If you are remodeling your kitchen, or just want to make the most of unused space, you might be considering removing the upper cabinets. This may seem like a daunting task and can be time-consuming. But with the right steps, it will be easy to remove them and have enough room for extra storage. Before starting this project, make sure that you have a place to store them while they are out of the way. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove upper cabinets. How to Remove Upper Kitchen Cabinets.
What you Need to Remove Cabinets
Before you start this project, make sure you have all the following items on hand for the job:
- Safety goggles or glasses
- Protective gloves
- Screwdriver and drill with a Phillips head bit
- Level
- Drill bits
- Hammer or pry bar
Remove the Cabinet Doors
The first thing you will want to do is remove the doors from the upper cabinets. To do this, take off the hinges and unscrew the handles with a screwdriver. Once you have removed the doors, put them aside in a container or box for safekeeping.
Remove the Countertop on Top of the Cabinets
The first thing you will need to do is remove the countertop on top of the cabinets. Make sure that there are no major appliances in your way before you start this step. Next, determine how far down the cabinet goes because you will have to cut it off at that height. You can use a saw with a metal blade or a reciprocating saw to make the cuts.
Remove Any Nails or Screws that are Holding up the Upper Cabinets.
Once you’ve traced the outline of the upper cabinets, you will need to remove any nails or screws that are holding them up. This is done by bending over the nails and using a hammer to knock them down. In some cases, you may have to use pliers to pull out the nails. Remove any screws as well and make sure everything is clear before proceeding.
Move Cabinet Away from the Wall
How to Remove Upper Kitchen Cabinets. You might need someone to help you with this step. You are going to have one person lift the cabinet up, while the other person moves it away from the wall. You will want to make sure that you can easily move it out of your way before lifting it.
Remove the Cabinet from its Base
The first step is to remove the cabinet from its base. This can be done by unscrewing the screws on the back of the cabinet. Be sure to hold up the weight of the cabinet while you are doing this so it doesn’t fall and break.
Disconnect Electric Shut off and Disconnect Electrical Lines
Before removing the upper cabinets, disconnect the electricity from the wall. You might need to cut the electric wires leading up to them in order to do so. Disconnect any electrical lines that are connected to the cabinets. Turn off all of the knobs and plugs and make sure you turn off the water at the sink if there is a shut-off valve on it.
Install New Cabinets
The first step to removing upper cabinets is to install new ones. The new cabinets will replace the old ones and give you space to store things while they are out of the way. You can choose a style and color that fits your kitchen. Once you have installed new cabinets, measure the height of the cabinet so that you know how tall to make your storage unit.
Gather Your Tools and Supplies
You’ll need the following tools and supplies to remove upper cabinets:
- a pencil
- temporary spacers
- a drill
- a hammer and large nails
- cordless drill with a screwdriver bit
- 3/8” drill bit
- 1 1/2″ spade bit
- 1 1/4″ spade bit
- straight edge clamp
- hand saw or jigsaw (if necessary for removing doors)
Conclusion
Once you’ve removed your cabinets, or if you’re planning to replace your kitchen, it’s important to know how to properly remove the cabinets to avoid any damage to your wall or floor.
Don’t forget that the cabinet door hinges may still be attached to the wall, so be sure to remove them first. After that, remove the countertops and any other items that are attached to the cabinets. Finally, remove the nails or screws that are holding up the upper cabinets and remove the cabinet from its base. Now you can put in new cabinets and get started on your kitchen remodel!
