Removing cabinet doors is a common home improvement project that many homeowners end up dreading. Cabinet doors are heavy, and removing them requires the removal of the cabinets themselves. If you have outdated cabinetry, this is not your problem. But if you have newer cabinets and countertops, you need to know how to remove kitchen cabinets without removing the countertop. Removing the kitchen cabinets will give you more space in your kitchen while also giving you an opportunity to install new cabinets or update your old ones with new hardware or materials.
The following steps will show you how to remove kitchen cabinets without removing the countertop:
- Remove all drawers, shelves, and racks from inside the layout
- Measure out where to cut the cabinet so it doesn’t go into the water pipes beneath
- Cutaway at each side of the cabinet until all four sides are cut through
- Slide a pry bar on each side of where the cabinet has been cut and use it as leverage
How to Remove Kitchen Cabinets without Removing the Cabinet Countertop?
Removing cabinet doors is a common home improvement project that many homeowners end up dreading. Cabinet doors are heavy, and removing them requires the removal of the cabinets themselves. If you have outdated cabinetry, this isn’t your problem. But if you have newer cabinets and countertops, you need to know how to remove kitchen cabinets without removing the countertop. Removing the kitchen cabinets will give you more space in your kitchen while also giving you an opportunity to install new cabinets or update your old ones with new hardware or materials. The following steps will show you how to remove kitchen cabinets without removing the countertop:
-Remove all drawers, shelves, and racks from inside the layout
-Measure out where to cut the cabinet so it doesn’t go into the water pipes beneath
-Cutaway at each side of the cabinet until all four sides are cut through
-Slide a pry bar on each side of where the cabinet has been cut and use it as leverage
What are the Benefits of Removing Cabinets without the Countertop Removed?
Removing cabinets without the countertop removed has many benefits.
-It allows you to get more space in your kitchen
-You can use leftover materials from the cabinet to build a new one, making it cheaper
-You don’t have to worry about harming your countertop
A Step-by-step Guide to Removing Kitchen Cabinets without Removing the Countertop
The following steps will show you how to remove kitchen cabinets without removing the countertop:
-Remove all drawers, shelves, and racks from inside the layout
-Measure out where to cut the cabinet so it doesn’t go into the water pipes beneath
-Cutaway at each side of the cabinet until all four sides are cut through
-Slide a pry bar on each side of where the cabinet has been cut and use it as leverage
Important Reminders Before Beginning
-Measure the space before removing cabinets
-If you have plumbing, be sure not to cut too close as this can cause flooding
-If you are installing new cabinets, measure out your new cabinet doors and make sure they will fit into the space
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What you will need for this Project
- Pry bar
- Hammer or screwdriver
- Measuring tape
- Utility knife
- Pencil
- Tape measure
- Safety glasses
How to Measure Out the Cut
Cabinet cuts should be measured out with a level. You should do this by measuring the floor up to where the countertop is and then measuring it across, adding an inch or two for wiggle room.
Cut Away at Each Side of the Cabinet
With the pry bar, cut away at each side of the cabinet until all four sides have been cut through. Slide a pry bar on each side of where the cabinet has been cut and use it as leverage to remove the cabinet from its place. If you have a large cabinet, it may be easier to do this with two people. You will need some muscle power to slide the cabinet doors off their hinges. If your countertop is made of stone or glass, you can use pliers to remove them before removing the cabinets.
Slide a Pry Bar on Each Side of Where the Cabinet Has Been Cut and Use It as Leverage
A pry bar is a tool usually made from metal that’s used to remove items from their position. One common use for a pry bar is removing the cabinet doors. The following steps will show you how to use a pry bar to remove kitchen cabinets without removing the countertop:
-Using the pry bar, slide it into the corner of where the cabinet has been cut
-Push down on one side of the pry bar while pulling up on the other until it pops off
-Repeat this process on any remaining corners and then slide out the cabinet doors
-Pull out your old cabinets and replace them with new ones or update them with new hardware or materials
Which New Cabinets Should You Install?
Now that you’ve removed the old cabinets, it’s time to pick out new ones. When deciding which new cabinets to install, there are a few things to think about. First, what color do you want your cabinetry to be? This is usually dependent on the color scheme of your kitchen and what style you’re going for. Second, how many cabinets do you need in your layout? This will depend on how many people live in your house and what items need storage space. Lastly, how much of a budget are you working with? As expected, if you have more money to work with, then you’ll have more options available for new cabinetry.
Conclusion
If your kitchen has a lot of unused space and you are looking for ways to make it more efficient, you may want to remove your cabinets in order to give yourself more room. Removing the cabinet countertop can be an easier way to get the job done without having to tear out the cabinets and put new ones in. The countertop will still need to be removed if you want to install new cabinets, but this process is easier and will provide you with a cleaner look.