Removing metal cabinets can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done safely and efficiently. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to remove metal cabinets yourself.
Assessing the Metal Cabinets
Before starting the removal process, you need to assess the metal cabinets and understand how they are installed.
Cabinet Construction
- What material are the cabinets made of? Most common materials are steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. Understanding the material will help you choose the right tools for removal.
- Are the cabinets freestanding or built-in? Freestanding cabinets are easier to remove than built-in ones.
- How are the cabinets anchored to the wall or floor? They may be bolted, screwed, or fixed to studs in the wall. Locate all the fixing points.
- Do the cabinets have any plumbing or electrical connections? Disconnect any services before removal.
- Do the cabinets contain any hazardous or flammable materials? Remove these first as a safety precaution.
- Measure cabinet dimensions to ensure you have space to remove them through doorways, halls, etc.
Safety Gear
When removing metal cabinets, safety should be your top priority. Wear protective gear like:
- Sturdy gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges
- Safety goggles to prevent eye injuries from metal shards or chemicals
- Dust mask to avoid inhaling metal or drywall dust
- Ear protection when using power tools which can be noisy
- Steel-toe boots for foot protection in case you drop any heavy objects
- Knee pads to avoid injury from kneeling on hard surfaces
Gather the Right Tools
Removing cabinets requires some specialized tools to make the job easier and safer.
Basic Tools
- Tape measure and level – measure cabinet dimensions and ensure surfaces are even
- Screwdrivers – remove screws anchoring the cabinet
- Pliers – loosen bolts and fittings
- Utility knife – cut away caulk, sealant or adhesive
- Pry bar – lift and separate cabinet from wall
- Flashlight – illuminate any hard to see spaces
Power Tools
For built-in cabinets or stubborn fasteners, power tools can make the job easier:
- Circular saw – cut cabinets to disassemble or weaken joints
- Reciprocating saw – cut through nails, screws or studs
- Impact driver – remove screws rapidly and efficiently
- Hammer drill – drill through concrete floors to remove anchors
- Oscillating multi-tool – cut through tight spaces other tools can’t reach
- Demolition hammer – break up concrete floors holding cabinet anchors
Chemicals
Some additional supplies can assist with stubborn cabinets:
- Paint stripper – dissolve paint and varnish holding cabinets together
- Penetrating oil – loosen up rusted screws and bolts
- Adhesive remover – dissolve glue or sealant holding cabinets to walls
Safety Accessories
- Ladder or step stool – reach high cabinets safely
- Wood blocks – support cabinets when removing from walls
- Moving straps or dollies – maneuver heavy cabinets safely
- Plastic sheeting – protect floors and surfaces from damage
Shut Off Electricity and Water
Before starting demolition, you need to shut off water and electricity to prevent any accidents or damage:
- Locate the main water shut off valve and turn it off
- Shut off electricity at the main breaker panel
- Turn off any individual breakers connected to the cabinets
- Disconnect plumbing by unscrewing supply lines and capping pipes
- Remove any electrical wiring or switch boxes associated with the cabinets
- Turn off gas supply if removing kitchen cabinets with an integrated cooktop
- Cover nearby outlets and light switches to prevent dust contamination
With utilities disabled, you can start removing cabinets safely.
Removing Built-In Cabinets
For cabinets built into the wall, take the following steps:
Empty the Cabinets
Remove everything from inside the cabinets first – this reduces weight and allows you to check for leaks or damage.
Remove Doors and Drawers
Unscrew door hinges using a screwdriver and lift doors away. Remove drawers by pulling them out completely and lifting up to disengage the slides.
Remove Trim and Molding
Carefully pry off any trim, molding, or false facades attached to the cabinet exterior using a pry bar. Set aside anything you want to preserve and reinstall later.
Remove Wall Anchors
Find any screws, bolts or anchors fastening the cabinet into the wall. You may need to drill out anchors or use a reciprocating saw to cut them off.
Detach From Neighboring Cabinets
If cabinets are attached together, unscrew any joining brackets or fasteners. Pry along the joints with a flat bar to separate them.
Cut Apart Cabinets
Use a circular saw, oscillating tool or reciprocating saw to cut apart cabinets and free them from the wall. Make strategic cuts to break them down into movable sections.
Lift Cabinets Off Wall
Insert pry bars behind the cabinets and carefully pry them forward to break the seal of caulk or adhesive. Apply steady force and work your way across the entire cabinet to remove it.
Remove Debris and Fasteners
Clean up any debris left on the walls such as nails, screws or drywall anchors. Scrape off old caulk or adhesives still clinging to the walls.
Removing Freestanding Cabinets
For standalone metal cabinets:
Empty Cabinet Contents
As with built-ins, remove everything inside to lighten the load.
Disconnect Plumbing and Wiring
Detach any water lines, drain pipes, conduits or wiring routed through the cabinet. Cap any open pipes.
