The steps for how to replace a kitchen island aren't necessarily difficult, but are strangely both cumbersome and technical. This is because, unlike a straightforward project, such as taking down a screen room, there are generally specific skill sets requires. The reason is due to the function of the island, particularly if it's one that's equipped with plumbing and electrical wiring. If it's just a kitchen island without plumbing and power, the task will be considerably less technically difficult but will still require quite a bit of labor.
How to Remove a Kitchen Island
Whether you are preparing for a kitchen remodel or just wanting to make a change, if you need to replace a kitchen island, you'll start with how it's built and what components it is equipped with, inside and out. The majority of kitchen islands are built directly into the space, complete with extra storage space and a spacious countertop. Some are equipped with a sink, electrical outlets, rooftops, and even such appliances as a small wine refrigerator.
A kitchen island stands away from the normal counter space. It provides an extra work surface as well as storage. If you need to move the island during a kitchen remodel, you may run into some issues. If yours contains a cooktop or sink, you may need to bring in a professional to move the gas, electrical or plumbing lines. --Do It Yourself.com
Generally, kitchen islands bases are wood, with granite, marble, stone, tile, or wood countertops. Of course, the more heavy the countertop, the more work it will require to remove it from the kitchen to replace it or make other use of the space. The first thing to do is to look at the kitchen island closely to know how it's put together and what's involved. Once you have a good idea of its construction, follow these steps for how to remove a kitchen island:
- Empty the kitchen island. Remove all cookware, perishables, and anything else you have stored on or in the kitchen island. In addition, pull the drawers out completely, taking them off the rails and placing them out-of-the-way. If the island is equipped with a swinging door, remove it from the hinges and place it out-of-the-way as well.
- Remove the molding and trim. Use a pry bar and claw hammer to remove any trim or molding on the kitchen island. As you take the molding off the kitchen island, you'll probably see where the base is joined to the countertop and also see how the walls are connected to one another.
- Disconnect the plumbing and wiring. Before you dismantle the kitchen island any further, you'll have to turn off the water supply to the sink (if equipped), as well as the power supply (if applicable) at the main water shut off valve and the circuit breaker on the main electrical panel. Then, disconnect any plumbing or wiring. If you are not comfortable with this, have a licensed professional do the work.
- Take off the island countertop. This will probably require some heavy lifting, especially if the countertop is granite, marble, or stone. Depending on the countertop material, you'll probably need at least one set of helping hands to remove it from the base.
- Disassemble the island base. Once the countertop is taken off the base, you can dismantle the rest of the kitchen amenity with a pry bar, claw hammer, and/or drill-driver. Take it apart piece by piece, moving each part away so the space is free of tripping hazards.
When you have dismantled the kitchen island and need to dispose of the materials, just phone 800-433-1094 or visit AAA Rousse Services. We will pick up all the debris and haul it away for you. In addition, if you have anything else for us to dismantle and remove or dispose of, just let us know and we will do that, too.