How to Get Old Metal Kitchen Cabinets Out - Outdoor Cabinets

Kitchen renovations often involve replacing old kitchen cabinets. If you have outdated metal kitchen cabinets it’s important to remove them properly before installing new cabinets. Getting old metal kitchen cabinets out can be a big job, but with some planning and effort, it can be done successfully as a DIY project. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to get old metal kitchen cabinets out of your kitchen.

Assess the Kitchen Cabinets

The first step is to thoroughly assess the existing metal kitchen cabinets to determine the best method for removal.

Examine how the cabinets were installed. Were they screwed into wall studs? Attached to the ceiling or soffit? Sitting on a base frame? This will dictate what needs to be done to dismantle them.
Evaluate the cabinet construction. Are they made of thin sheet metal or heavy gauge steel? This impacts how difficult removal will be.
Look for attached countertops or appliances. Making note of these attachments will help in dealing with them prior to removing the cabinets.
Check for electrical and plumbing connections. Determine if the cabinets house any wiring or plumbing that needs disconnecting.
Assess the cabinet condition. Are they sturdy or ready to fall apart? This determines how careful you need to be in taking them down.

Thoroughly understanding how the metal kitchen cabinets were installed and constructed will ensure you choose the proper removal techniques.

Gather the Right Tools and Supplies

Removing metal kitchen cabinets requires having the right tools for the job. Gather the following equipment before starting demo:

Pry bar: A sturdy pry bar is essential for leverage in pulling cabinets off walls. A 36-48 inch wrecking bar provides maximum force.
Hammer: A claw hammer helps knock cabinets loose and pull out nails. A 3 lb. sledge hammer can also supply extra power.
Screwdrivers: Have Phillips and flat head screwdrivers to remove cabinet screws.
Utility knife: Great for cutting away caulk, construction adhesive or anything else connecting cabinets.
Safety gear: Wear safety goggles, work gloves, long sleeves and a dust mask.
Trash bags: Have plenty of heavy duty garbage bags on hand to contain cabinet debris.
Box cutter: Helpful in breaking down cabinets for disposal after removal.
Stud finder: Locating studs ensures prying is done safely.
Flashlight: Illuminates dark cabinet interiors when disconnecting wiring or plumbing.

Having the right demolition tools makes cabinet removal much easier. Investing in quality equipment protects you and speeds up the process.

Prepare the Work Area

Prior to starting demo work on the kitchen cabinets, prep the space to simplify the project:

Clear countertops completely so cabinets can be accessed from all sides during removal.
Protect floors & walls in the work area to prevent damage from falling debris. Use tarps secured with painters tape.
Photograph layout of cabinets and plumbing/electric. This provides a reference for re-installation.
Disconnect sinks & appliances from any soon-to-be-removed cabinets so they are detached prior to prying anything loose.
Remove doors, drawers & shelving from cabinets first. This lightens cabinets, allowing them to be more easily handled.
Stabilize appliance cabinets that will remain using temporary supports. This keeps them safely in place when adjacent cabinets are taken out.

Taking time to thoughtfully prepare the kitchen prior to demolition makes the process smoother and protects the rest of the kitchen.

Take Out Base Cabinets First

The standard method is to begin cabinet removal by extracting base cabinets first. Taking these lower cabinets out leaves the uppers safely supported while creating open space to work in.

Remove baseboard trim if present along bottom of base cabinets. Pry off carefully with utility knife and hammer if necessary.
Cut any caulk or construction adhesive attaching base cabinets to wall with a utility knife. Also cut along the seams between cabinets.
Locate studs using a stud finder. Mark their locations on the cabinet face with painters tape.
Unscrew cabinet from wall studs using a power drill or screwdriver.
Check for plumbing connections underneath and disconnect supply lines and drains.
Lever cabinets loose from wall with a pry bar pressed into the stud bays. Apply steady force until releasing.
Extract base cabinets from kitchen and immediately dispose of debris in trash bags.

With lower cabinets out of the way, the kitchen is prepped for taking out uppers safely.

Remove Wall Cabinets Next

After successfully extracting lower cabinets, shifting focus to removing wall mounted cabinets will open up the kitchen further.

Cut away any sealant or nails attaching uppers to soffits or ceiling using utility knife and hammer.
Unscrew cabinets from cleats or wall studs. With upper doors removed the interiors are easy to access.
Check inside cabinets for wiring connections and disconnect any, noting location with tape.
Have someone support cabinet weight as screws are removed to prevent sudden dropping.
Lever cabinet loose from wall with pry bar and steady pressure. Apply force to stud bays, not sheetrock.
Take down wood or metal soffits surrounding upper cabinets once supports are gone.
Carefully lower cabinets to floor with helper holding weight. Dispose of immediately in trash bags.

With both upper and lower cabinets removed, inspect the walls and ceilings for any repairs needed before installing new cabinets.

Deal with Tricky Cabinet Removals

Some metal kitchen cabinet demolitions present unique challenges requiring special techniques.

