Plenty of couples live with a kitchen one of them dislikes. Far fewer decide that today is the day to take it all out. One husband heard his wife’s verdict on their dated white kitchen, grabbed a drill and started removing everything that could be removed, turning a tired room into a blank slate in a single day.
The demolition is documented by @loganlists, who walks through every step with plenty of humor.
@loganlists
Hardware, drawers and doors
He opens by sitting on the kitchen island and stating the plan: his wife hates this kitchen, so today they are going to fix it. First step, take off the hardware. With a drill he removes the knobs and pulls from the cabinets around the room, then pulls out the drawers, with a quick admission that he probably should have emptied the silverware first. A clap later, all of the cabinet doors are gone.
Appliances out
Next the appliances come out. The refrigerator disappears with a playful stomp, and then comes the old oven. Pulling it away reveals dirty sides and a grimy floor, and his reaction says everything. The dishwasher is last to go. By this point the room is already starting to look like a shell of a kitchen, with a Budweiser sign still perched above the cabinets as a reminder of what the old kitchen was.
A cast iron surprise
After a quick change into a paint splattered blue work suit, he uses wrenches to undo the plumbing under the sink and cuts the silicone seal around the edge. When he lifts the sink, it is far heavier than expected. It is cast iron, and he reacts accordingly.
The countertops are next. He removes the screws holding the laminate sections and island tops, and most of them lift off without trouble. A raised bar counter is the exception, because its screws are hidden inside the wall and impossible to reach. He chooses not to bore anyone with the struggle, and the scene speeds up until the piece finally comes free, with a relieved thank you.
Backsplash and fresh drywall
The decorative tile backsplash comes off with a hammer and a scraper, and he notes it is taking forever. After the tile is gone, new drywall goes up behind the cabinets, and he is pleased with the cleaner look. A before photograph shows the room as it used to look, and the difference is striking. He ends in the stripped kitchen, pointing to cabinets, walls and countertops and asking what should happen to each.
What kitchen demolition really involves
Demolition looks fast in a montage, but a safe kitchen tear out requires planning. Shut off the water supply and electricity to the area, and have a plan for the refrigerator, since you will need somewhere to keep food. Gas ranges and dishwashers connected to supply lines should be disconnected by someone qualified. Heavy items such as cast iron sinks and stone or laminate counters are awkward, so recruit a helper and lift with your legs.
Hidden screws like the ones in the bar counter are common. Builders sometimes fasten tops from inside cabinets or through walls, so check carefully before prying anything.
Tips before you tear out your own kitchen
- Decide on your plan, budget and layout before demolition. A clear plan prevents a gutted kitchen from sitting unfinished for weeks.
- Turn off water and power, then cap lines properly. If you are unsure about gas, electrical or plumbing, hire a licensed professional.
- Wear safety glasses, gloves, a dust mask and sturdy shoes. In older homes, backsplash adhesive, flooring and paint may contain lead or asbestos, so test before disturbing them.
- Protect floors and doorways, and seal off the work zone with plastic to keep dust out of the rest of the house.
- Keep cabinets and appliances in good condition if you can. Local reuse stores and charity programs may accept them.
- Check whether your city requires permits for kitchen plumbing, electrical or structural changes.
Cabinets, backsplash and counters
He closes by asking three questions that every kitchen renovator faces. Should the existing cabinets be painted, refaced or replaced? Cabinets in good structural shape can often be painted or refaced for a fresh look, while worn or poorly laid out boxes may justify replacement. Backsplashes can range from classic tile to simple painted surfaces. Countertop choices vary widely in durability and cost, so compare samples in your own light before deciding.
Takeaways
A kitchen tear out is the most dramatic step of any remodel, and it can also be the riskiest if you are not prepared. The most important lessons here are to have a plan, to protect yourself, to expect surprises like hidden screws and heavy iron, and to start with the simple things first, such as hardware, doors and drawers. With a clean slate, the real design decisions can begin.
Credit for the original post goes to @loganlists on TikTok.
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