets?

Safety first! Use heavy work gloves and eye protection when prying off countertops or demolishing cabinets. Turn off electricity and water supply lines before disconnecting as well. Go slowly and get help moving heavy cabinets.

Should I hire a contractor to remove kitchen cabinets?

If you have limited DIY experience, hiring a general contractor or kitchen remodel pro is advisable. They have the expertise to remove and dispose of cabinets efficiently and safely.

Carefully removing outdated 1950s metal kitchen cabinets is the first step in creating your dream kitchen. Once gone, you have an open canvas to build a beautiful new space! With some strategic tips and elbow grease, you can take out the old cabinets properly. Be sure to prep the area afterwards so it’s ready for fresh new cabinetry installation. In no time, you’ll have the modern, stylish kitchen you’ve always wanted.