Cutting an Opening in an Old Existing Cabinet for a Dishwasher

Examine the cabinet area and remove any drawers by pulling them straight out.

Open any cabinet doors in the location and locate the hinges on the side of the cabinet. Remove the hinge screws using a screwdriver to detach the cabinet and set them aside.

Look inside the cabinet to determine if any shelves are inside. If so, hit the bottom of the shelving with a hammer to detach the nails and then pull the shelves out.

Read the installation instructions for the dishwasher to determine the proper size of the opening. Do not simply measure the dishwasher; such appliances often require an additional clearance on all sides.

Kneel down in front of the cabinet and measure it to locate the proper width of the dishwasher opening. Use a straightedge to draw thick black marker lines down the face of the cabinet at the cut locations.

Measure up from the floor to determine if the counter top also requires cutting. If the counter requires cutting, draw lines on the top of it using the straightedge and the marker.

Don safety glasses and plug in a reciprocating saw. Insert the blade of the saw into the base of the cabinet and cut down through the center until you reach the floor.

Reposition the blade at the top of the cabinet and cut up to the counter top. Stop cutting when you reach the top of the counter and angle the blade to the left and cut until reaching the left marker line. Angle the blade down and cut all the way to the floor.

Place the blade back at the top center and cut to the right until you reach the right marker line. Turn the saw and cut down along the line all the way to the floor.

Set the saw aside and grasp one side of the cabinet with gloved hands. Pull the cabinet portion straight out to detach it, then repeat to remove the other side.

Cut through the upper counter, if needed, using a jig saw. Apply masking tape to the lines and cut straight back along each marker line until you reach the rear wall. If you have a backsplash, use a jamb saw to cut down through it vertically.