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New cabinets are a great way to give new life to your old kitchen. But, before installing your fancy new cabinets, you must remove the old ones. At this point, you may find yourself wondering exactly how to remove kitchen cabinets.

It may seem daunting, but you can easily accomplish it with a few tools and a bit of muscle.

Read on for a comprehensive guide to success.


How to Remove Kitchen Cabinets – Wall Cabinets

What You Will Need

  • Impact driver or drill with a variety of driver bits.
  • At least one person to help.
  • (Optional) Drop cloths/ Cardboard.

Prep

Begin by clearing out all items inside the cabinets you will be removing. Be sure to check the top of the cabinets as well. If you aren’t planning on replacing your existing countertop, then it is a good idea to cover it with drop cloths or cardboard, just in case. 

How to Remove Kitchen Cabinets – Step by Step

  1. Remove the cabinet doors by removing the hinge from the cabinet.
  2. Cabinets that are directly next to one another will have screws connecting them. You will find these screws at the front of the cabinet, close to where the hinges used to be. Remove these screws.
  3. Look at the back panel of the cabinet. There will be screws, usually four, holding the cabinet to the wall. If your cabinets are painted, the screws may be harder to find, but, for most, they should be pretty obvious. Have a helper (or two) hold the cabinet while you remove the screws.
    • Warning: As soon as you remove the screws, the cabinet will be free from the wall! Good communication with your partner is critical during this step to avoid mishaps. 
  4. Carefully move the cabinet away from the wall. Voila! That is how to remove kitchen cabinets!

How to Remove Kitchen Cabinets – Base Cabinets

What You Will Need

  • Impact driver or drill with a variety of drill bits.
  • At least one person to help.
  • (Optional) Drop Cloths
  • Hammer
  • Pry Bar
  • Razor Knife
  • Caps for water lines
  • Teflon Tape

Prep

Clean all items out of the cabinets. Cover the floor with drop cloths if desired. 

Removing the Kitchen Sink From the Cabinet

  1. Turn the water off to the sink inside the base cabinet.
  2. Disconnect the water lines and the drain. 
  3. Remove the faucet by loosening the nut(s) that hold it tight underneath. You remove the sprayer the same way.
  4. There will be clips holding the sink to the countertop for an undermount sink. While somebody holds the sink, remove these clips. The sink will still be lightly held in place by silicone; use some force to free it completely.
    1. For an over-mount sink, cut around the edge of the sink with a razor blade. Free it as much as possible from its silicone bond. Use force to remove the sink from the countertop. 

The Remaining Water Lines and Valves in Your Cabinet

Although you already shut the water off inside the cabinet and disconnected the water lines, the valves themselves will still be inside the cabinet. These valves were installed after the cabinet and are larger than the hole drilled for the copper pipe coming up into them. These valves will prevent you from removing this cabinet. 

Today’s Homeowner Tips

Warning: If you do not feel comfortable or confident dealing with plumbing, call a plumber. Water damage can be severe and expensive.

  1. Shut your house’s water off at the main.
  2. Turn on all of the showers and sinks in your home. This will help drain as much water out of the lines as possible.
  3. Open the valves on your water lines in the cabinet and drain the remaining water.
  4. If your valves are screwed on, unscrew them and securely screw on a threaded cap with Teflon Tape.
  5. If your valves are sweated on, then cut the valves off and securely attach a push-to-connect cap.
  6. Turn your water back on at the main and thoroughly inspect your newly installed caps to ensure there are no leaks.

Before you can remove the base cabinets, you must remove the countertop.

  1. Start by removing any backsplash; this has to come off before your countertop.
  2. Look underneath the countertop, inside of the cabinets. Remove any screws or brackets that could be holding the countertop in place. 
  3. If your countertop is now free, then, with a helper if required, simply remove the countertop.
  4. If the countertop is still firmly in place, then use force with a hammer and prybar to separate the countertop from the cabinets.

Most base cabinets will have a toe cap, or baseboard, that runs along the bottom of the cabinets. Remove this with a hammer and prybar.

How to Remove Kitchen Cabinets – Step by Step

  1. Remove the cabinet doors by removing the hinge from the cabinet.
  2. Cabinets that are directly next to one another will have screws connecting them. You will find these screws at the front of the cabinet, close to where the hinges used to be. Remove these screws.
  3. Look at the back panel of the cabinet. There will be screws, usually four, holding the cabinet to the wall. The screws may be harder to find if your cabinets are painted, but they should be pretty obvious for most.
  4. Your cabinets are now free and can be removed.

How to Remove Kitchen Cabinets – In Conclusion

With a little hard work and elbow grease, you can solve the question of how to remove kitchen cabinets. Your new kitchen awaits!

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Andrew Arena

Andrew Arena

Andrew Arena is an accomplished writer specializing in a wide range of home improvement topics, including flooring, plumbing, and other essential aspects of home maintenance. With a passion for empowering homeowners with practical knowledge, Andrew's writing is known for its clarity and ability to break down complex concepts into easily digestible information. His expertise spans various flooring materials, plumbing systems, and maintenance techniques, making him a reliable source for readers seeking guidance on enhancing their living spaces. Andrew's articles provide valuable insights, tips, and step-by-step instructions, helping readers make informed decisions about flooring options, troubleshoot plumbing issues, and undertake DIY projects with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a homeowner in need of professional guidance, Andrew's writing is sure to equip you with the necessary knowledge to transform your home into a functional and aesthetically pleasing haven.

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