How To Replace Kitchen Base Cabinets Without Removing Countertop?

Are you thinking of putting back the kitchen cabinets with the countertops? Since granite and quartz countertops are heavy and hard to replace, most of them don’t need to be replaced. The kitchen base cabinet needs to be changed only for simplicity since it can get dirty quickly and look dull.

However, the countertops slab’s weight often makes you worry about how to replace your kitchen cabinets without removing the countertops. But it’s too hard to exchange cabinets except take them off. Moreover, you may apply plywood to give a new look to your kitchen without replacing countertops. 

Countertops come in a variety and don’t require frequent replacing. But you can install cabinets effortlessly and save money. To make things more transparent, I will cover all the possible procedures to ease your labor. Therefore, read this article from the beginning to the end to get exact instructions.

6 Steps To Replace Kitchen Base Cabinets Without Removing Countertop

Before removing the kitchen cabinets, you should know everything related to replacing kitchen base cabinets. Here I present the procedure of replacing kitchen cabinets without removing the countertop:

Step-1: Arrange The Necessary Tools

For the simple DIY task, you must arrange some tools before starting your work. Some of these may be in your collection, and some may need to be purchased: 

• Wrench;
• Hammer;
• Knives;
• Knobs; 
• Jig Saw;
• Dill;
• Screw Driver;
• Safety Gear.

Step-2: Prepare The Kitchen

Take out everyday items from the cabinet. Carefully store them elsewhere. Then, turn off all utility connections connected to the cabinet. Wrap the countertops with tape so that any scratches cause no damage.

Moreover, you can take it if you need any more preparation. However, keep in mind that the preparation is easier for the task.

Step-3: Remove The Screws

First, find out where the screws are. If in doubt, check with a magnet. Now remove the screws with a drill or screwdriver. Remember to collect the removed screws to use them later.

Ensure that you know all about correctly using the drill or screwdriver. It’s not complicated, even for someone with no experience. So if you are a beginner or a newbie here, you don’t need to worry.

Step-4: Knob Installation

Now the essential task is to install the knob for your cabinet. Measure the countertop of the cabinet. Collect a knob accordingly. Notice if your measurement is perfect in this case.

Now set it with the countertop. So if you want to use a screw, do it with a drill or a screw. In this way, you have to install the knobs perfectly to support the countertop.

Step-5: Cabinet Removing

Now there are several things to keep in mind to separate the cabinet. Such as, whether the counter is giving excellent support. You can use a pry bar for the supports between the cabinet and the kitchen. In this way, you have to remove the cabinet carefully.

Step-6: New Cabinet Installation

Finally, you’re going to install the new cabinet. The empty cabinet needs to be cleaned so the new one can be used ideally. The new cabinet will be screwed in different places according to the old one.

First, drill a hole, then insert the screws. Re-install the items that you uninstalled primarily for this task. Thus, bring the items used in the cabinet and arrange them as before.

5 Reasons Why You Should Replace Kitchen Base Cabinets

Replacing the old bottom kitchen cabinets is a daunting task because of the apparent fear of having to mess around the heavy countertop. The reasons for replacing kitchen base cabinets are described below:

1. Remove The Old:

When the cabinet is old, it is necessary to use a new cabinet. Old cabinets become unhealthy and unusable. As a result, many people do not want to use it. So, it is better to remove it if the storage is old enough to be discarded.

2. Finding More Efficiency:

New things always have a more captivating look than old ones. Besides, the new ones are more efficient for storage. Later other subjects also became more effective than the old ones. Enthusiasm works in people’s minds to use something new.

3. Storage Support:

There is a great need for storage in the kitchen to store the things you need. Hence, it is crucial to replace the storage and use new cabinets. There is no way to deny this storage support. If the place to store your daily needs is old or dirty, it is better to replace it.

4. Change The Look:

Removing the cabinet doors gives instant open shelving for a modern look. Crown molding, lighting, and changing cabinet hardware are less expensive tricks that make your cabinet look freshly installed. If an external cabinet part is peeling, it’s time to change the wardrobe without replacing the tops.

You should fix the cabinet matching with the kitchen style and color. And refurbish the internal cabinets shelf with drawers and pullouts. For these reasons, you must change the kitchen base cabinet.

5. Take Advantage:

If you want to take advantage of the new cabinet, you must change it. You may have already chosen a cabinet that has more advantages. For taking extra advantages, you can change your kitchen base storage system.

Moreover, you can easily replace it as it does not require maintenance charges. You can easily do the replacement job by following the dying process I have shared here. You can maintain it without any cost, and you can also repair it frequently.

5 Tips To Replace Kitchen Base Cabinets Without Damaging Countertop

Some easy and doable tricks you can apply to work your way around the cabinets without lifting off and eradicating the countertop. 

