How to Remove Base Cabinets Without Removing Countertop?

Decorating your kitchen is an art and needs special attention and interest. So, the installation of countertops is a significant investment and if it is not settling in nicely with the old cabinets, you may think about removing the cabinets. So, how to remove base cabinets without removing countertops? 

For this purpose, you have to provide some assistance and support to countertops and remove the bottom kitchen cabinets smoothly. Meanwhile, the support is intact, you need to install the new cabinets. Actually, there is a need for a few important tools. Let us find out this procedure in proper detail.

Process of removing base cabinets without damaging countertops

Before you start removing the cabinets from your kitchen randomly, you need to follow some protocols so that no injury or damage to the kitchen property happens. As this process of how to remove base cabinets without removing countertop will involve plumbing and carpentry work, so you need a set of certain tools for removing these cabinets.

• Apparatus you need for removing cabinets:

You should have a set of the following practical tools in your kit.

• Set Up your Kitchen for Renovation:

First of all, you need to set up your kitchen so that there is no hurdle in the renovation process. So, for this purpose, you have to remove unnecessary objects from your kitchen. It includes the cutlery in those bottom cabinets. 

Now, cover your countertops in the kitchen with wrapping plastic so that no dirt or cutting pieces damage or outshine the other parts and countertops of the kitchen. 

• Start with loosening up the screws of the cabinets:

Now, with the screwdriver, you should loosen and remove all the nails from the cabinets. Usually, during the installation period, cabinets are attached to the floor firmly with the clamps, and by unscrewing the nails from these clamps, you can loosen the cabinet. 

But if the bottom layer of the cabinet is directly fixed to the floor, then you may have to destroy the cabinet and remove it from its place. It is actually an important point to consider in the process of how to remove base cabinets without removing countertop.

• Create an open space for the cabinet’s removal:

Once you are done with unscrewing all the cabinets, You have to use a Jigsaw for cutting down the plumbing points behind the cabinets. So, you need to do this to make an open space from where you can easily slide and remove the cabinets.

While cutting these areas, you should keep in mind that the opening is spacious so that there is no issue while fixing the new cabinets. However, if there is a sink and other plumbing work, you can remove them temporarily so that you can properly adjust the new cabinets.

• Place the studs for supporting the Countertops:

Now, you have to support the countertops with the help of wooden beams and studs. Before you remove the cabinets from their place, make sure you have provided enough assistance to the countertops so that they do not fall or displace their position. 

So, with the help of nails and hammers, you should fix the studs with the wall and adjacent to the countertops to offer support. Until then you have to place the new cabinets. 

• Detach the Cabinets from their positions:

Next, you should carefully start removing the cabinets from their position. The bottom and upper layers of the cabinet will need more force because of their stickiness with the surface behind them. Usually, these sides are attached with the help of strong adhesives. Be careful while removing or you should know how to remove base cabinets without removing countertop.

So, here you will need a sharp edge knife for cutting that adhesive material from the bottom and upper layer of the cabinets. This removal of adhesive residue is necessary otherwise it causes problems while fixing and placing new cabinets. 

• Place the New Cabinets:

Before you place and fix new cabinets, clean the surfaces of the walls. Remove any kind of residues from the previous cabins properly. Now, you may adjust the new cabinets in their place. To properly fix the, you need a drill machine, clamps, and nails. 

If you notice any damage or damp area after removing the old cabinets, you should repair that first. For this purpose, you may need to call a plumber to check the damp place so that there is no internal leakage or damage happening while removing the old cabinets. 

Once the place is perfect, you should install the new cabinets that can be set perfectly with the countertops. During this process, make sure you wear each safety gear like goggles, gloves, and face mask.

• Uncover the area and take out the support of countertops:

After this, you can uncover all the places in the kitchen that you did before doing this project. Furthermore, you can place the objects back in the cabinets and countertops. In addition, with the help of a hammer, you can take out the nails and remove the studs of support. Now, your kitchen will give a great visual appeal and an excellent decorated feel. 

Why is there a need to remove old cabinets?

We extensively discussed how to remove base cabinets without removing countertop in the above section of this writing. But now we will discuss the factors that contribute to this change and force a person to install new cabins in his kitchen.

One of the major reasons for replacing the base cabinets is the old and damaged condition of the wood. With the passage of time, the surface of the cabinet’s wood wears out. So, it delivers a very dull and old-school look to your kitchen.

Secondly, if you have installed a new set of countertops, then differences in the design and color of countertops and base cabinets may force you to remove cabinets. This is because countertops are a significant investment and you need to give visual appeal to your kitchen.

Is there any substitute for this removal of base cabinets?

So, you are on a budget and looking for an affordable yet sustainable substitute for removing the cabinets. A process is refacing the cabinets that will save you from the effort of removing the bottom cabinets of the kitchen. Actually, this method is to alter the shape and design of the bottom cabinets according to the countertops. 

Note that this refacing method is only for those people who want to add visual attraction to their kitchen by aligning the cabinets. If the base cabinets of your kitchen are damaged and old, you have to remove them. It means you cannot reface such damaged cabinets. 

Are old cabinets reusable after removal?

Yes, there are possibilities of reusing the old cabinets until they are in good shape and condition. So, if your bottom cabinets have worn out and you are not in a position to install a new cabinet set. You can go ahead with the used cabinets that are in reasonably good condition. 

However, it is difficult to find such used cabinets, still, you can buy them from online platforms. However, you should know how to remove base cabinets without removing countertop. Make sure that the wood is strong enough and compatible with your budget. So, we recommend you remove the cabinets carefully so that they can be reused for some kind of purpose. 

FAQs

Q. Can kitchen cabinets be removed and reused?

Taking out kitchen cabinets is an essential part of renovating your kitchen. The great thing is that one can remove the securely attached cabinets to the wall without causing any harm. So, this gives you the option to reuse or even sell them if desired. Before you start this process, ensure that you take out all dishes, pots, and pans from the cabinets.

Q. Are base cabinets screwed to the wall?

Yes, for a firm and stable connection of the cabinet with the wall and floor, you need to fix two screws in each corner of the cabinet railing. Furthermore, you can add adhesives object for a strong grip on cabinets with the wall and floor. So, Base cabinets are usually screwed to the wall.

Q. Can cabinets be removed without damage?

When it comes to minimizing damage to the drywall, it is best to pry directly over a stud whenever possible. Another helpful tip is placing a wooden block between the crowbar lever and the wall to prevent potential damage. If the cabinets are still attached, you can begin by removing them from the top, bottom, and front of the cabinet using a sharp knife to cut through any adhesive residue.

Q. How do you take apart glued cabinets?

You need to take a sharp edge knife for removing the sticky cabinets. Actually, the glue gets hard and sticks firmly with the passage of time. During the removal process, it becomes difficult to detach this glue. So, You can use the knife for getting rid of this stickiness. Later, with the help of shims, you peel off all this glue residue. 

Final Thoughts:

This blog contains extensive and reliable information regarding how to remove base cabinets without removing countertop. So, following these methods will help you to take out your old base cabinets from the kitchen. Then, you can replace them with new cabinets to give a great attraction and appealing outlook to your kitchen. 

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