how to remove your old kitchen

Removing your old kitchen furniture is an often-overlooked aspect of installing a new kitchen. A little bit of extra care at this stage can have significant added benefits when you are ready to install your new kitchen. Carefully removing your old kitchen will also allow you to responsibly part ways with your old furniture, keeping it out of landfill.

For more information about renovating a new kitchen, register for a free download of our kitchen renovation guide.

pre-demolition

preparation is critical when undertaking any renovation task. Here are some important pre-demolition steps that will prepare you for removing your kitchen.

• safety first

Remove any trip hazards and clutter on the floor and don’t over exert yourself when handling heavy tools and equipment. Ask for help if you’re in any doubt.

• empty your kitchen

Store and label all your kitchen items so they are easy to find when your new kitchen is built. Take down artwork, fixtures and fittings, and empty all of your cupboards and shelves before you start your demolition.  

• call in the professionals

You’ll need a qualified tradesperson to turn off your electricity, water and gas before removing any appliances or furniture.

• protect your floors

Cover your floors with hardboard or a drop cloth to prevent scratches, dents and other damage to your floors.

• seal off your space

If practical, try to seal off your work zone to help keep dust and dirt out of the rest of your home. Keep your space sealed off until you have installed your kitchen.

• hire a skip bin

Building materials cannot be placed in your regular rubbish collection and you don’t want building materials lying around your home – it’s asking for trouble. There are plenty of local skip companies who will offer competitive quotes.

demolition

By taking your time with demolition you’ll keep your work zone safe, minimise damage to your home and save preparation time when it comes to installing your new kitchen.

• protective clothing

Make sure you’re wearing appropriate footwear such as steel capped boots; ensure you have eye protection and wear safety gloves.

• sink  

Carefully cut the silicone bead with a Stanley knife then use a pry bar and hammer to help lift it out. Once you have an edge out you could also use wooden planks to help leverage the sink out of place.

• wall cabinet

Remove your wall cabinets first so that you can use the existing base cabinets as a resting point. It’s best to use at least two pairs of hands here, or a cabinet support if you have one. Firstly, locate which screws are holding your cabinet to the wall. Then start by removing the screws that hold your cabinets together. After you’ve done that, carefully remove the wall screws and bring the cabinets to the ground. Save and label any parts for recycling or throw the old kitchen straight in the skip bin.

• benchtops

Remove any screws that are holding benchtops in place. If you can lift the benchtop off then do so, otherwise you may need a pry bar to help you out. If your benchtop is timber, you could cut the benchtop into manageable pieces.

• splashbacks

Pry your splashback off the wall carefully. If you have a glass splashback, we recommend using a clear PVC self-adhesive film to protect yourself from any shards or sharp glass.

• base cabinets

First, remove drawers, doors and shelves, then remove any screws that are fixing the cabinets to the walls. Once they are free from the wall, you will then need to remove any screws that are attaching the cabinets together. If the kitchen is going to be used by someone else for a second life, help them out by bagging the screws and labelling the parts as you go along.

So, there you have it, a few handy tips on how to remove and dispose of our old kitchen. Sign up for your free copy of our kitchen renovation guide today.