To remove old kitchen cabinets from the wall, you will primarily need to locate and remove the screws securing them to the wall studs and, if necessary, gently pry them loose from any adhesive before sliding them forward.
Removing old kitchen cabinets requires careful steps to ensure safety and minimize potential damage to the cabinet itself (if planning to reuse) and the surrounding wall. The key is to systematically detach the cabinets from their primary anchors.
Key Steps for Cabinet Removal
Based on best practices for cabinet removal, the process centers around releasing the cabinet from its attachment points.
Here are the essential steps:
1. Prepare the Area
Before beginning, clear the cabinet contents and surrounding countertop space. Lay down drop cloths to protect flooring. Ensure you have safety glasses and gloves. You may also want a helper to support the cabinet as it's detached.
2. Locate and Remove Fasteners
To remove cabinets without damaging them, locate and remove the screws through the back of each cabinet that secure them to the wall studs behind. Cabinet screws are typically found along the top and bottom rails inside the cabinet back. Use a drill or screwdriver of the appropriate size to remove these screws completely. Pay close attention, as there might be screws connecting adjacent cabinets to each other as well; these should also be removed.
3. Address Adhesion
If the cabinets were installed with adhesive in addition to screws: If adhesive is also present, use a pry bar to nudge each cabinet from the wall gently. Work the pry bar carefully between the cabinet and the wall. Apply gentle pressure, moving along the edges where adhesive might be present, to break the seal without damaging the wall surface excessively or splitting the cabinet wood.
4. Detach and Remove
Once the main fasteners are removed and any adhesive bond is broken: Once loose from the wall, slide each cabinet forward to remove it. Have your helper ready to support the weight of the cabinet as you slide it away from the wall. Cabinets can be heavy, especially larger ones.
Quick Removal Checklist
- Empty cabinets completely.
- Protect floors and surfaces.
- Locate and Remove screws attaching cabinet backs to wall studs.
- Remove screws connecting adjacent cabinets (if applicable).
- Gently Pry cabinets loose if adhesive was used.
- Slide cabinet forward while supporting its weight.
Following these steps, with focus on removing the primary fasteners and carefully separating the cabinet from the wall, will allow for successful removal.
