You've made the decision: a new IKEA METOD kitchen is coming. But before the beautiful new cabinets and appliances can be installed, a tough job awaits: the old kitchen must be removed.
Demolishing or dismantling an old kitchen might seem straightforward (a matter of a crowbar and some brute force), but if you damage water pipes or electrical conduits, you'll be much further from home. In this article, we explain how to tackle this and what the costs are if you have it done.
Remove It Yourself or Outsource?
Removing a Kitchen Yourself
Removing a kitchen yourself saves money. If you are handy and have a weekend or two, it is very doable. Pros: Cost-saving, you can do it at your own pace, you might be able to sell parts (like good appliances) on Oktitplaats (online marketplace). Cons: Heavy work, risk of damaging pipes, you have to dispose of the (heavy) waste yourself, it takes a lot of time.
Having It Removed (Demolition)
You can also outsource the dismantling to a demolition company or to the contractor who installs the new kitchen. Pros: Fast (often finished within one day), no physical strain, professional disposal of debris, less chance of unexpected damage to the foundation of your home. Cons: You pay for the labor and disposal costs.
Costs of Having an Old Kitchen Removed
The costs for having an old kitchen removed vary, depending on the size of the kitchen, whether it contains appliances, which floor you live on (without an elevator is more expensive), and whether the waste needs to be disposed of.
On average, the costs for dismantling and disposal in the Netherlands lie between € 400 and € 800.
| Kitchen type | Indicative cost |
|---|---|
| Small straight kitchen | € 350 – € 500 |
| Corner kitchen or L-kitchen | € 500 – € 700 |
| Large kitchen with cooking island | € 700 – € 1,000+ |
Note: In homes built before 1994, there may be asbestos (e.g., in the glue layer of old vinyl floors under the kitchen or in sealant seams). Asbestos removal is a separate, more expensive process.
Step-by-Step Plan: Dismantling the Kitchen Yourself
Do you want to do it yourself anyway? Then use this step-by-step plan for a safe and structured dismantling.
[!CAUTION] Safety first: Always turn off the main water valve and the correct fuses/groups in the meter cupboard before you begin! Use a voltage tester to be 100% sure there is no power left on the sockets and wires.
Step 1: Dismantle Appliances
First, remove all loose and built-in appliances.
- Disconnect the fridge, oven, and microwave from the power grid.
- Turn off the gas valve (if present) before you disconnect the gas cooktop. If in doubt: call a professional. Gas is life-threatening.
- Disconnect the dishwasher (note: residual water may leak out here, keep a towel ready).
Step 2: Disconnect Sink and Tap
Unscrew the hot and cold water pipes (use an adjustable wrench or spanner). Disconnect the PVC drain (often a twist or slide system). Have buckets ready for leftover water in the siphon.
Step 3: Remove the Worktop
The worktop is often the heaviest part.
- Laminate/Wood: Often screwed into the cabinets from below. Unscrew these and lift the top off.
- Stone/Granite/Composite: This is extremely heavy and often glued (sealed). Try to carefully cut through the sealant edges all around and between the seams with a long knife or multi-tool. Lift it with at least two strong people.
Step 4: Wall Cabinets and Base Cabinets
Now you can dismantle the cabinets themselves. Always start with the top cabinets to prevent them from falling on you while you are working below. Then you remove the base cabinets. First, unscrew cabinets that are attached to each other, and remove them one by one.
Step 5: Remove Tiles (Optional)
If there are wall tiles on the wall that need to go, this is the time. Use a chisel and a hammer, or a rotary hammer with a flat chisel for large areas. Pay close attention to where the water and power lines run in the wall!
Disposing of Debris
An average kitchen produces quite a bit of rubble and waste. Rent a rubble container (construction and demolition waste) in advance. A 3m³ or 6m³ container is often sufficient for a kitchen. These costs vary from € 150 to € 250, including drop-off and pick-up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does it cost to have an old kitchen removed?
On average, the costs for dismantling and disposal in the Netherlands lie between € 400 and € 800. A small straight kitchen costs about € 350 – € 500, a corner or L-kitchen € 500 – € 700, and a large kitchen with a cooking island € 700 – € 1,000+. The price depends on the size, the presence of appliances, the floor you live on, and whether the waste needs to be disposed of.
Can I remove an old kitchen myself?
Yes, removing a kitchen yourself is very doable if you are handy and have a weekend or two. It saves money and you can work at your own pace. However, it is heavy work with a risk of damaging pipes, and you have to dispose of the heavy waste yourself.
What should I do with the old kitchen waste?
Rent a rubble container (construction and demolition waste) in advance. A 3m³ or 6m³ container is often sufficient for a kitchen. These costs vary from € 150 to € 250, including drop-off and pick-up.
Ready for the New IKEA Kitchen!
As soon as the old kitchen is gone, it's time to prepare the room (relocate pipes, plaster walls) and then the installation of your new IKEA kitchen.
For the installation of your new kitchen, you can always count on the experts at Montage Vandaag. Want to know what the assembly of your new IKEA kitchen costs? Request a free quote.