How To Replace Kitchen Base Cabinets Without Removing Countertop

How To Replace Kitchen Base Cabinets Without Removing Countertop
  • Author: Amanda Arnold
  • Posted On: March 4, 2022
  • Updated On: September 22, 2023

Do you want to update your kitchen by replacing the outdated cabinets but don’t want to replace the countertop? Is it possible to replace kitchen cabinets without replacing the countertop? Well, if you want to remodel a kitchen yourself, then yes, you can do that, but with caution. It’s difficult to change cabinets without removing the countertop during a kitchen remodeling.

You’ll need to get replacement cabinets from hardware stores and carefully remove the previous cabinet beneath the tabletop. The older cabinet can then be replaced. In the interim, use studs to hold the countertop.

Remove the top section of the cabinet with a knife and pull the cabinets cautiously. Now that you’ve seen the fundamentals, it’s time to move on to the detailed instructions.

However, if your second thoughts related to changing kitchen countertops overwhelms you, don’t look further. As a top-notch Kitchen countertop installation company, GraniteNations provide modern designs with the best quality. In addition, experts at GraniteNation provide customizable services too.

Is It Possible To Remove Base Cabinets Without Removing Countertops?

Yes, the kitchen cabinet can be replaced without causing damage to the surface. Furthermore, the procedure is simpler than most people believe. Furthermore, DIY kitchen cabinet replacement saves money by eliminating hiring expert plumbers or woodworkers.

 Remove Base Cabinets Without Removing Countertops

Before removing the base cupboards and cabinet frame, be cautious about providing enough support for the stone or hardwood countertop. Because the countertop is heavy, you’ll need to provide enough support to withstand the replacement process.

Use studs to hold it properly to prevent the countertop from falling off the top and damaging the complete cabinet structure. That should now be crystal clear to you. It is easy to replace the old kitchen cabinet without removing the countertop with a fresh one. Once you are done, make it a fun DIY project to paint wood kitchen cabinets with high-quality paint, or go for matte finishing if desired. 

Steps To Replace Kitchen Base Cabinets Without Removing Countertops

Collect Required Materials

  • A wood lumbers
  • A sharp knife
  • Scrapper
  • Clamps
  • Electric drill
  • Soldering iron

Use A Table Or Ladder To Support the Countertop

Use A Table Or Ladder To Support the Countertop

Before removing the countertop, it must be supported in its current location. This step is critical since the countertop will fall if the cabinets are removed. So, to keep it from dropping, you’ll need to prop it up with a stand, a table, or whatever else you can think of to keep the countertop in place.

Unscrew All Installations

Remove all of the cabinet installation screws from the walls. It’s possible that you won’t be able to remove the cabinets as a whole if they were installed before the flooring. You would have to demolish the boxes if the toe base was integrated into the cabinets rather than separate pieces.

I was cutting around the plumbing-Cut the rear of the cabinet with a saber saw or salsa. The cabinet must glide past the sink. Thus this cut must be large enough.

Remove Cabinets

Remove Cabinets

To improve the kitchen cabinet layout plan without removing the countertop, you need to cater to the upper cabinets first. 
The sides of the cabinets are simple to remove, but the upper piece of the cabinets attached to the countertop requires more effort. Because these are usually glued together with a powerful adhesive, you’ll need to cut the bonding with a knife or another flat object.

Pull the base cabinets slightly out of the way, and they should come out easily. It will leave a sticky rubber-like residue on the lower base of the countertop after removal. That substance must be scraped with a scraper or other instrument; otherwise, it will cause issues while installing the new kitchen cabinets.

Install New Cabinets

If you have experienced some moderate flooding or mild water damage, make sure to spray bleach or mildew killer on the walls before cabinet installation for the kitchen or bathroom. If left neglected, water-damaged areas might lead to health issues.

 Install New Cabinets.

Consult a professional mold removal and restoration business if the walls have been exposed to much water and there is evidence of enough mold.

If you bought your new cabinets from a Home Depot, you might have to cut a portion off them. This is usually acceptable because the toe base can be cut to height. However, one should be mindful of the cabinet installation cost for the new layout. It’s only a matter of thinking things through to figure out how to install the new cabinets after you’ve removed the old ones. You’ll remove the props one by one as you replace them with the new cupboards.

