How to Remove Metal Cabinet Doors

Removing metal cabinet doors in your kitchen or bathroom can completely transform the look and feel of the space. While the prospect of removing cabinet doors may seem daunting, it’s actually a relatively straightforward process that most DIYers can tackle. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to remove metal cabinet doors safely and properly.

Why Remove Metal Cabinet Doors?

There are several reasons you may want to remove your metal cabinet doors:

• Update the look – Removing doors creates an open, airy aesthetic and can give your kitchen or bathroom a more modern, minimalist style. It also lets you highlight the interior of the cabinets.
• Accessibility – Eliminating doors makes contents more visible and reachable. This is especially helpful in kitchens when cooking.
• Cleanliness – Doorless cabinets remove nooks and crannies where grease, grime and dust can accumulate. Keeping the interiors clean is much simpler.
• Cost savings – In some cases, removing doors is more affordable than replacing them. It also avoids the cost of new hinges or hardware.
• Customization – Taking doors off lets you stain, paint or decorate the cabinet interiors as desired to match your personal style.

Overall, removing doors creates a lighter, more streamlined look and improves functionality in the kitchen or bath.

How to Remove Metal Cabinet Doors

Removing metal cabinet doors requires care and patience but can be accomplished in a few simple steps:

Gather Your Materials

You’ll need the following tools:

• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Pry bar or putty knife
• Pencil
• Tape measure

Safety gear: Work gloves, eye protection, knee pads

Remove Door Hardware

Start by removing all of the hardware from the cabinet doors:

1. Hinges: Use a screwdriver to fully detach hinges from both the door and the cabinet frame.
2. Knobs or pulls: Gently pry off knobs with pliers or a screwdriver. For pulls, look for any screws to remove.
3. Shelves or racks: Take out any shelving, racks or drawers from inside the cabinets. Extract all screws.
4. Place hardware in bags: As you remove pieces, place hinges, screws, knobs into labeled baggies for organization.

Detach Doors from Cabinets

With all hardware detached, you can now work on separating the doors:

1. Pry under door edge: Insert the putty knife or pry bar under the edges of the door near the hinges. Gently pry upwards to loosen.
2. Lift door off frame: Once loosened, carefully lift the door vertically up and off the cabinet frame. Keep it steady as you remove it fully.
3. Remove remaining doors: Repeat the prying and lifting steps to detach each cabinet door.
4. Use painter’s tape: Consider taping door hinge locations with painter’s tape to prevent frame damage.
5. Work slowly: Take your time during removal to avoid damaging doors or cabinet frames.

Prepare Cabinet Interiors

With all doors detached, examine the newly exposed cabinet interiors:

• Wipe down all surfaces to remove grease, dirt and debris.
• Vacuum out shelves and racks. Disinfect as desired.
• Check for any loose screws, nails or hardware pieces. Remove them.
• Fill any holes or imperfections with wood filler and let dry completely.
• Lightly sand cabinet interiors if needed to smooth and prep for painting.

Your cabinets are now ready for staining, painting or decorating as desired!

Sand and Clean Doors

The removed doors also need proper prep work:

• Wipe them down to clean. Disinfect metal surfaces if needed.
• Lightly sand to smooth and remove any rough edges or imperfections.
• Use wood filler as needed for small holes from previous hardware. Let dry fully.
• Vacuum to remove all sanding dust. Wipe with tack cloth.

The doors are now prepped for repainting, refinishing or other projects.

Safety Tips

When removing metal cabinet doors:

• Work slowly to avoid slips, falls or hand injuries. Keep doors steady.
• Wear gloves to avoid sharp metal cuts. Use eye protection.
• Open cabinets one at a time to prevent tipping or instability.
• Support the weight of heavier doors during removal. Don’t let them drop.
• Stack doors carefully on a protected surface after removal.

Storing Removed Cabinet Doors

Once the doors are detached and prepped, proper storage is important:

• Stand doors upright, resting on their bottom edge. Never lie them flat.
• Place spacer blocks between each door to prevent rubbing or scratching.
• Store doors in a dry, indoor space away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight.
• Use an enclosed cabinet or cover with plastic sheeting for protection from dust, debris and damage.

Proper storage keeps doors protected between removal and installation of new ones or until they are ready to be refinished or repurposed.

Replacing Cabinet Doors

While removing doors gives cabinets an open appearance, you may eventually opt to replace them:

• New doors – Install ready-made replacement doors from home improvement stores or catalogs. Measure carefully for accurate sizing.
• Refacing – You can refinish or reface removed doors with new laminate or veneer for a fresh look.
• Hiring a pro – Cabinetry specialists can create and install custom replacement doors tailored to your space.

When installing new doors, carefully attach hinges in the existing pre-drilled cabinet holes. Add new knobs or pulls to match your decor.

Alternative Door Options

Instead of typical metal doors, consider these options:

• Open shelves – Simply remove doors and leave interiors open without replacements. Best for organized spaces.
• Glass fronts – Doors with full glass panes create an airier, brighter ambiance.
• Cafe doors – Half-height hinged doors maintain accessibility while still offering a more open aesthetic.
• Cooling racks – Retractable wire cooling racks keep contents visible while allowing air circulation.
• Rolling doors – Track-mounted barn style doors let you easily conceal or access cabinet interiors.
• No doors – As mentioned above, you can simply forego replacing doors entirely for a minimalist style.

Mix and match different door styles to suit your personal taste and kitchen or bath design needs.

How to Remove Metal Cabinet Doors: FAQs

How do I get old, stuck metal cabinet doors off?

• Stuck doors require persistence and patience! generously spray hinge joints with a penetrating oil like PB Blaster to loosen and lubricate. Let it soak 15-20 minutes. Tap gently with a hammer. Then try prying under the edges with a putty knife, working slowly around the door to break the seal. Wiggle as you pry upwards.

Can I sell or donate removed cabinet doors?

• Definitely! Many thrift stores, reuse outlets like Habitat for Humanity, salvage warehouses, antique shops and individuals may want your old cabinet doors. Try listing them online via Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or eBay. Ensure doors are cleaned, sanded and prepped before selling or donating.

What about the exposed cabinet frames once doors are removed?

• Exposed cabinet frames should be cleaned, lightly sanded if needed, then painted or stained to match your kitchen or bath decor. White, black, gray and wood tones are popular options. Paint the inside of open cabinets as well for a finished look.

What’s the best way to remove stubborn cabinet hinges?

• Penetrating oil helps loosen stuck hinge pins. You can also carefully pry off hinge plates with a screwdriver. For pins stuck inside the cabinet frame, try gripping with pliers and wiggling firmly side to side while pulling outward. Drilling out pins is risky but a last resort option if needed.

How do I get rid of sticky residue left behind by door knobs or hinges?

• Adhesive remover sprays like Goo Gone work well to dissolve sticky residue on metal and wood cabinet surfaces. Use a plastic scraper and rag to gently rub off gunk. Then clean the area with soap and water, let dry, and sand lightly if needed. Avoid harsh solvents that could damage the frame finish.

Conclusion

Removing metal cabinet doors allows you to renovate your kitchen or bathroom with a sleek, modern aesthetic. Follow the steps above to safely detach doors, prep both frames and doors, and explore replacement options. With some time and care, you can easily tackle this project and love the transformed look of your space!