How Much Does Cabinet Removal Cost? [2025 Data]
Cabinet removal costs around $500 depending on the amount of cabinetry you plan to remove.
Cabinet removal costs $500 on average, but pricing depends on the size of the kitchen, labor costs, and tipping. Since the cost to remove cabinets is $350 and $800 per linear foot, you can expect to pay $180 to $400 for a small kitchen and $600 to $1,000 for a large kitchen. Let’s review how to budget for the cost of hiring a cabinet contractor to remove cabinetry.
Cabinet Removal Cost Breakdown
Your cabinet removal cost will depend on the size of your kitchen and labor costs. Here is a breakdown of what makes up your budget.
Size
The typical cabinet removal cost is between $15 to $20 per linear foot. Most contractors will charge based on the length of the cabinetry. Below are the average costs for these standard cabinetry lengths.
| Kitchen Size in Square Feet | Cabinet Size in Linear Feet | Average Cabinet Removal Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 70–100 | 12–20 | $180–$400 |
| 100–200 | 20–30 | $400–$600 |
| 200–400 | 30–50 | $600–$1,000 |
Labor
A local cabinet contractor or general contractor can remove your existing kitchen cabinets safely and efficiently. Many will charge by the linear foot, but some charge around $50 to $100 per hour. You may also need to budget for a local electrician or a local plumber to help disconnect utilities:
Hourly rate plumbers charge: $45–$200 per hour
Cost to hire an electrician: $50–$200 per hour
Tipping
If you’re wondering whether tipping your remodeling contractor is necessary, know that it isn’t—contractors will charge the customer their expected pay, and employees are typically paid a fair hourly rate. However, if you feel they went above and beyond, a tip between 10 and 20 percent of the project cost is generally a good amount to stick to. Alternatively, you can offer a meal or refreshments as a gesture of appreciation.
Cost of Common Cabinet Removal Add-Ons
Here are a few projects you may want to consider while you plan your cabinet removal project:
Cost to install kitchen cabinets: $2,000–$10,600
Countertop costs: $1,900–$4,400
Tile flooring cost: $800–$3,000
New appliances cost: $350–$8,000
Cost to demo a kitchen: $300–$3,000
DIY Cabinet Removal vs. Hiring a Pro
Learning to remove kitchen cabinets is relatively straightforward, but safety is essential. It’s highly advisable to work with a helper to support the upper units as you detach them from each other and the wall. Additionally, consider enlisting the help of a plumber or electrician to guarantee the safe relocation of kitchen utilities while removing the cabinets. Bringing in one or both of these pros may add between $100 and $500, or possibly more, depending on trip fees and the project's overall scope.
Additionally, professional junk removal costs can add another $60 to $600 depending on how much debris must be removed. Renting a dumpster costs as little as $75 for a small dumpster, or you can opt for a larger dumpster to handle more renovation debris for around $800.
On the other hand, hiring a local cabinet contractor will ensure that your removal is safe and efficient. This type of cabinet professional can manage the removal and installation of new cabinetry, providing high-quality service at each step. Consider hiring a cabinet contractor to guarantee the safety of you and your household members.
Tips to Reduce Costs While Removing Cabinets
Keep these tips in mind to help you save on costs for your cabinet removal project:
Obtain quotes from at least three different contractors to find the best deal.
If you have the necessary skills and tools, consider removing the cabinets yourself.
Consider selling your old kitchen cabinets if they’re still in good condition after removal.
If planning a more extensive renovation, consider handling your cabinet removal with other projects to save on your overall cost.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Removing kitchen cabinets can vary in difficulty depending on factors like experience, the cabinet's installation method, and any obstacles or complexities involved. Generally, it's a moderately difficult task that requires basic carpentry skills and tools and, ideally, a helper to support the weight of the cabinets during removal. Disconnecting utilities beforehand can complicate the project, and it’s best to hire a pro if you’re not confident in your skills.
The time it takes to remove old cabinets varies based on factors like kitchen size, the number of cabinets, the complexity of installation, and any unexpected challenges. Professional cabinet contractors will usually complete cabinet removal within a few hours. A less-experienced DIY project may take the better part of a day or possibly longer.
Yes, there is a way to remove base cabinets without damaging countertops. Before removing the cabinets, carefully unscrew the countertops from their underside and use a pry bar to break the bond of the adhesives. Have a helper ready to support the loosened countertops and assist you in safely setting them aside while you proceed with cabinet removal.
To remove kitchen cabinets, you’ll need a drill, putty knife, utility knife, hammer, and pry bar. A saw may also be necessary to cut materials into smaller pieces. Wear work gloves and safety glasses for protection, and have a helper handy to support heavy cabinets as you remove them.
