Riverside Kitchen Soffit Removal Guide

Kitchen soffit removal isn't necessarily the most difficult home improvement project. But, it's definitely one of the messiest. If you have a soffit in your kitchen, you might be able to take it out, depending on what’s behind it. Should it be completely empty, you can remove the entire thing and leave the space empty or install taller kitchen cabinets which touch the ceiling for more storage space.

About Kitchen Soffit Removal

Kitchen soffits were born out of the necessity to conceal electrical wiring or ductwork, and in some instances, just to close the space between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling.

Making the decision to remove the soffits means that you have committed to a big project. Just how big depends on what is lurking behind the soffits. The only way to tell is to cut a hole in the drywall big enough to shine a flashlight and get a good look around. If you’re really lucky, it will just be empty space. But chances are pretty good that you’ll see wiring, air ducts and/ or plumbing pipes. If you are still intent on removing those soffits, all that “stuff” has to be re-routed and you have officially committed to a major remodeling project. --Kitchen Craftsman

However, this isn't to say that all soffits conceal home systems. Some are just to close gaps and serve an aesthetic purpose.

Riverside Kitchen Soffit Removal Guide

You will need several tools and a few supplies to tear down the soffit. Gather together a few sheets of plastic or tarps, flashlight, eye protection, a dust mask, gloves, a utility knife, pry bar, power drill-driver, hammer, and a ladder.

• Determine the function. If there are lights and/or a vent attached to the soffit, it contains electrical wiring and/or ductwork. So, you'll have to relocate or remove these.
• Cover the cabinets, countertops, and appliances. This tear down will produce a lot of dust and debris, so, you’ll need to protect your appliances, cabinets, and countertops with plastic sheeting, tarps, or even drop cloths.
• Score the seam between the ceiling and the soffit. Carefully cut into the seam between the soffit and ceiling and then go back and forth a few times.
• Hammer out a small hole. Knock out a small hole large enough to accommodate your hand. Then, reach into the hole and pull off the drywall, exposing the framing.

After the framing is exposed, you can tear off all the soffit drywall and then unfasten the studs from the wall and ceiling with a power drill-driver. This will take time and should be done delicately to avoid damaging the ceiling or kitchen appliances. Once your done and need junk removal, just phone 800-737-5923 or visit Pro Junk Dispatch.