Tip-1: Know The Details

When changing the cabinets yourself, it is best to be prepared and gather the necessary information and knowledge on how to do it to prevent any accidental slips of the countertop and breaks. It can be a great trick to do all the tasks of changing cabinets.

Tip-2: Use Of Any Material

Use something solid, very well built, and capable enough to handle the countertop’s weight while working with the cabinets underneath. Use multiple of these blocks to hold the countertop evenly. Do it so that you can easily replace the bottom cabinet. You can use any material you need to do the task.

Tip-3: Be Ready With Your Tools

Before you begin working, ensure you have all the tools ready and prepared to do the job quickly and not waste time searching for the tools. Collecting tools while working can distract you, and you may fall behind.

Tip-4: Identify A Position First

Be sure about what you want the new cabinets to look like. Once you place the countertop on the cabinets, lifting it off and redoing the process is hazardous. Frequent removal and replacement of the countertop will inevitably lead to some form of breakage or cracks on the countertop. 

Tip-5 Take The Help Of A Professional

Have people around to help you move things around. It is essential to have people helping you while removing the cabinets. This task needs to be done as soon as possible since the sheer weight of the countertop could be at risk of potential slips.

Related Questions:

Is It Possible To Replace A Cabinet Without Separating The Countertop?

You can replace cabinet doors if you are ready to work a little hard to change them; all you need is some essential tools and a proper plan. Furthermore, changing the kitchen cabinets without removing the countertops is challenging and slightly expensive. 

Within budget, the work is more effective when moisture or water exposure has damaged the cabinet doors. Moreover, you may paint the cabinet surface to match them according to your countertop without replacing them, making them brand new. 

When Should You Replace Kitchen Base Cabinets Without Removing The Countertop?

Kitchen cabinets are made from high-quality wood. It will last more than 50 years with proper maintenance. Yet they are almost exposed to water, steam, and other damaging elements reducing their longevity. You must change cabinets if it starts to disturb storage, less protection of utensils and if it’s cracked to hold debris or molds. Plus, countertops don’t require to be changed until they are broken. 

However, to detect water damage to a kitchen cabinet, you must check if the wood is bubbling inside or outside the cabinet. If there are black spots or changes in color, molds appear, doors are jammed, and wood has begun to wrap. 

How Do You Remove Kitchen Base Cabinets Without Damage?

Before starting, you must clean the area. Remove drawers, cabinet doors, and clear shelves. Also, it may require you to remove the sink and countertops to change the base cabinets. They are attached from underneath, and you need to unscrew them to remove them, including the joins. Now, you may remove the molding and trim.

There is a nail between the cabinet and trim, and you must use a putty knife and then insert the pry bar to avoid the damage. When the trim is about to crack, use another putty knife. Also, you may work on each cabinet, unscrew at the back and between and pull out gently.

What Is The Best Way To Replace Kitchen Cabinets Without Replacing Them?

You can change the kitchen cabinets without replacing them with paint, hardware, and lightning. Another way to change the cabinet looks can be the crown molding. It will fill the space between the ceiling and cabinets, providing a custom-built look and glossy appearance.

Additionally, you can add LED stick strips under or inside the cabinets to give the kitchen a lightning look. It will help you find small pans and spatulas and give you a mesmerizing look. Lastly, adding hardware will completely change the look of your cabinets by adding decorative hardware knobs and pulls. Alternatively, make sure to match your kitchen style and color. 

How Can You Exchange The Kitchen Base Cabinet Without Renovation?

Painting is the most effective way to change cabinet looks without renovation. There are fantastic techniques and DIYs to paint and make your cabinet appear newly installed. First, you may contrast the color of the wall cabinets. Take a dark color for base cabinets and a lighter for wall cabinets to provide a two-tone modern look. 

Additionally, apply the glaze over a dry base coat to make it pop more, and glazing paints are easy to remove stains like an oil stain. Finally, you can take a light tone brown color and, using a brush, paint into the reface cabinets to provide the vintage look.

How Do You Replace Kitchen Base Cabinets Without Extracting The Countertop On A Budget?

For a budget-friendly installation of base cabinets, you must install your glass cabinet doors of metal grilles which are vintage-inspired. The glass will protect your utensils from dirt, and the metal grill will provide a modern vintage look. You may also install pullouts and drawers on base cabinets for extra space, which will appear through the glass cabinet doors. 

Furthermore, a simple shaker panel will add a new look to the door with a contrasting color. Also, adding removable wallpaper to the cabinet doors will provide a new look, and the process can be achieved with minimal hassle. 

Final Verdict:

A kitchen cabinet is the most useful storage system and it’s important to remove it for cleaning or exchange as required. Changing kitchen cabinets is not a complicated process, but there may be a slightly hard task to replace them without removing the countertop. However, It may be hard work for the first time.

After doing it a couple of times, you can simply do it. That’s why you can follow the whole guidance that I have already explained here. Hope you’re now clear about it properly.