As an expert in home organization and DIY projects, I often get asked what to do with old metal cabinets that are no longer needed or wanted. Metal cabinets were once very popular in garages, basements, workshops, and even kitchens. However, styles and storage needs change over time. If you have some old metal cabinets taking up space, there are several great options for repurposing or disposing of them responsibly.

Evaluate Their Condition

The first step is to take a close look at the current condition of your old metal cabinets. Check for any signs of rust, dents, broken hinges or handles, etc. If they are still in good, usable shape with minimal defects, you’ll have more repurposing and selling options down the road.

Make any needed repairs like sanding, priming, and repainting. Having metal cabinets that look clean, intact, and up-to-date will increase their value and appeal for other uses.

Refurbish and Reuse Them in Place

One easy option is to refurbish your old metal cabinets and continue using them where they are. A fresh coat of paint in a modern color gives metal cabinets a whole new look. Consider replacing the old hardware with updated brushed nickel or matte black handles and hinges.

You can also remove any interior shelving to transform the cabinets into open storage for garden supplies, sports/camping gear, tools, seasonal items, etc. Add weatherproofing if using them in a garage, basement, or shed. With some DIY work, you can give those old metal cabinets new life right in their existing location.

Repurpose Them Around Your Home

Metal cabinets are so versatile they can be adapted for many different uses throughout your home. Here are some creative ways to repurpose old metal cabinets:

Pantry Storage

Paint and install them in your pantry to hold canned goods, baking supplies, snacks, etc. Add drawer organizer bins to maximize space.

Bathroom Vanity

Convert small metal cabinets into bathroom sink vanities by adding a top and sink basin. Perfect for kids’ or half baths.

Mudroom Lockers

Metal cabinets make ideal cubbies for family mudroom areas. Use for coats, shoes, backpacks, gloves, etc. Install hooks and benches.

Office Storage

Paint and add new hardware to use metal cabinets for holding office supplies, filing, or even hiding office equipment and wires.

Garage Workbenches

Secure metal cabinets together to create DIY garage workbench areas. Add a wood top and pegboard for tools.

Kids’ Toy Storage

Make metal cabinets kid-friendly with bright paint colors and labels. Use for storing toys, books, art supplies, more.

With a little creativity, the possibilities are endless for adapting old metal cabinets to new uses in your home. Their durability makes them perfect for high-traffic areas.

Sell or Donate Them

If you want the metal cabinets completely out of your space, consider selling or donating them. Pricing will depend on their condition, any improvements made, and current market demand in your area.

Great places to list old metal cabinets for sale include:

• Online platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist
• Yard/garage sale groups and forums
• Classified ads websites
• Apps like OfferUp, Letgo, Wallapop

To prepare them for selling, add appeal with an updated look – fresh paint, new hardware, etc. Mention any repairs or functional improvements you’ve made.

If selling isn’t worth the time and effort, donate your unwanted metal cabinets to organizations like Habitat for Humanity or Salvage Centers. You’ll free up space in your home and the cabinets will go to a new purpose.

Scrap Them for Metal Recycling

For metal cabinets that are too worn out or damaged to reuse, recycling the metal is an eco-friendly way to dispose of them. Start by removing and recycling any glass, plastic or wood pieces on the cabinets.

Then take the metal cabinets to a scrap metal recycling center in your area. They will weigh the metal and provide cash payment based on current market prices for the type of metal. Steel, aluminum, galvanized metal, stainless steel, etc. all have different values.

By recycling old metal cabinets, their raw materials can be repurposed into new metal products and you’ll keep them out of landfills.

Tips for Removing Old Metal Cabinets

When repurposing or removing metal cabinets here are some tips to make the process smoother:

• Empty out all contents before moving them. This reduces weight for transport.
• Remove doors and drawers if possible. Makes them lighter and easier to handle.
• Check for screws, nails or other fasteners used to install them. Removing makes moving easier.
• Recruit a friend to help lift and carry large cabinets to avoid injury.
• Use appliance dollies or furniture sliders under cabinets to roll them out of place.
• Lay cardboard or plywood under cabinets to drag or slide them without scratching floors.
• Whenever possible, transport cabinets laying flat in a truck bed rather than upright. Safer and less strain.

With some handy tips, removing old metal cabinets can be manageable even for one person. Just take your time and use caution.

Give Your Old Metal Cabinets a New Purpose

Determining what to do with old metal cabinets may seem like a hassle at first. But with a little work and creativity, you can find new potential uses for them throughout your home. Or remove them entirely by selling, donating or recycling.

Hopefully these ideas have inspired you to look at that old metal cabinet in a new light and find it the perfect next project for your home’s evolving storage needs. With the right approach, you can give new life to vintage metal cabinets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Old Metal Cabinets

What are some common places old metal cabinets were originally used?

Some of the most common original uses for old metal cabinets include:

• Garages and workshops for storing tools, equipment, hardware, auto supplies, etc.
• Kitchens and pantries for canned goods, baking ingredients, dishes and appliances.
• Laundry rooms for laundry products, cleaning tools, seasonal clothing storage.
• Offices and workshops for files, supplies, electronics, and manuals.
• Schools, churches, civic centers for janitorial supplies, equipment, records.
• Retail stores for inventory, break room supplies, office needs.

What are signs that old metal cabinets should be scrapped instead of repurposed?

Indicators that metal cabinets are beyond reuse and should be recycled or discarded include:

• Heavy rust that has caused pitting and deterioration of the metal.
• Large areas of dents, bending, warping that affect structural integrity.
• Deep gouges, punctures, holes that cannot be repaired.
• Missing/broken doors, drawers, handles that cannot be replaced.
• Jagged exposed metal edges that cannot be fixed safely.
• Signs of pest/vermin infestation like nests, droppings.
• Odors that cannot be removed through cleaning.

What kind of paint adheres best to old metal cabinets?

For repainting metal cabinets, oil-based or alkyd enamel paints work best. They create a hard, durable finish that adheres well to slick metal surfaces. Scuff the cabinets with sandpaper before priming and painting.

What should be done with contents still inside old metal cabinets?

Before disposing of old metal cabinets, empty out any contents still being stored inside. Useful items can be kept, sold or donated. Papers and documents should be shredded if discarding. Hazardous household chemicals should be disposed of properly. Perishable items and trash should be thrown away.

Is professional help recommended for removing old metal cabinets?

For large heavy-duty metal cabinets, professional assistance may be needed, especially if they were originally installed with brackets, into wall studs, etc. Salvage companies can remove cabinets and reinstall them in a new location. Handyman services can also uninstall cabinets safely.

Conclusion

Old metal cabinets can still be valuable assets for storage solutions with some creativity and a little work. Whether you refresh them for continued use where they are, give them a makeover purpose somewhere else in your home, or remove them entirely – there are options. Now that you know how to assess their condition, make repairs, properly remove them, and the repurposing possibilities, you can decide the best new direction for your old metal cabinets.