Kitchen Cabinet Removal Cost: What You'll Actually Pay [2026]

Cabinet removal pricing depends on who does the work and how the old cabinets are disposed of.

Professional removal costs $15 to $20 per linear foot according to HomeGuide. For a typical 20-linear-foot kitchen, that's $300 to $600. Angi reports an average of $500 for professional removal with disposal included. Homewyse places the range higher at $28.73 to $59.48 per linear foot when you include patching and cleanup.

Per-cabinet pricing from junk removal companies runs $55 to $85 per cabinet according to CabinetNow. LoadUp charges starting at $90 for cabinet disposal pickup. For a kitchen with 15 to 20 cabinets, per-cabinet pricing adds up quickly — usually $800 to $1,700.

DIY removal is straightforward for anyone comfortable with a drill and pry bar. Upper cabinets come down in 10 to 15 minutes each. Lower cabinets take 15 to 30 minutes each after countertops are removed. A full kitchen tearout takes most homeowners one day. Your cost is just disposal: $79+ through Dropcurb curbside pickup or $300 to $400 for a dumpster rental.

Bundled with new cabinet installation is the most common approach. Most contractors include old cabinet removal in their installation quote, adding $200 to $500 to the total project cost. Home Depot charges approximately $210 for removal plus $210 for disposal according to Houzz users.

Five disposal options, ranked from cheapest to most convenient.

Donate to Habitat for Humanity ReStore. If cabinets are in reusable condition (no water damage, functioning hardware, complete sets), ReStore accepts donations and offers free pickup in most areas. Full kitchen cabinet sets sell for $250 to $1,000 at ReStore, so they're eager to get them. Tax deduction included.

Post free on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. "Free kitchen cabinets, you remove" posts get responses within hours. Someone doing a garage workshop or basement bar will gladly take them. You may need to be patient while they schedule pickup.

Curbside junk removal with Dropcurb. Stack cabinets at the curb and book pickup starting at $79. Same-day service available. No need to load a truck or drive to a dump.

Dumpster rental. A 10 to 15-yard dumpster ($300 to $400 for 3 to 7 days) handles a full kitchen tearout including cabinets, countertops, and backsplash debris. Best if you're doing a full kitchen gut.

City bulk pickup. Many municipalities offer free or low-cost bulk item collection. Wait times are typically 2 to 8 weeks, so plan ahead if you're on a renovation timeline.

Kitchen size determines how many linear feet of cabinets need removal, which drives total cost.

Upper cabinets and lower cabinets require different approaches, but neither is difficult for a homeowner with basic tools.

Upper cabinets: Remove shelves and doors first to reduce weight. Locate the screws holding the cabinet to the wall studs (usually 2 to 4 screws per cabinet on the back rail). Have a helper support the cabinet while you back out the screws. Each upper cabinet takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Lower cabinets: Remove the countertop first. Laminate and butcher block countertops usually lift off after removing a few screws from underneath. Granite and stone countertops are much heavier — you'll need 2 to 3 people or a professional to lift them safely. Once countertops are out, lower cabinets unscrew from the wall just like uppers.

Tools needed: Drill/driver, pry bar, utility knife (for caulk lines), and a stud finder. Total tool cost if you don't own them: $50 to $80.

Common pitfalls: Cabinets are often screwed to each other as well as to the wall — check for connecting screws between adjacent cabinets. Plumbing and electrical connections behind sink and dishwasher cabinets need to be disconnected first. Always turn off water supply valves and circuit breakers before removing those cabinets.

Four factors push costs above or below the averages.

Countertop material is the hidden cost driver. Laminate countertops are light and easy to remove ($0 additional). Granite, quartz, and marble countertops weigh 200 to 400+ pounds and require careful handling — professional removal adds $200 to $500 to the project.

Cabinet construction affects removal time. Stock cabinets (particle board with laminate) come apart easily. Custom cabinets built on-site may be nailed, glued, and integrated into the walls — removal takes 2 to 3 times longer.

Backsplash and trim attached to cabinets may need removal too. Tile backsplash removal adds $3 to $10 per square foot. Wall repair after cabinet removal (patching screw holes, repainting) adds $200 to $500 if you hire a contractor.

Disposal volume determines hauling cost. A typical kitchen generates 500 to 1,500 pounds of cabinet and countertop waste. Dropcurb curbside pickup handles this starting at $79 — far less than a dumpster rental for a one-day job.