Introduction
Taking out old kitchen cabinets that are hung with metal bars can seem like a daunting task for any homeowner. However, with the right tools and techniques, it can actually be quite straightforward.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the entire process step-by-step, from preparing for removal to dealing with potential challenges. We will cover different types of hanging systems, materials you may need, safety tips, and techniques for removing cabinets cleanly and efficiently.
Whether you’re renovating your kitchen or preparing for a new cabinet installation, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to successfully take out your metal-bar-hung kitchen cabinets.
Preparing for Removal
Before you start ripping cabinets off the wall, there are a few preparatory steps to take that will make the removal process safer and easier:
Clear Out Cabinet Contents
Remove everything from inside the cabinets, including shelves, drawers, and any contents. This reduces weight and allows you to access cabinet removal points. Pack away anything you want to keep.
Protect Surrounding Areas
Cover nearby countertops, floors, and appliances with drop cloths to catch falling debris. You may also want to mask off walls or temporarily remove appliances that are close to the cabinet run.
Turn Off Electricity and Water
Shut off power to any lighting or outlets in the cabinet run at the breaker box. Turn off the water supply to avoid leaks if plumbing lines are disconnected.
Gather Necessary Materials and Tools
Having the right equipment on hand will make cabinet removal much simpler. This may include:
- Pry bar
- Claw hammer
- Cordless drill
- Screwdrivers
- Wrench set
- Utility knife
- Headlamp/work lights
- Ladder
- Saw (reciprocating or oscillating)
- Plastic bags for hardware
- Garbage bags for debris
Types of Hanging Systems
There are a few common ways that wall-mounted kitchen cabinets are hung using metal bars:
Perimeter Rod Hanging
This method uses threaded rods attached to a perimeter frame around the tops and bottoms of the cabinet box. The rods thread through brackets on the wall to hold up the cabinet.
Individual Hanging Strips
Each cabinet has metal hanging strips (usually with holes) attached to the top. Corresponding strips are screwed into the wall studs. The cabinet hangs from these paired strips.
French Cleat System
A French cleat is a piece of wood with an angled cut attached to the wall. A matching angled strip is mounted to the back of the cabinet. The cabinet hangs from the cleat like a hook.
Identifying Your Hanging System
Inspect inside the cabinets and along the top to determine which system was used to hang your cabinets. This will dictate the best way to detach them from the wall.
Detaching from the Wall
With your materials gathered and hanging system identified, you’re ready to start removing the cabinets:
Taking Down Wall Cabinets First
It’s best to detach wall cabinets before base cabinets. Removing upper cabinets eliminates the risk of base units falling once they are no longer supported.
Finding the Hardware
Examine the point where the cabinet meets the wall to locate the nuts, screws or other hardware used to secure metal hanging strips or rods to the wall. You may need to remove trim pieces to access hanging points.
Removing Anchoring Hardware
Use a screwdriver, wrench or drill to take out the screws, bolts or other connectors holding the metal cabinet hangers to the wall anchors in the studs. The cabinet should then detach.
Taking Down One Cabinet at a Time
Work on releasing one entire cabinet from the wall before moving to the next. This prevents cabinets from shifting unexpectedly out of alignment. Have assistance to hold cabinets as you detach them.
Cutting Hanging Rods (If Needed)
Threaded rods may need to be cut with a hacksaw or reciprocating saw to completely free the cabinet if they extend far out from the wall. Protect floors from falling rods.
Lifting Off and Lowering Cabinets
As you detach each cabinet, carefully lift it off the hanging strips or rods. Use caution as cabinets may be heavy and unwieldy. Have someone assist with lowering detached cabinets safely to the floor.
Removing Remaining Hanging Pieces
Take down any remaining strips, cleats or rods from the wall after the cabinets are removed. This leaves a clean surface for installing your new cabinet system.
Dealing with Challenging Situations
Removing kitchen cabinets can sometimes present certain difficulties or complications:
Limited Clearance
Cabinets installed between walls may have very limited room to access hanging hardware. Use angled tools like an oscillating saw to cut through hanging strips.
Protruding Wall Anchors
If screw or bolt anchors protrude out from the wall, use pliers or a hammer to bend them over or break them back into the wall.
Stripped Screws
Use pliers or vice grips to remove stripped screw heads. You can also drill around stubborn screws to break their grip.
Stuck Cabinets
If cabinets resist detachment from the wall, gently but firmly pry between the cabinet and wall with a flat pry bar to break the seal of caulk or paint.
Broken Hanging Strips
If strips or cleats break off leaving pieces still attached to the wall, remove remaining stubs by scraping, drilling or digging them out with tools.
Cutting Through Hanging Rods
If rods are prove too difficult to fully extract from the wall, use a hacksaw or reciprocating saw to simply cut through them.
Damaged Cabinetry
Gently pry off any trim, panels or façades that become detached or splintered during removal to minimize damage and retain usable cabinet components.
