How to Demo Existing Kitchen Cabinets
Removing old cabinets is physically demanding but straightforward work. The key is doing it systematically and safely so you do not damage walls unnecessarily or hurt yourself wrestling with heavy, awkward cabinet boxes. This guide shows you the right order of operations and what to watch out for.
Quick Summary
Time needed
4-6 hours
Cost
$100-300 (disposal)
Difficulty
Moderate
Safety Precautions
Critical Safety Rules:
- •Never remove wall cabinets alone - they are heavy and can fall
- •Wear safety glasses - falling screws and debris are common
- •Use proper lifting technique - lift with your legs, not your back
- •Watch for hidden plumbing and electrical behind cabinets
- •Clear your path before carrying heavy cabinet boxes
Tools You Will Need
Cordless Drill/Driver
For removing mounting screws
Pry Bar and Hammer
For stubborn cabinets and trim removal
Utility Knife
For cutting caulk and paint lines
Shop Vacuum
For cleanup as you work
Safety Glasses & Gloves
Non-negotiable safety gear
Screwdriver Set
Backup for stripped screws
Step-by-Step Demolition Process
1. Remove All Doors and Drawers
Start by removing all cabinet doors and drawer fronts. This reduces weight significantly and makes the cabinet boxes much easier to handle. Save the hardware in labeled bags if you are donating the cabinets.
Door Removal Tips:
- •Open door fully and remove bottom hinge screws first, then top
- •Stack doors carefully in another room to avoid damage
- •Pull drawer boxes completely out of cabinet frames
- •Remove pulls and handles if you are salvaging them
2. Locate and Mark All Mounting Points
Before removing any cabinets, identify all the screws holding them in place. Cabinets are typically screwed to wall studs and to adjacent cabinets. Use painter's tape to mark each screw location so you do not miss any.
Pro Tip: Look inside cabinets at the back top rail for screws going into the wall. Check the sides for screws connecting to neighboring cabinets. Most installers use 2.5-3 inch screws through the cabinet back into wall studs.
3. Remove Upper Cabinets First (CRITICAL)
Always remove wall cabinets before base cabinets. This is a safety issue - you do not want to lean over base cabinets while handling heavy wall cabinets overhead.
The Two-Person Technique:
- 1. Cut any caulk between cabinet and wall with utility knife
- 2. Remove screws connecting to adjacent cabinets first
- 3. Have helper support cabinet weight from below
- 4. Remove wall mounting screws one at a time
- 5. Remove the last screw while helper supports full weight
- 6. Carefully lower cabinet down together
Never: Try to hold a wall cabinet with one hand while removing the last screw with the other. The cabinet will fall. Always have a helper supporting the weight.
4. Remove Base Cabinets
Base cabinets are heavier but easier to handle since they sit on the floor. The main challenge is dealing with plumbing for sink base cabinets and ensuring you do not damage flooring.
Base Cabinet Removal Process:
- 1.Cut caulk line where cabinet meets wall and countertop
- 2.Disconnect plumbing if this is the sink base
- 3.Remove toe kick boards at cabinet bottom
- 4.Unscrew cabinets from each other (side screws)
- 5.Remove screws attaching cabinet to wall studs
- 6.Check for screws through bottom into floor
- 7.Gently pull cabinet away from wall
Watch Out: Some installers shoot nails through the cabinet back into studs in addition to screws. If a cabinet is not coming free after removing all screws, look for nail heads and carefully pry the cabinet away from the wall.
5. Deal with the Sink Base Cabinet
The sink base requires extra care because of plumbing connections. Make sure water is turned off before disconnecting anything.
Sink Base Removal:
- •Turn off water supply valves under sink
- •Disconnect supply lines from faucet with adjustable wrench
- •Disconnect P-trap drain (have bucket ready for water)
- •Pull supply lines and drain pipe through cabinet holes as you remove
- •Cap water lines with shutoff valves to prevent leaks
6. Clean Up and Inspect Walls
After all cabinets are removed, clean the area thoroughly and inspect walls for damage. Some drywall damage is normal and expected.
Normal Damage (OK):
- • Screw holes in drywall
- • Small torn paper spots
- • Paint pulling off with caulk
- • Minor gouges from prying
Needs Repair:
- • Large holes in drywall
- • Crumbling drywall
- • Water damage or mold
- • Broken studs or framing
Cabinet Disposal Options
♻️Donate to Habitat ReStore (Best Option)
If cabinets are in decent shape, donate them to Habitat for Humanity ReStore. They will often pick up for free, you get a tax deduction, and cabinets get reused. Call ahead to confirm they will accept your cabinets.
📱List Free on Marketplace
Post on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Nextdoor. Someone will usually take free cabinets for garage or basement use. Make them pick up from your driveway.
🗑️Rent a Dumpster ($300-500)
For a full kitchen demo with cabinets, countertops, and flooring, rent a 10-15 yard dumpster. It is there for a week and makes disposal easy. Worth it for major renovations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I remove upper or lower kitchen cabinets first?
Always remove upper (wall) cabinets first, before removing base cabinets. This prevents you from having to lean over base cabinets or work around them while handling heavy wall cabinets overhead. It is safer and gives you better access.
Can I remove kitchen cabinets without damaging drywall?
Minor damage is almost unavoidable, but you can minimize it. Cut caulk lines with a utility knife before pulling cabinets away from walls. Remove screws slowly and support the cabinet weight to prevent it from tearing away suddenly. Most damage can be easily repaired with spackle and paint before installing new cabinets.
How do I dispose of old kitchen cabinets?
You have several options: 1) Donate usable cabinets to Habitat for Humanity ReStore or similar organizations, 2) List free cabinets on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for pickup, 3) Rent a dumpster ($300-500) if you have a full kitchen worth of cabinets, or 4) Break them down and dispose via regular trash pickup if your service allows bulky items. Some cabinet companies offer haul-away with new cabinet delivery.
Do I need help removing kitchen cabinets or can I do it alone?
You absolutely need at least one helper for removing wall cabinets safely. Upper cabinets are heavy and awkward - they can easily fall and cause injury when you remove the final mounting screws. Base cabinets can sometimes be handled solo, but a helper makes the job faster and safer. Never try to remove wall cabinets alone.
How long does it take to demo kitchen cabinets?
Plan on 4-6 hours for an average-sized kitchen with standard cabinets. This includes removing doors/drawers, unscrewing and removing all cabinet boxes, and basic cleanup. Very old cabinets with multiple layers of paint or extensive caulking may take longer. Add extra time if you are trying to preserve cabinets for donation.
Cabinets Out. Countertops Next.
With cabinets removed, you now have access to remove the old countertops. This is where it gets messy.