Kitchen islands are difficult to replace because they are frequently built in. Removal is possible, but depending on the intricacy and function of the kitchen island, it can be a lengthy process. But if kitchen remodeling, you’ll undoubtedly want to get rid of or replace your kitchen island
So, how can you get your kitchen island out of the way?
You might be asking whether the big piece can be removed and replaced. Fortunately, relocating or removing a kitchen island is simple. However, the amount of time and money required is dependent on the style of kitchen island you currently have. Let’s discuss this removal process in detail in this post.
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9 Steps To Remove Kitchen Island
To remove your kitchen island, clear it of all clutter first, then switch off the power and water. Before removing the countertop, make sure you remove all of the moldings and trimmings from your island. The final step would be to deconstruct the island base piece by piece.
1. Materials Required
Most of the materials are the same as the time you secure the kitchen island to the floor. You will need the following tools and materials to remove the island.
- A hammer
- A screwdriver
- A drill
- A pry bar
- A saw
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Tape
- Plastic sheeting
Secure all of these supplies so that you can begin to remove a kitchen island efficiently.
2. Remove Drawers And Countertops
It’s pretty simple to remove your kitchen island if any electricity, gas, or water connections are missing. Remove any drawers or open shelves as the initial stage in the procedure. Nothing will get loose and fall when you move the unit in this manner.
This is especially crucial if your island contains breakable or pointy things or fallen items that could harm your kitchen floor.
Next, remove the island’s countertop by unscrewing any screws holding it in place or prying it away if it’s glued to the unit. Choosing kitchen countertops is rather tricky if you are planning to remove the kitchen island. Therefore, you’ll also need to remove any fasteners if your kitchen island is secured to the floor. However, most islands are not often affixed to the floor.
3. Remove Base Cabinets
Usually, kitchen islands have base cabinets installed for storage purposes. At the time of removing the island, first, you need to remove the cabinets. If you do not plan to replace the island, those cabinets can be used elsewhere. It is crucial not to damage the cabinets while removing them. Also, you will need to take care of the hardware like the handles of the cabinet doors, if any.
4. Remove All Screws And Hardware
After loosening the unit, start dismantling it in portions. Choosing cabinet island legs is one of the most crucial aspects of installing the kitchen island, however after removing the cabinets, you will need to remove the legs too. This operation may necessitate a saw to remove any stubborn supports. After you’ve disassembled the island, you can either discard it or reassemble it in a new location.
Remove all cabinet hardware and place it in a plastic bag labeled to secure it. Screws into wall studs, hinges, drawer tracks, straps for attaching drawers, and anything else that attaches to wood fall into this category.
5. Remove Molding
Remove any trim or molding from the kitchen island with a pry bar and claw hammer. When you remove the molding from the kitchen island, you’ll undoubtedly see where the base meets the countertop, as well as how the walls are connected.
6. Turn Off The Water Supply
Most kitchen islands have plumbing installed. Therefore you will need to remove the kitchen faucet before dismantling the kitchen island further. Turn off the water supply to the sink the power supply at the main water shut-off valve, and the circuit breaker on the main electrical panel. After that, unplug any piping or wiring. If you’re not sure about this, hire a licensed professional to do it for you.
If your island has water hook-ups, turn off the cold and hot water valves, then detach the water lines from the faucet’s bottom. Remove the bolts that hold the island sink in place, then use a wrench to loosen and finally remove the drain fitting.
If there is any water left in the lines, it will likely seep out, so have something handy to mop up with. If you want to replace the old island with a new one, you can leave the water pipes in place once the sink is removed.
7. Turn Off the Power Supply
To avoid accidentally shocking oneself while working on electrical connections, you must first cut off the electrical circuit and lock the electrical box. The wiring and switches will be disconnected, and the wires will be pulled out of the boxes.
The cables can then be pulled out of the access holes as the island is removed. If you want to construct another kitchen island with electrical connections, you can choose to leave the cables where they are.
8. Cut-Down Island’s Top
If that makes sense, a nice place to cut the countertop is in the corner where it joins other countertops. Measure how tall you’ll need it to be and make a pencil mark on both sides.
Then cut straight through with a circular saw or reciprocating saw, remembering which side is up when putting it back together. If you make any mistakes, use an orbital sander to sand off what needs to be replaced and repair any holes with glue and wood filler before sanding again.
9. Dismantle Remaining Island Parts
Remove the countertops first to make the dismantling of the base easier. Ceramic, marble, granite, stone, and other hard and heavy materials are frequently used for countertops. As a result, this part takes a lot of muscle force; get some assistance.
First and foremost, double-check that your countertop is free of debris. Take a closer look at the island foundation and see where the countertop is joined.
You can now begin dismantling your kitchen island with the tools you used previously. After completing the preceding steps, this work becomes much easier and safer. Cabinet drawers must be removed, and cabinet units must be unscrewed.
Remember to take your time and demolish the island piece by piece. Set aside each component as soon as possible to avoid any mishaps or dangers.
Replace the Kitchen Island the Smart Way
Adding a kitchen island is a terrific way to finish off your kitchen remodeling, but be sure the functions are right for you. Both the installation and removal processes should be approached with caution and forethought.