Peninsula Cabinets

Cut away adhesive connecting countertop and any trim molding.
Check interior of cabinets for wiring to disconnect before removing.
Support peninsula cabinet from beneath while unscrewing from above if possible.
Use pry bar to pop loose from brace below once unscrewed.
Carefully lower detached peninsula cabinet and haul out of kitchen.

Corner Cabinets

Remove any specialty hardware or storage accessories first.
Cut away caulk attaching cabinet to walls and countertop.
Pry corner cabinet loose from the two adjoining walls a little at a time.
Pull out nails driven through cabinet sides into wall studs if present.
Slowly work cabinet free from corner and remove.

Island Cabinets

Disconnect and cap any plumbing lines under island sink or appliances.
Unscrew cabinets from each other and any legs, frames or braces.
Pry loose any stubborn areas glued to countertop.
Lift base cabinets off island structure and take out like ordinary base units.
Remove island countertop once cabinets are out.

Take Safety Precautions During Removal

Demolishing metal kitchen cabinets presents some safety concerns. Follow these precautions:

Never pry directly on drywall. Applying force should only be done against studs.
Wear eye protection, gloves and long sleeves at all times during demo.
Support any cabinets being disconnected from the wall to prevent crashing down.
Watch for sharp exposed nails, screws and sheet metal edges during removal.
Go slowly when prying cabinets loose. Allow them to release naturally with steady force.
Dispose of removed cabinets in dumpsters as soon as possible to clear work area.
Keep floors clean from grease, nails and debris during process to avoid slips or punctures.

Staying protected takes precedence over speed when taking out old metal kitchen cabinets.

Destroy and Dispose of Cabinets Properly

With all cabinets fully removed, the final step is to break them down for proper disposal or recycling:

Separate cabinet components for disposal: doors, drawers, shelves, and cabinet boxes.
Use a box cutter to cut apart cabinet sections for easier breakdown. Wear gloves to protect hands.
Place hardware like hinges and pulls in bags for recycling or reuse later.
Use a hammer to flatten shelves, sides and backs. Bend metal as much as possible.
Split wood cabinet parts with pry bar or axe if allowed by local ordinance.
Load cabinet debris into sturdy trash bags and securely tie off.
Make multiple trips carrying bags to avoid overloading disposal bins.

Taking time to break down cabinets makes the job easier for waste collectors and maximizes what can be recycled.

Hire Professionals for Problematic Removals

In certain tricky circumstances, it is safest to hire demolition experts:

Load bearing walls – Cabinets carrying a wall’s weight require structural work.
Hazardous materials – Cabinets with asbestos or lead paint need abatement.
Insured liability – Rental or commercial properties often require licensed contractors for liability reasons.
Questionable construction – Poorly installed cabinets necessitate experience to remove safely.
Physically demanding – Three stories or more of cabinets are extremely strenuous.

Taking on more than your abilities allows with cabinet demolition can lead to dangerous mishaps or even serious injury. Paying for a professional assessment is often worth the cost to avoid liability or harm.

FAQs About Removing Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about dismantling old metal kitchen cabinets:

Can I sell or donate old metal cabinets?

While you may be able to sell or donate cabinets in excellent shape, most buyers want newer cabinet styles. Removing and prepping old cabinets for sale takes extensive time. Usually the best option is just removal and recycling.

How long does it take to remove kitchen cabinets?

On average it takes 2-3 days working solo to fully remove all cabinets in a 10×10 kitchen. Larger kitchens with multiple helpers could be a 1-2 day job.

Should cabinets be removed before or after countertops?

It is easiest to remove countertops after all cabinets are uninstalled since counters are often physically attached to the cabinets.

Can I remove just part of my cabinets?

While certainly possible, it requires refinishing cabinet ends and adapting countertops. Fully removing allows a fresh start.

Is it cheaper to remove cabinets yourself?

In most cases hiring a company costs $2000+ for removal labor alone. So DIY can mean major savings, especially for adequate DIYers.

Will removing cabinets damage my kitchen?

If done carefully, cabinet removal does not damage the kitchen. However some drywall repair is common to patch screw and nail holes.

Hiring a professional is always an option if removing metal kitchen cabinets yourself seems too difficult or dangerous. But with proper planning and precautions, it can absolutely be a DIY project accomplished safely by an experienced homeowner. Just take time to prepare the kitchen, use the right tools, and dismantle cabinets gradually. In no time you’ll have that outdated metal cabinetry out and be ready for your new kitchen.

Conclusion

Removing old metal kitchen cabinets is a necessary first step for any major kitchen remodel. With adequate assessment of how the original cabinets were installed, the right demolition tools on hand, and safety precautions taken during removal, this is a manageable DIY project for many homeowners. Set aside sufficient time for careful dismantling and have plenty of trash bags ready to contain debris. If certain complexities of your kitchen cabinet demolition exceed your abilities, don’t be afraid to call in professional assistance. But in most standard kitchens, tackling the metal cabinet removal yourself can be done successfully with proper planning, safety awareness and elbow grease. Just take it slowly, protect the rest of the kitchen from damage, and before you know it those outdated metal cabinets will be ready for the trash. You’ll have a blank canvas ready for your gorgeous new kitchen design to take shape.