How to Take Out Kitchen Cabinets Hanging with Metal Bars

Taking out kitchen cabinets that are hung with metal bars can seem like an intimidating task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done safely and efficiently.

Reasons for Removing Metal-Hung Cabinets

There are several common reasons you may need to remove kitchen cabinets that are installed on metal hanging rails or bars:

• Remodeling the kitchen – If you are doing a full kitchen remodel, you will likely need to take down the existing cabinets to replace them with new ones. This allows you to fully customize the layout and design.
• Replacing damaged cabinets – If you have cabinets that are damaged beyond repair, it’s often easier to fully remove and replace them rather than try to fix them in place. Damaged cabinets can detract from the look of your kitchen.
• Changing the cabinet configuration – You may want to remove some cabinets to open up space or change the layout. Taking cabinets down gives you more flexibility.
• Painting or finishing cabinets – To paint or re-stain your cabinets, they need to be removed from the wall for full access. Hanging cabinets cannot be properly finished when installed.
• Inspecting wall/floor behind cabinets – Removing cabinets allows you to inspect the condition of the walls and flooring behind them to identify any issues before installing new cabinets.

No matter the reason, taking out metal-hung cabinets properly is key to avoiding damage and ensuring safety.

Preparing for Removal

Before you start wresting cabinets off the wall, there are a few important steps to take:

Gather Necessary Tools and Materials

You will want to have the following tools on hand:

• Hammer or mallet
• Pry bar
• Chisel
• Screwdriver or power drill
• Ladder or step stool
• Headlamp/flashlight
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Safety gear – gloves, eye protection, etc.

You may also need:

• Box cutter or reciprocating saw to cut through paint/caulk beads
• Stud finder – to locate cabinet support braces

Make sure you have all tools at the ready before starting the removal process.

Clear Cabinets of Contents

Remove everything from inside the cabinets prior to taking them down. This includes:

• Dishes
• Food items
• Cookware
• Appliances
• Shelving/organizers

Clearing the contents eliminates the risk of anything falling out or getting damaged during removal. It also reduces cabinet weight.

Check for Wiring/Plumbing

Scan inside the cabinets and look for any wiring or plumbing that may be attached. This includes:

• Electrical or lighting wires
• Water lines for sinks or appliances
• Gas lines for ranges/ovens
• Venting or exhaust ductwork

Disconnect and safely cap off any utilities running to the cabinets before removal. This prevents accidental damage.

Prepare the Room

Clear out the work area around and under the cabinets to allow free access. Remove any floor items or movable appliances that are underneath or adjacent to the cabinets. You want full freedom of movement.

Lay down drop cloths in the vicinity to catch fallen debris and protect surrounding surfaces.

Removing Metal-Hung Cabinets

With proper preparation complete, you’re ready to get into the cabinet removal process:

Step 1: Remove Doors and Drawers

The first step is to detach all doors, drawers, and shelves from the cabinet boxes. This prevents potential damage and allows easier access.

Use a screwdriver or drill to take out the screws securing doors and drawers in place. Label them with painter’s tape so you know which are left/right, upper/lower.

Set them aside very carefully to avoid scratches or dents. Drawers can often be removed by sliding out an interior track or pin, then lifting up.

Step 2: Detach from Wall

Study how the metal hanging rails/bars are attached at the wall. In most cases, there will be screws going through the metal into the wall studs or anchors.

Use a sturdy ladder or step stool to reach the top screws. Remove all screws along the top rail using a power drill or screwdriver.

There may also be long screws driven through the side frames into the wall. Remove these as well.

Try gently rocking/tilting the cabinet away from the wall to test if ready for removal. Go slowly to avoid sudden shifting or falling.

Step 3: Lift Cabinets Off Rail

With all fasteners detached, you can now lift the cabinet boxes up and off the hanging rails. This takes two people in most cases – one to lift each end.

Position ladders or step stools on each side. Have one person lift up slightly on the left side as the other tilts up the right side. The cabinet should slide up off the rail.

Take care not to let the freed cabinet tip or fall once detached from the wall. Slowly bring it down, keeping it level.

Step 4: Remove Hanging Rail

With the cabinets fully detached, now is the time to take down the metal hanging rails or bars.

Examine how the rails are mounted. Typically there will be screws into the wall studs. Use a drill or screwdriver to detach the rail’s fasteners from the wall.

You may need to cut through any caulking beads or paint layers sealing the rail to the wall using a utility knife or oscillating tool.

Remove any remaining screws, braces, or hardware associated with the rail system. Patch over any holes in the wall from the removal process.

Step 5: Transport and Store Cabinets

Now your cabinets can be taken out of the kitchen and transported for disposal, recycling, refinishing, etc.

Heavy-duty cabinet carts come in very handy for carefully maneuvering the removed cabinets throughdoorways and around corners. A two-wheel dolly is another option.

Place furniture pads on the bottom of cabinets and wrap straps across the open front and back. Go slowly and get assistance carrying very heavy or bulky cabinets.

Store the removed cabinets in a dry, secure area until ready for disposal or reuse. Stack flat on a level surface or stand upright and brace.

Special Considerations

There are a few additional things to keep in mind when dealing with metal-hung cabinets:

• Securing adjacent cabinets – Cabinets next to the ones being removed may now be loose and need temporary bracing. Use boards, clamps, or other supports to stabilize them.
• Accessing utilities – Taking down wall cabinets may expose electrical, plumbing, or gas lines that now need capping off until new cabinets are installed.
• Cutting paint seal – Use painters tape and a sharp utility knife to score any paint seal attaching cabinets to wall. Go slowly to avoid gouging drywall.
• Salvaging hardware – Detach and save any specialty hinges, slides, or pulls you wish to reuse on new cabinets rather than discarding.
• Protecting surfaces – Cover appliances, countertops, and floors surrounding the workspace to avoid damage from falling tools or fasteners.
• Preparing openings – Remove any debris, anchor holes, protruding utilities, or rough edges around the cabinet area to ready it for new cabinet installation.

FAQs About Removing Metal-Hung Cabinets

How do I get rid of old kitchen cabinets?

If cabinets are intact and reusable, you may be able to sell or donate them. Many building salvage stores also accept used cabinets. For cabinets that are damaged, regular garbage pickup or a dumpster rental are good disposal options.

Can I remove cabinets without taking out countertops?

With metal rail-hung cabinets, the countertops usually need to come off to fully detach the cabinets from the rails and lift them up and off. Taking off countertops provides the access you need.

How long does it take to remove kitchen cabinets?

Removing cabinets can take 2-3 hours for a moderate length of wall cabinets. The time varies based on cabinet size, number of cabinets, and installation method. Taking down base cabinets is usually quicker than wall ones.

What do I do with the empty space after removing cabinets?

Once cabinets are removed, clean the exposed wall area and make any needed repairs. For a temporary exposed space before installing replacements, hanging a decorative textile or pegboards can add character.

Can I paint cabinets before removing them?

Cabinets are best painted after they’ve been fully removed and detached. This allows you to access all sides and properly prepare surfaces. Attempting to paint them while hanging is very difficult.

Conclusion

Removing metal rail-hung kitchen cabinets can be successfully tackled as a DIY project with proper planning, patience, and care. Follow safety precautions and use techniques like removing doors first and detaching rails from walls to avoid damage. Take your time maneuvering cabinets out of the kitchen space. With the right approach, those dated metal-hung cabinets will be ready for replacement in no time!