Removing your kitchen cabinets can either be a way to give your kitchen a new look or the first step in a whole kitchen renovation. Cabinet removal gives you a chance to restyle your kitchen or even dabble with modern open shelving. Whatever path you take, this step-by-step guide will show you how to remove your kitchen cabinets all by yourself.
How to Remove Upper Kitchen Cabinets
Step 1: Gather Supplies
Some tools you’ll need to safely remove your upper kitchen cabinets include:
- Pry bar or crowbar
- Two putty knives
- Utility knife
- Hammer
- Drill
- Gloves
- Goggles
If you are disposing of your cabinets or planning a larger kitchen renovation, rent a 10-yard dumpster to get rid of your debris.
Step 2: Prepare Your Kitchen
Shut off the kitchen’s electricity at the breaker box, remove the range hood, and any inset lighting in your cabinetry.
Step 3: Prep Your Kitchen Cabinets for Removal
Before removing your kitchen cabinets:
- Empty your cabinets.
- Next, remove cabinet doors, using the drill to unscrew the hinges from the cabinet, so the hinge remains with the door.
Step 6: Remove Cabinets From Wall
Kitchen Cabinets Attached With Screws:
- Start by removing the screws that are closest to the bottom, and then work your way up, removing all screws. As you remove the final screws at the top, lift the cabinet away from the wall.
- Repeat until all units are removed.
To Remove Glued Kitchen Cabinets:
- Start on the cabinet’s sides, using the hammer to wedge the pry bar between the wall and cabinet. To minimize the damage to the drywall, make sure to pry directly over a stud where possible.
- Next, move to the top, bottom, then back through the front of the cabinet if still attached and continue to pry the cabinet from the wall until the entire unit is loose enough to be removed.