Unbolt From Floor
If bolted down, use pliers or a wrench to unscrew anchors fastening it to the floor. You may need to chip away concrete to access floor bolts.
Remove and Discard
With any anchors and pipes detached, the cabinet can now be picked up and removed. Disassemble if necessary to fit through doorways. Scrape off any leftover debris or caulk on the floor.
Remove Cabinet Bases
For cabinets with permanent bases:
Cut BaseBOARD Along Edges
Use a circular saw to cut through nails, caulk and adhesives around the perimeter of the base. Make cuts as deep as possible without damaging the floor.
Chisel Out Base
Use a masonry chisel and hammer to chip away the remaining base after cutting. Wear eye protection and work carefully to avoid gouging the floor.
Scrape and Sand Edges
Any adhesive residue left behind can be scraped away with a putty knife. Sand edges smooth for a clean finish.
Patch Floors
Repair any holes or damage left in flooring using wood filler, concrete patch, or floor leveling compound. Replace damaged sections if necessary.
Prepare the Area
With cabinets detached, now you can complete the removal process:
Repair Walls
Fill any holes and gouges in drywall with joint compound. Sand smooth and retexture walls to match existing finish.
Paint
Prime and paint walls to match the rest of the room. Paint provides a finished look.
Clean Surrounding Surfaces
Vacuum dust and debris from surrounding countertops, floors and other surfaces. Wipe down with all-purpose cleaner.
Remove Debris
Collect all cabinet parts and debris and transport to an appropriate disposal site. Recycle metal components when possible.
Replace Trim
Reinstall any molding, trim or decorative details previously removed after everything is clean and painted.
With patience and proper techniques, metal cabinets can be removed safely and thoroughly from any home. Just take care to take your time and use the right tools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Metal Cabinets
How do you remove screwed-in metal cabinets?
For metal cabinets screwed into studs or blocking, first remove any trim concealing the screw heads. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws – an impact driver can make quicker work of this. You may need to drill around stubborn screws to loosen them. Sawzalls are also effective at cutting through screws if necessary.
What tools are best for removing old metal cabinets?
Reciprocating saws are ideal for cutting through screws, caulk and nails to dismantle cabinets. Pry bars help lift cabinets off the walls once fasteners are removed. Hammer drills can bore through concrete anchors. Cordless tools like impact drivers give flexibility for overhead work.
What is the easiest way to remove metal kitchen cabinets?
The easiest method is to empty the cabinets, detach them from each other, unscrew any fasteners, cut any sealant or caulk, and lift them off the wall. Having an assistant makes supporting the cabinets easier as you pry them off. Take care not to damage walls in the process.
Can you leave the base when removing cabinets?
Sometimes the base can be left if it is suitable for the new cabinets. But often bases become damaged during removal and need to be replaced anyway. Cutting away the base also allows existing flooring to remain undamaged.
What do you do with old metal cabinets after removing them?
Depending on their condition, old metal cabinets can be sold, donated, recycled, or taken to the dump. Habitat for Humanity and architectural salvage stores often accept used cabinets in good shape for resale or reuse. Cabinet carcasses and bases can go in scrap metal recycling bins.
How long does it take to remove metal cabinets?
On average, removing a full set of 10-15 metal cabinets will take 2-3 days for a DIYer. Working with an experienced contractor speeds up the demolition process to 1-2 days depending on access and complexities involved. Proper planning and organization is key.
Should you remove upper cabinets before lowers?
It’s generally recommended to start removal with upper wall cabinets first before taking out base cabinets. Removing uppers eliminates storage space to stage tools. It also minimizes the risk of base cabinets collapsing without stable wall attachments from uppers bearing weight.
How do you remove cabinets without damaging walls?
Use pry bars and block scrap wood to minimize wall damage when prying off cabinets. Cut any caulk before attempting to pry. Go slowly and carefully. Any wall damage can be patched, but take care to preserve drywall as much as possible. Protect floors too.
Can I sell or donate old metal cabinets?
Definitely, if the cabinets are still functional and not severely damaged. Detach them fully intact to maximize reusability. Habitat ReStore locations often accept cabinet donations. Online sites like Craigslist allow selling cabinets conveniently.
What safety precautions should I take when removing cabinets?
Wear protective gloves, goggles, sturdy shoes, knee pads and other safety gear. Prevent dust inhalation with an N95 mask. Turn off electricity and water at main shut-offs. Remove any hazardous chemicals first. Shore up cabinets before detaching to prevent falling. Work carefully.
Conclusion
Removing metal cabinets is a project any motivated DIYer can accomplish. With adequate preparation, safety measures, proper tools and some perseverance, metal cabinets can be taken out fully and the space made ready for new cabinets to be installed. Just be sure to detach all plumbing and electrical connections before beginning demolition. Go slowly and carefully to avoid personal injury or property damage. Do thorough planning and have all necessary supplies on hand before getting started. You’ll have that new kitchen or bathroom in no time!