Remove Supporting Object After Installing New Cabinets

Remove Supporting Object After Installing New Cabinets

You can install the new kitchen cabinet after you’ve confirmed that the walls are no longer damp. The cabinet walls must be pushed against the previously cut sides near the plumbing locations. After the cabinet has been carefully positioned, the supporting studs beneath the countertop can be removed.

Then, one by one, tighten the screws and check for any gaps in the plumbing locations. It would be best if you filled it with a suitable, durable material like concrete.

Can You Replace the Kitchen Base Cabinets Yourself?

While it is possible to remove kitchen cabinets alone, it is preferable to do it with a friend. Checking the installation to see how challenging a task might be is always worthwhile. It will be considerably harder to pry apart and remove the cabinets if they were attached with glue and nails rather than screws, and you will almost likely damage the cabinetry in the process.

The majority of individuals are unaware that removing a kitchen requires skill. They don’t realize it’s not as simple as it seems until they try it. A drill should be used to detach kitchen cabinets from their hinges quickly. Keep the screws and mark them, so you know which ones came from which drawer or cabinet.

Tape them inside each cabinet’s back, if you can.

When Do You Need To Remove Kitchen Cabinets?

Need To Remove Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinet removal allows you to sell the old ones and gain some extra money while preparing the room for the new ones. A business specializing in this stuff can be used, or you can sell personally. Consider designing a laundry room or mudroom instead of using the cupboards. Kitchen cabinets made of wood could be painted, refinished, or stained to give the space a fresh look.

The majority of individuals are unaware that they can also choose to refacing cabinets instead of removing them. They don’t realize it’s not as simple as it seems until they try it

Cabinetry attached with glue and nails will be more difficult to take apart than one carefully screwed.

Can You Reuse Removed Kitchen Cabinets?

Reuse Removed Kitchen Cabinets.

You can take yours out of the wall and upgrade them to be used again in your kitchen if you follow the instructions above without breaking any individual units. You have a couple of options, like painting your kitchen cabinets or staining them in a new color. Of course, it depends on the type and style of kitchen cabinets you’re using, your budget, and whether or not you’re willing to do it yourself.

Kitchen cabinets may have been glued in addition to being screwed in place when installed if you remove them from the wall and remain in place after you removed the last screw.

Final Words

It is possible to replace kitchen cabinets without having to replace the countertop. In theory, providing studs as countertop support makes removing the kitchen cabinet a simple and convenient task. It’s just a matter of being patient and thinking things through as you go when removing cabinets without removing the countertop.

Every circumstance will have its own set of challenges. Some conditions may allow you to remove the cabinets in portions, while others require you to dismantle the boxes and remove them individually. The most important thing is to ensure that the countertop in the kitchen or bathroom vanity where you’re working is properly supported.

FAQs

  • When Do You Need To Remove Kitchen Cabinets?
    There are numerous telltale signs indicating you need to remove kitchen cabinets such as mold, water leakage, and shabby exterior, etc besides, it depends on the type of cabinet material used in the kitchen. However, you can revamp the cabinets every 10-15 years.
  • Do I Need to Remove Cabinets Before Painting?
    Before beginning the painting, you will need to remove doors and drawers from the cabinet. Uninstalling hardware is the first step.
  • Do I need to Remove Sink to Replace the Base Cabinets?
    If you are going to replace cabinets with a sink on the countertop, then yes, you will need to remove it. Disconnect the water supply lines before starting. You will also need to disconnect the sink drain pipe and garbage disposal.
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Author: Amanda Arnold

Amanda has been working with ConstructionHow since 2021. Her experience spans over 5 years in the creative niche such as home decor and trends, landscaping, renovations, and custom architectural values. As a home designer expert, she has a keen eye for the latest home improvement trends with accurate facts that readers find impossible to ignore. Being invested in home-building trends is how she has gained her lucrative expertise exploring more to bring a positive ambiance for all homeowners (and even tenants!). Currently, she lives in a beautiful beach home, a source of fascination for her.

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