Removing Associated Components
Along with the cabinet boxes themselves, there are often additional elements that need removal:
Taking Down Doors and Drawers
Detach all doors, shelves and drawers prior to taking down the cabinet. Number pieces with painters tape to allow for reinstallation later.
Extracting Exposed Pipes
Disconnect any plumbing or gas lines that run through exposed areas behind or under cabinets before detaching. Cap off open pipes.
Removing Countertops
Eliminate particleboard, laminate and other fragile countertop surfaces that could easily break once cabinets are gone. Cut caulk between countertop and wall.
Detaching Backsplashes
Slice through caulk and grout to detach tile, laminate or other backsplashes mounted to the wall above countertops. Remove any screws or brackets.
Taking Out Toekicks
Pry off the decorative “toekick” panels along cabinet bases from their brackets prior to taking down lower units.
Extracting Built-In Appliances
Disconnect both wiring and plumbing to remove stoves, ovens, dishwashers or sinks integrated into cabinet runs before taking down those sections.
Disposing and Recycling Cabinets
Once you’ve removed the entire cabinet system and associated components, you’ll be left with the old cabinet boxes and doors to contend with:
Breaking Down Cabinet Boxes
Take apart empty cabinet shells by removing their back panels and knocking out pegboard bottoms so they lay flat for transport and disposal.
Grouping Cabinet Components
Pile doors, drawers, shelves and other detached cabinet pieces together so they can be easily salvaged or recycled.
Loading for Removal
With cabinet parts broken down, load the discarded components into a truck, dumpster or trailer for transfer to the disposal site or salvage center.
Recycling and Reuse
Research options to donate, recycle, upcycle or sustainably dispose of any quality wood or usable cabinet components you choose not to keep. This keeps them out of landfills.
Transporting to the Dump
Items that are broken beyond salvaging can be hauled to a construction and demolition disposal site or waste transfer station to be sustainably processed and landfilled.
Installing New Cabinets
Once the old cabinets are removed, installing a fresh new cabinet system is made much easier:
Prepping the Walls
With the walls exposed, take time to prep the surface by cleaning away old caulk or adhesive, patching holes, and sanding or smoothing the area.
Measuring for New Cabinets
Take detailed measurements of the empty wall space so new cabinets can be ordered or custom built to fit into the kitchen design.
Installing New Hanging Systems
Secure new cleats, rails or ledgers to properly support the replacement cabinet weight and configurations.
Hanging New Cabinets
Have assistants to help lift and securely hang new cabinet boxes on the freshly installed hanging system.
Anchoring and Securing
Drill screws through cabinet backing into the wall studs for added stability and strength once cabinets are hung.
Leveling and Adjusting
Verify cabinets are plumb and level. Make any adjustments to the hanging rails or shim under cabinets as needed.
Completing Cabinet Install
With the cabinet boxes secured, complete the installation by adding doors, drawers, shelves, countertops and other finishing components.
Building Out Surrounding Areas
Finish off the new kitchen by constructing soffits, side splashes, accent columns or other architectural details around the cleaned cabinet area.
FAQs
What tools do I need to remove kitchen cabinets?
Essential tools include a pry bar, hammer, cordless drill, screwdrivers, wrench set, reciprocating or hacksaw, utility knife, work lights, ladder, and safety equipment like gloves and eye protection.
How do I detach cabinets from the wall?
Locate the metal hanging strips, rods or cleats secured to wall studs. Remove any screws or bolts holding the cabinet hangers to the anchors in the wall.
Can I remove kitchen cabinets by myself?
It’s possible to remove cabinets solo, but having at least one helper makes the process much safer and easier when lifting heavy cabinet boxes down.
What do I do with old kitchen cabinets?
Options for old cabinets include selling usable cabinets, donating, recycling, repurposing, or taking to a waste management facility if they are damaged or contain lead paint.
How much does it cost to remove kitchen cabinets?
If hiring a contractor, costs average $2-4 per square foot for removal and disposal. DIY removal cuts costs but requires tools, time, transportation and tipping fees.
What is the easiest way to remove cabinets?
Working methodically by emptying cabinets, prepping the space, detaching components, and taking down one entire cabinet at a time from the top down makes removal straightforward.
Can you leave old cabinets when installing new?
Sometimes it’s possible to install new cabinets right over old if they are secure and properly prepared. But full removal allows for a fresh start.
Conclusion
Removing old kitchen cabinets can seem intimidating. But as this guide outlines, it simply involves thoughtful preparation, methodical removal techniques, and safe handling.
By following these step-by-step instructions for taking out metal bar-hung cabinets properly and safely, you can effectively clear the way for your new kitchen design. Paying attention to details like protecting surfaces, disconnecting utilities, detaching components, and disposing of materials sustainably will lead to success.
With the right approach and tools, those outdated cabinets can come down smooth as butter. Before you know it, you’ll have a blank canvas ready for your fresh new cabinet installation using the innovative solutions that fit your home and lifestyle. So take the first step and get started removing those old metal-bar hung kitchen cabinets today!