Kitchen Renovation Calculator & Debris Guide
Kitchen renovations generate more debris than any other room in your home. Our calculator helps you estimate exact volumes and weights for every component - from cabinets to countertops - ensuring you rent the right dumpster size and avoid costly overage fees.
Kitchen Debris Calculator
Get precise estimates for your renovation project
Kitchen Dimensions
Total floor area
Standard is 8-9 feet
Cabinet Details
Countertops
Appliances to Remove
Flooring
Walls & Ceiling
Fixtures & Other Items
Average Kitchen Generates 8-15 Cubic Yards
Understanding Debris Volume vs Weight
Kitchen renovations present unique challenges because different materials have vastly different weight-to-volume ratios. While cabinets take up significant space, stone countertops can quickly exceed weight limits despite their smaller volume.
| Material | Volume Impact | Weight Impact | Typical Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets (wood) | High | Medium | 15-30 linear feet |
| Granite countertops | Low | Very High | 40-60 sq ft |
| Tile/hardwood flooring | Low | High | 150-250 sq ft |
| Appliances | Medium | Medium-High | 4-6 items |
| Drywall | Medium | Low-Medium | 200-400 sq ft |
Cabinet Removal: The Volume Challenge
Cabinets are deceptively voluminous once removed. Here's what you need to know:
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Upper cabinets: Generate approximately 0.1 cubic yards per linear foot
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Lower cabinets: Generate approximately 0.2 cubic yards per linear foot
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Weight varies by material: MDF (25 lbs/ft), Plywood (30 lbs/ft), Solid wood (40 lbs/ft)
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Pro tip: Breaking down cabinets can reduce volume by 30-40%
Heavy Materials: Managing Weight Limits
Stone countertops and tile are the primary weight concerns in kitchen renovations:
Stone Countertops (per sq ft)
- • Granite (2cm): 13 lbs
- • Granite (3cm): 18-20 lbs
- • Marble: 16-20 lbs
- • Quartz: 15-18 lbs
- • Concrete: 18-25 lbs
Flooring Materials (per sq ft)
- • Ceramic tile: 4-6 lbs
- • Porcelain tile: 5-7 lbs
- • Natural stone: 10-15 lbs
- • Hardwood: 2.5-4 lbs
- • Vinyl/Laminate: 1-2 lbs
Appliance Disposal Considerations
✓ Can Usually Go in Dumpster:
Dishwashers, stoves, microwaves, range hoods (always check with rental company first)
✗ Require Special Handling:
Refrigerators, freezers, AC units (contain Freon - require special disposal)
💡 Better Alternative:
Many appliance retailers offer free haul-away when delivering new units. Scrap metal dealers may also pick up appliances for free, saving you dumpster space and disposal fees.
Dumpster Sizing Recommendations
10-15 Yard Dumpster
Best for: Small kitchens (under 100 sq ft), cabinet-only renovations
- • Holds 3-4 pickup truck loads
- • Weight limit: 1-2 tons
- • Cost: $300-$500
20 Yard Dumpster (Most Common)
Best for: Average kitchens (100-200 sq ft), full renovations
- • Holds 6 pickup truck loads
- • Weight limit: 2-3 tons
- • Cost: $350-$650
30 Yard Dumpster
Best for: Large kitchens (200+ sq ft), gut renovations with structural changes
- • Holds 9-12 pickup truck loads
- • Weight limit: 3-4 tons
- • Cost: $450-$800
Money-Saving Strategies
Before Demolition
- ✓ Donate usable cabinets to Habitat ReStore
- ✓ Sell granite countertops to fabricators
- ✓ List appliances on Facebook Marketplace
- ✓ Remove and save hardware for reuse/resale
During Demolition
- ✓ Separate metals for scrap value
- ✓ Break down cabinets to minimize volume
- ✓ Load heavy items first, distribute weight
- ✓ Fill gaps with smaller debris
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Ignoring the 25% Waste Factor
Always add 25% to your calculated volume for packaging, unexpected discoveries, and air gaps in loading. This buffer prevents the need for a second dumpster rental.
Mistake #2: Not Checking Local Regulations
Some areas prohibit street placement or require permits. Check before scheduling delivery to avoid fines or forced removal.
Mistake #3: Loading Heavy Items Last
Heavy materials should go in first to prevent crushing lighter debris and creating unusable space. Load granite, tile, and appliances before cabinets and drywall.
Final Recommendations
For small kitchens (under 100 sq ft): A 10-yard dumpster handles cabinet-only updates. Add 20% buffer for unexpected waste.
For average kitchens (100-200 sq ft): Start with a 20-yard dumpster for full remodels. This is the most common size and prevents second rentals.
For large kitchens (200+ sq ft): Use a 30-yard dumpster for gut renovations with structural changes. The extra capacity handles walls, framing, and extensive debris without weight limit concerns.
Loading Tips
✅ Do This
- Break down large items (remove cabinet doors)
- Load heavy items first (granite, tile, appliances)
- Distribute weight evenly across dumpster bottom
- Fill gaps with smaller debris
- Keep materials level with dumpster rim
❌ Avoid This
- Don't overfill above the rim
- No refrigerators with Freon
- Don't mix prohibited items (liquid paint, chemicals)
- Don't load heavy items last - they crush lighter debris
- Don't forget to separate metal for scrap value
Real Project Examples with Exact Calculations
These examples show complete calculations for common projects. Use them as templates for estimating your own project's disposal needs.
Small Kitchen Update
Project: 85 sq ft galley kitchen - cabinet and countertop replacement only
- • 12 linear feet upper cabinets
- • 12 linear feet lower cabinets
- • 35 sq ft laminate countertop
- • Backsplash tile (12 sq ft)
- • 10-yard dumpster used
- • 70% capacity utilized
- • Total debris: ~3.5 cubic yards
- • Total cost: $400
- • 3-day rental period
Average Kitchen Remodel
Project: 150 sq ft U-shaped kitchen - full renovation with appliances
- • 22 linear feet cabinets (upper and lower)
- • 55 sq ft granite countertop (3cm)
- • 150 sq ft ceramic tile flooring
- • Backsplash tile and drywall repairs
- • Old appliances (dishwasher, range)
- • 20-yard dumpster used
- • 85% capacity utilized
- • Total debris: ~12 cubic yards
- • Total weight: ~4,200 lbs
- • Total cost: $500
- • 7-day rental period
Large Kitchen Gut Renovation
Project: 240 sq ft open-concept kitchen - complete demolition to studs
- • 30 linear feet cabinets plus island
- • 75 sq ft granite countertop
- • 240 sq ft hardwood flooring
- • Partial wall removal (drywall and framing)
- • All electrical fixtures and plumbing
- • 30-yard dumpster used
- • 90% capacity utilized
- • Total debris: ~18 cubic yards
- • Total weight: ~5,800 lbs
- • Total cost: $712
- • 10-day rental period
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 20-yard dumpster cost?
How long can I keep a dumpster?
What can't go in a dumpster?
Do I need a permit for a dumpster in my driveway?
Ready to Size Your Project?
Use our free calculator to find the perfect dumpster size