Really, I think the name of this post should be “Pantry Demolition, 1; Karen, 0.”
In other words, it could be going better.
The problems:
(1) The cabinets are attached to the wall by screws, but also by years and layers of paint and caulk. Just digging through the layers to get to where the cabinet meets the wall was something.
(2) The screws that are holding up the cabinets are both/either (a) covered in paint and/or (b) nearly all stripped. Or, worse, I’ve stripped the screws when trying to remove them.
(3) The wood shelves and their cleats are screwed AND nailed into the wall and both are covered by years and layers of paint. Removing them with a pry bar has been the best solution, so far, but I’m killing the drywall.
So, now I have some decisions to make:
(1) Continue ripping everything out with reckless-ish abandon and repair or replace the drywall as needed.
(2) Continue ripping everything out with reckless-ish abandon and then cover the wall in shiplap.
The shiplap idea was one I was originally kind of giddy about. I’ve wanted to add shiplap to a room, and this would be a small experiment in that (given the size of the pantry). The problem is that the shiplap will largely be behind shelves and cereal boxes and other stuff in the pantry, so I’m not sure it’s the best use of money allocated for this project. But it would hide the holes I’m inevitably going to make in the drywall.
(3) Hire my contractor to come rip out the cabinets and shelves. Pro: Damage would be minimized (he probably has better tools; plus, he’s taller); Con: the cost, plus I like doing demo myself, usually.
The other choices I need to make are more design choices. Shiplap or drywall? Either way, the walls will be painted white (same as in the kitchen). I’m also thinking about painting a chalkboard wall on the wall facing the kitchen (the one with the window).
I think it’d be cute for grocery lists and notes, but it might also make a mess of chalk dust.
I think that my indecision or frustration with the demolition is playing into the decisions on everything else. Once the demo is done, I think – I hope – I will feel better and have a clearer idea of the wall choices for this space.
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments – I’d love to hear! Plus, share any advice you have about demolishing cabinets and shelves that are stuck to a wall! The more I think about it, maybe I should just use this as an excuse to buy a reciprocating saw…
Dogs Don't Eat Pizza 
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