Ready for a Kitchen Upgrade? Learn How to Remove Cabinets and Countertops Fast
If your kitchen is looking outdated and worn, replacing the cabinets and countertops can make a dramatic difference. But before you can install your new cabinetry and countertops, you need to remove the existing ones. Doing it yourself rather than hiring a contractor can save thousands of dollars in labor costs. With some basic DIY skills and the right tools, you can demolish and dispose of your old cabinets and countertops quickly and safely.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process of removing kitchen cabinets and countertops on your own. Follow these tips to efficiently dismantle your existing kitchen and prepare the space for your upcoming remodel.
Why Remove Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops?
There are several reasons you may want to remove your kitchen cabinetry and countertops:
- You're doing a full kitchen remodel or renovation, and need to take out the old to make way for the new.
- The current cabinets and/or countertops are damaged, worn out, or functionally obsolete.
- You want to change the layout or footprint of your kitchen.
- Removing them yourself rather than paying for demolition services can save thousands of dollars.
By tackling this demo work on your own, you can cut costs and speed up the renovation timeline. With some elbow grease and the right approach, DIY cabinet and countertop removal is totally doable.
Preparing for Removal
Planning Your New Layout
Before demolition, it's important to plan out your new kitchen layout. Take measurements of your existing space and cabinetry so you can design an optimal new footprint. Think about what you want to change in terms of cabinet configuration, appliances, sink placement, and workflow.
Map out where cabinets will be removed and where new ones will go. Then make a plan for taking out the old cabinetry in stages, starting with upper cabinets, then base cabinets, then countertops.
Gather the Right Tools
You'll need some basic demolition tools:
- Pry bar
- Claw hammer
- Screwdrivers
- Adjustable wrench
- Utility knife
- Safety gear like gloves, eye protection, etc.
Having these essential items on hand will make cabinet and countertop removal much easier.
Disconnect Plumbing
Before taking cabinets and countertops out, you'll need to disconnect the kitchen plumbing:
- Turn off the hot and cold water supply lines under the sink.
- Detach the drain pipes, garbage disposal if you have one, and supply lines.
- Disconnect the faucet and sink.
- Carefully remove the sink from the countertop.
This will allow you to take out the cabinets and countertops without having to work around plumbing.
Removing Upper Cabinets
Pry Cabinets Off Walls
Start the demo with the upper wall cabinets. Take a pry bar and gently insert it into the seam between the cabinet and wall. Slowly pry the cabinet away from the wall, taking care not to cause unnecessary damage.
Work your way across, detaching one side and then the other until the cabinet is fully pried off the wall.
Take Down Wall Cabinets
Once pried off the wall, unscrew cabinets from the wall studs. You can also detach any soffits, filler pieces, or medicine cabinets. Carefully bring down the detached cabinets.
Assess the condition of cabinets as you remove them. Ones in good shape can potentially be salvaged for reuse elsewhere. Break down unusable cabinets so they're ready for waste removal.
Removing Lower Cabinets
Empty Cabinets and Drawers
Before removing base cabinets, be sure to empty out the contents. Remove any drawers as well. This eliminates things getting in the way later on.
Unfasten Countertop Connections
With upper cabinets and contents removed, you can now detach base cabinets from the countertops. Unscrew cabinets from the wall studs and disconnect any appliances built into the cabinetry.
Lift Off Doors and Facades
To lighten base cabinets for lifting, detach the cabinet doors by removing door hinges and hardware. You can also unscrew facades to remove the cabinet front face frames.
Lifting Off Countertops
Pry Countertop Edges
With base cabinets detached, you're ready to lift off countertops. Take a pry bar and insert it under the front edge of the countertop. Gently pry up to break the seal and separate from the cabinet.
Slowly Walk Up Countertop
Once lifted slightly, gradually walk the freed countertop edge up and off the base cabinet. Have someone assist you for heavy countertops. Use the pry bar for additional leverage when needed.
Take Care with Heavy Materials
Natural stone or solid surface countertops can be quite heavy. Take your time and get help to avoid injury. Support countertops when prying to prevent cracking.
Knocking Down and Disposing Debris
Break Down Cabinets for Removal
With cabinets and countertops removed, now it's time to knock apart the cabinet boxes. Use a hammer, pry bar, or sawzall to break down into manageable pieces for debris removal.
Load Debris and Haul to Dump
Pile cabinetry debris into a truck or dumpster rented from a waste hauling company. Try to recycle as much material as possible. Then make multiple trips to dump the debris and clear it all out.
Follow these precautions during DIY cabinet and countertop removal:
- Wear protective gloves and eye gear.
- Work slowly and carefully to prevent injury.
- Get assistance when lifting heavy countertops.
- Support countertops when prying to avoid cracking.
- Make sure cabinets are securely supported when removing.
Taking it slowly and being cautious will help the demolition process go smoothly and safely. Now your kitchen is ready for your exciting remodel!