Removing old metal kitchen cabinets can be a challenging DIY project, but with the right tools and techniques, you can get those dated cabinets off your walls safely and efficiently. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to remove metal kitchen cabinets yourself.
Preparing for Cabinet Removal
Before starting demolition, take some time to prepare your kitchen for the cabinet removal process. This will make the job go faster and prevent potential damage.
Clear Countertops and Empty Cabinets
- Remove everything from inside the cabinets and clear off countertops. This gives you full access to the cabinets and eliminates the chance of items getting damaged during removal.
Protect Surrounding Areas
- Cover the floor, appliances, and any adjacent walls with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to catch fallen debris.
Turn Off Water and Electricity
- Shut off water supply lines to prevent leaks. Flip the circuit breaker to turn off power to the kitchen outlets.
Have the Right Tools Available
- Gather essential tools like a pry bar, hammer, putty knives, screw gun, safety glasses, gloves, dust mask, etc. Having the right tools close by will make cabinet removal much easier.
Removing Metal Wall Cabinets
With the prep work done, you’re ready to start detaching the old metal cabinets from the walls.
Remove Doors and Shelves
- Take off cabinet doors by unscrewing door hinges. Remove all shelves and slide-out trays. This prevents unnecessary damage.
Detach Wall Mounting Brackets
- Examine inside the cabinet to locate brackets, usually at the top and bottom. Remove screws to detach brackets from the wall.
Break Sealant Seal
- Use a putty knife to break the seal of any caulk, silicone or adhesive used to seal the cabinet to the wall.
Pry Cabinets Off Walls
- Insert pry bar into gap between cabinet and wall. Carefully pry upwards to pop the cabinet off the wall. Take care not to damage the surrounding wall.
Remove Remaining Screws
- With the cabinet detached, unscrew any remaining screws bolting the cabinet into wall studs or hanging rail.
Lower Cabinet Away From Wall
- With help from another person, slowly pull the base cabinet away from the wall while supporting its weight. Use caution as metal cabinets can be heavy.
Dismantling Old Cabinets
After detaching the cabinets, now comes the work of safely taking them apart before disposal.
Remove Hinge Plates and Drawer Slides
- Unscrew any remaining hinge plates or drawer slides still attached to the cabinet frames. Removing hardware prevents potential injuries from sharp edges.
Take Apart Cabinet Box
- Carefully take the cabinet box apart using a pry bar and hammer. Applying controlled force helps break apart nail joints and glue.
Bend Back Nails and Staples
- Hammer down or extract any protruding nails, staples or screws. Bend over or remove sharp fasteners to prevent puncture wounds.
Cut Away Pieces If Needed
- Use a reciprocating saw to cut cabinet carcasses into smaller, more manageable pieces if needed. Wear eye protection when cutting.
Remove and Recycle Metal Skin
- Peel away adhesive vinyl or laminate from cabinet exteriors to expose bare metal skins. Remove skins and recycle metal.
Cleaning and Wall Repair
As a final step, tidy up the work area and make any needed repairs to your kitchen walls.
Clean Up Debris
- Sweep floor, vacuum and thoroughly wipe down all work surfaces to remove dust and debris generated from demolition.
Fill Holes and Dents
- Inspect walls once cabinets are down and fill any holes, gouges or dents in drywall with spackle or drywall compound. Let dry and sand smooth.
Touch Up Paint
- Spot paint walls with touch up paint that matches existing color. Feather out edges of paint to blend repair patches.
Remove Adhesive Residue
- Use mineral spirits or adhesive remover to scrub off any sticker residue or stubborn caulk left behind by the old cabinets.
Replace Outlets If Needed
- Hire an electrician to install new outlets if your cabinet removal damaged or exposed any wiring.
With some determination and elbow grease, you can successfully tackle removing outdated metal kitchen cabinets yourself. Just be sure to prep your workspace, use proper tools and demolition techniques, and finish the job with thorough cleaning and repairs. Your kitchen will soon be ready for a stylish new cabinet system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Metal Kitchen Cabinets
How do you remove old metal kitchen cabinets that are screwed to the wall?
Use a drill or screwdriver to remove all screws fastening the metal cabinet frames into the wall studs. Break any caulk seal adhering cabinets to the wall. Insert a pry bar behind cabinets and carefully pry upwards while having someone support its weight.
What is the easiest way to remove old cabinets?
Removing doors, shelves and hardware first makes cabinet removal much easier. Use a reciprocating saw to cut down large cabinets into more manageable sections. Pry between the cabinet and wall to break the seal and use pliers to bend back protruding nails or staples.
How do you remove rusty screws from old cabinets?
Apply penetrating oil and let it soak on stubborn rusty screws for 10-15 minutes. Slowly unscrew using a power drill, taking care not to strip the screw head. Use a manual screwdriver for better grip if needed. Dremel off screw heads as a last resort.
What do you do with old kitchen cabinets?
Salvage hardware like hinges, knobs and pulls to reuse or resell. Recycle the metal skins at a metal recycling center. Upcycle cabinet boxes into garage storage, shop furniture or backyard shed cabinets. You can also donate usable cabinets to Habitat for Humanity or sell them online.
Should old kitchen cabinets be removed before installing new ones?
Yes, old cabinets should be taken down completely before installing replacement ones. The new cabinet layout may not align with the existing one. Trying to install over old cabinets creates more work and an uneven surface. Removing old cabinets also allows you to update wiring, plumbing and wall finishes.
Conclusion
Removing metal kitchen cabinets takes some muscle but the sense of accomplishment makes the hard work worthwhile. Preparing your work space, using the right demolition tools, and dismantling cabinets carefully are keys to success. Follow safety precautions and properly dispose of materials. The end result will be a clean slate to design your dream kitchen. With some strategic demolition techniques, those outdated metal cabinets will be off your walls in no time.