How to Remove Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Introduction

Kitchen cabinets are the foundation of your kitchen design. They hold all your dishes, cookware, food items, and small appliances while helping to establish the aesthetic of the room. While most cabinetry is designed to last for years, there may come a time when you decide you want to replace your existing metal kitchen cabinets.

Removing metal kitchen cabinets takes time and labor, but doing it yourself can save on costs. With proper planning and the right tools, it can be an achievable DIY project. This guide will walk you through the entire process of how to remove metal kitchen cabinets safely and efficiently.

Reasons to Remove Metal Kitchen Cabinets

There are a few common reasons you may decide to remove your metal kitchen cabinets:

• Remodeling the Kitchen – If you are doing a full kitchen remodel, you will likely want to replace your existing cabinetry with new cabinets. This allows you to alter the layout and style.
• Damaged Cabinets – Metal cabinets can become dented, rusted, or sustain other damage over years of use. Replacing them is often easier than attempting repairs.
• Change of Style – Metal cabinets were very popular in the past but can feel dated today. Replacing them allows you to update your kitchen’s aesthetic.
• Creating More Open Space – Removing upper cabinets entirely creates a more open, airy feel and allows you to highlight other architectural details.

Preparing for Metal Cabinet Removal

Taking the proper preparatory steps will make the removal process faster and safer. Be sure to:

• Clear out the cabinets – Remove everything from inside the cabinets and drawers. This includes food, dishes, appliances, etc.
• Disconnect plumbing and electrical – Hire a professional to disconnect any plumbing or electrical systems attached to the cabinets, like sinks, garburators, and under-cabinet lighting.
• Remove doors and drawers – Detach all cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware and set aside anything you plan to reuse or repurpose.
• Protect surfaces – Cover floors, countertops, and appliances with drop cloths to protect from damage during the removal process.
• Have a disposal plan – Decide how you will haul away and dispose of the old cabinetry after removal.

Equipment/Tools Needed

Removing metal kitchen cabinets requires some key equipment and tools:

• Pry bar – A sturdy pry bar is essential for prying the cabinets off the walls. Look for one at least 18-24 inches long.
• Hammer – A claw hammer helps knock apart cabinet components.
• Screwdriver set – Have both Phillips and flathead screwdrivers on hand.
• Drill – A cordless drill speeds up removal of screws.
• Utility knife – For cutting away caulk, trim, etc.
• Safety equipment – Safety goggles, work gloves, dust mask, and ear protection.
• Trash bags – For discarding cabinet components and debris.
• Dolly or furniture sliders – For maneuvering cabinets out of the house.

Dismantling the Cabinets

With your pre-work and tools gathered, you’re ready to dismantle the metal kitchen cabinets:

Step 1: Remove Cabinet Trim and Paneling

Use a pry bar and hammer to remove any trim pieces, false panels, or molding attached to the cabinet front and sides. Be especially careful when prying near walls to avoid damaging drywall.

Step 2: Detach Cabinets from Wall

Find where cabinets are attached to the wall through the back panel or side walls. Usually, this is done with screws through a hanging rail along the top. Remove these screws using a drill or screwdriver.

Step 3: Detach Cabinets from Each Other

Kitchen cabinet sets often have filler and corner pieces that join units together. Remove any screws, nails, or adhesives connecting individual cabinets.

Step 4: Lift Cabinets Off Hanging Rail

Once completely detached, lift cabinets up and off the hanging rail or cleat along the wall. This may require two people for large cabinets.

Step 5: Disassemble Cabinet Boxes

With cabinets on the ground, take apart their wooden boxes by removing any remaining nails, screws, and adhesives. Salvage any parts you want to keep.

Step 6: Remove Base Cabinet Floor Anchors

Use a hammer or pry bar to detach any anchors, cleats, or fasteners securing base cabinets to the floor. These are usually along the back bottom or under toe kicks.

Removing Cabinet Debris and Hauling Away

With the cabinet boxes fully dismantled, now you can focus on cleanup:

• Take apart smaller pieces like doors and shelves as you work to make them easier to carry.
• Try to keep removal debris contained and promptly sweep or vacuum once finished.
• Bag scraps and remnants and sort anything you plan to recycle, donate, or reuse.
• Use an appliance dolly, furniture sliders, or another person to maneuver large sections out the door. Rent a pickup or trailer as needed.
• Make trips to the dump as necessary to discard cabinet pieces and debris. Call for bulk waste pickup if available in your area.

Finishing Touches

For final touches:

• Patch and repair any damage like holes or gouges in walls from the cabinet removal process.
• Clean the now bare cupboard area thoroughly before installing new cabinets.
• Reconnect any appliances or lighting you disconnected by hiring an electrician and plumber.
• Properly install your beautiful new cabinets and complete your kitchen remodel!

Removing metal kitchen cabinets takes muscle, patience, and perseverance. But with the right prep work, tools, and safety steps, you can take on this project as a DIYer. Just focus on working carefully and methodically. Your new kitchen will look amazing once the outdated cabinets are gone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to remove kitchen cabinets?

Removing an average sized set of 7-10 metal kitchen cabinets will usually take 2-3 days working at a moderate pace. Working with another person expedites the process.

Do you have to remove countertops to remove cabinets?

In most cases, countertops like granite or quartz will need removal to fully take out old cabinets. Laminate may be able to stay in place if you detach the cabinets without damaging it.

Can removed kitchen cabinets be reused?

Old metal kitchen cabinets can potentially be reused in garage or laundry room remodels, storage spaces, or DIY furniture projects if they are still in good condition after removal.

Is it cheaper to reface or replace kitchen cabinets?

Replacing is generally cheaper than refacing, which involves just replacing cabinet doors and hardware. But replacement also involves more work removing and reinstalling cabinets.

Can I sell my used kitchen cabinets?

Used metal kitchen cabinets in good condition can be sold online via Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or classified ads. However, they usually won’t yield more than a couple hundred dollars.

Conclusion

While labor intensive, removing metal kitchen cabinets is a doable DIY project with proper planning, safety precautions, and right tools. Take your time dismantling and disassembling each cabinet unit thoroughly yet carefully. Then make sure to finish up with a full sweep of the empty cupboard space before installing fresh new cabinets. With some perseverance, you’ll have your revamped dream kitchen before you know it!