Introduction
1950s metal kitchen cabinets were very popular in the mid-20th century. With their clean lines and sleek style, they embodied the essence of mid-century modern design. However, for homeowners today looking to remodel their kitchens, removing these vintage metal cabinets can be a challenge.
The cabinets were built to last, often with sturdy steel frames anchors into the wall. Attempting a DIY removal risks damage to walls or cabinets if not done correctly. Hiring professional help is recommended, but also adds cost.
This guide will walk through the full process of removing 1950s metal cabinets, from proper planning and prep work to safe demolition and disposal. With the right approach, you can remove the old cabinets efficiently and be ready for your new kitchen layout.
Gather Materials and Tools Needed
Removing metal cabinets requires having the proper equipment ready. Here are the recommended materials and tools:
- Flat pry bar – for popping cabinets off the walls
- Power drill with assorted drill bits
- Hammer
- Dolly for moving cabinets
- Box cutter or oscillating tool – for cutting caulk and trim
- Gloves and eye protection
- Garbage bags
- Pickup truck or dumpster rental for disposal
Make sure to have all equipment on hand before starting demo. You’ll also need a clear area nearby to place cabinets as they come off the wall.
Turn Off Electricity and Water Supply
Before demolition, shut off the power and water lines feeding the kitchen area. This prevents accidental electric shocks or water leaks as you remove and disconnect cabinets:
- Electricity: Turn off the circuit breaker switches connected to kitchen outlets.
- Water: Turn off the angle stops under the sink and any other supply valves.
- Gas: If the range is gas-powered, shut off the gas line valve as well.
Test to make sure lines are off. Then disconnect and cap lines as needed if renovating after cabinet removal.
Remove Doors, Drawers and Interior Shelves
To lighten cabinets and make them easier to handle, remove all doors, drawers and any adjustable shelves inside:
- Use a flathead screwdriver to pop hinge pins and lift doors off.
- Drawers should slide out once cabinet faces are off.
- Remove all screws securing shelves and slide shelves out from interior.
Place hardware like hinges and handles in labeled bags so they can be reused or sold later. Stack doors neatly on top of cabinets or against walls to clear space.
Cut Away Caulk, Wall Trim and Kickboards
Use a utility knife or oscillating tool to cut away any caulk sealing cabinets to walls or adjacent cabinets. Scrape off old caulk fully – this allows prying cabinets away cleanly.
Also cut through any trim pieces or kickboards trapping cabinets against the floor. Removing trim lets you access the base and get pry bars underneath to pop off cabinets.
Work slowly when cutting caulk and trim to avoid damaging walls and cabinets.
Pry Cabinets Off Walls and Out of Corners
With prep work done, you’re ready to start detaching cabinets from the walls:
- Start in corners: Use a flat pry bar to pop the seam where cabinet boxes meet in corners. Work evenly on left and right sides.
- Pry off wall anchors: Once seams are separated, wedge bar under cabinets to pop screws and nails out of wall anchors.
- Lift cabinets off: With anchors detached, pry upwards evenly across bottoms to lift cabinets off.
Have another person support cabinet boxes as you pry them off. Be cautious of sharp edges and wear gloves to avoid cuts.
Go slowly to minimize damage to walls and cabinets as they separate. Some patching and touch up may be needed later.
Move Cabinets Out Safely
With cabinets pried off the walls, shift them carefully to your staging area:
- Carry long spans: For long single spans, lift each end and carry out like a stretcher.
- Use dollies: Secure cabinets to a dolly using straps or clamps. Slowly roll them out of kitchen area.
- Avoid doorways: Pivoting tall cabinets through doors risks hitting sides and damaging frames. Remove doors first.
Stack cabinets neatly and stabilize any piles with braces. Leave paths clear in work area.
Remove Remaining Anchors and Patch Holes
Once cabinets are out, remove any remaining anchors, screws or nails left in walls:
- Use flat pry bar, hammer and pliers to remove stubborn anchors.
- Fill holes and gouges with spackle; let dry fully before sanding smooth.
- Larger holes may need backing with wood plugs or anchors before patching.
- Spot prime and paint to match existing wall color.
Thoroughly removing debris maintains a clean surface for installing new cabinets later.
Break Down and Dispose of Cabinets
Now the old cabinets can be broken apart for disposal or salvage:
- Knock apart frames: Using a pry bar or hammer, break spot welds and knock cabinet boxes apart at the seams.
- Remove hinges/drawer slides: Unscrew any remaining hardware and set aside to reuse/sell.
- Confirm disposal method: Depending on volume, either bag in trash cans or rent a dumpster.
- Recycle metal: Look for scrap metal recycling facilities that accept cabinetry to reclaim some material.
Proper ventilation and eye protection are recommended when breaking apart cabinets, as old paint may flake off.
Completely clearing out cabinet debris makes the kitchen ready for remodeling. Any salvaged hardware or usable doors can offset some costs too.
Hire Professionals for Difficult Removals
For kitchens with excessive caulking, complicated built-ins or hazards like asbestos, consider hiring a demolition contractor to remove cabinets instead.
While pricier, pros have specialized tools and training to:
- Safely deal with hazards like lead paint or asbestos
- Quickly break spot welds and separate cabinetry
- Neatly extract cabinets without damage
- Legally transport and dispose of demolition waste
Get estimates from at least 3 reputable contractors before hiring. Make sure they carry liability insurance as well.
With the right precautions, removing those outdated metal cabinets can be a smooth first step to a dream kitchen. Just take things slow, use caution, and don’t be afraid to call in reinforcements if needed. In no time, you’ll have a clean slate ready for remodeling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing 1950s Metal Cabinets
1. Are 1950s metal cabinets difficult to remove?
Yes, 1950s metal cabinets can be tricky to remove since they were built to last using sturdy steel and firmly anchored to walls. Attempting removal without proper tools could bend or damage the cabinets.
2. How are old metal cabinets attached to the wall?
Vintage metal cabinets typically used screw or nail anchors drilled into wall studs to affix them. Long runs were also spot welded together at the seams. Caulk around edges helped seal them in place.
3. What tools do I need to remove metal kitchen cabinets?
Recommended tools are pry bars, hammers, drills, box cutters, and work gloves. You may also need dollies or carts for safe removal. Renting a dumpster is also a good idea.
4. How do I detach 1950s cabinets from the wall?
Use pry bars to pop seams and break spot welds between cabinets first. Then pry under anchors to detach them from walls. Go slowly to avoid excessive damage to walls or cabinets.
5. Are there safety concerns with removing old cabinets?
Yes – wear gloves, eye protection and filter mask. Old paint could chip and contain lead. Electrical, gas and plumbing lines also need disconnecting first. Asbestos was also sometimes used as insulation.
6. Should I hire professionals to remove metal kitchen cabinets?
If cabinets are extensively caulked in place or you discover asbestos, it’s a good idea to hire a demolition contractor. They have training and tools to remove old cabinets safely and with minimal wall damage.
Conclusion
Removing 1950s metal kitchen cabinets takes time, patience and the right tools. With careful prying, cutting caulk, and detaching from walls, the cabinets can be taken out intact for disposal or salvage. Minor wall repairs may be needed afterwards. Consider hiring pros if cabinet removal looks overly complex or hazardous. With the space cleared out, you’ll then be ready to start fresh with a brand new kitchen layout and cabinets.