What Are RTA Cabinets?

Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets offer homeowners and renters an affordable and customizable cabinetry solution. As opposed to prefabricated or custom cabinetry, RTA cabinets ship disassembled with all necessary parts and hardware included. The do-it-yourself nature of RTA cabinet installation makes them an approachable project for DIYers. When installed properly, RTA cabinets can have a quality comparable to custom cabinetry at a fraction of the cost. This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about RTA cabinets.

Key Features of RTA Cabinets

• Ships disassembled with all parts and hardware included for assembly
• Compact, shippable boxes make deliveries manageable
• Available finished or unfinished
• DIY-friendly assembly
• Custom sizing options beyond standard sizes
• More affordable than custom cabinetry

Pros and Cons of RTA Cabinets

Pros

• Cost savings: Pre-assembled stock or custom cabinets are pricier than RTA cabinets. You save significantly by assembling cabinets yourself.
• Convenience: Home delivery of flat boxes is far easier than getting pre-assembled cabinets into your home. No need to struggle getting large cabinets through doorways!
• Customization: Many RTA brands offer custom sizing and storage options beyond standard sizes. This allows a more customized look without the cost of full custom cabinets.
• Quality materials: Leading RTA brands use quality plywood boxes and hardware that rival custom cabinets. Finishes can also look quite premium.
• DIY project: Assembly of RTA cabinets is a relatively approachable DIY project for those wanting to save on installation costs.

Cons

• Assembly required: You’ll need to set aside time for assembly, which can be difficult for some DIYers. Improper assembly can lead to issues down the road.
• No on-site modifications: Unlike custom cabinets, you can’t alter cabinets once assembled. Sizing and modifications need to be planned from the start.
• Variability in quality: There is a wide range of quality across RTA brands. Cheaper cabinets often have weaker materials and hardware.
• Can’t see in person first: Since RTA cabinets ship sight unseen, you can’t inspect quality until boxes arrive. Returns can be a hassle.
• No professional installation: Installation is on the DIY homeowner, which can be daunting without carpentry experience. Poor installation can impact performance.

While not perfect, RTA cabinets offer an unbeatable value if you’re comfortable with a DIY cabinet assembly and installation. Focus on choosing a quality brand known for sturdy materials and backing their products with good warranties.

How to Choose RTA Cabinets

Choosing the right ready-to-assemble cabinets for your space is critical, as the quality and customization options vary greatly by brand. Focus on these factors when selecting RTA cabinets:

Quality of Materials

Avoid cheap particleboard boxes in favor of plywood construction. Look for full wood doors and drawers, durable finishes, and soft-closing hardware. Trusted brands will use quality materials to ensure years of performance. Don’t sacrifice quality for minor upfront savings.

Brand Reputation

Read customer reviews and look for indicators of quality like solid warranties, full spare parts availability, and knowledgeable customer service. Well-reviewed brands typically have their assembly and manufacturing processes dialed in.

Customization Options

Look for a range of door styles and finishes. See if sizing can be adjusted beyond standard 12″ increments. Some brands offer unique storage solutions not found in stock cabinets. Customization allows a semi-custom look at the cost of RTA cabinets.

Price

Given the range of quality, set a budget but not at the expense of essential features like plywood boxes. Aggressively cheap RTA cabinets will look cheap very quickly. Spending 10-20% more on a quality brand is advisable for long-term satisfaction.

Ease of Assembly

Understand the assembly process before ordering. Cabinets that click together or have simple hardware are better for DIYers vs. those requiring extensive drilling or fasteners. Clear instructions with ample diagrams are also critical. By carefully selecting your RTA cabinet brand, you can get beautiful, highly functional cabinets tailored to your kitchen that will last for many years. Never compromise on cabinet box quality when evaluating options.

How Are RTA Cabinets Constructed?

Understanding how ready-to-assemble cabinets are engineered and constructed can help guide your buying decisions. Here’s an overview of typical RTA cabinet construction methods:

Cabinet Boxes

The cabinet box or carcass forms the basic shape of the cabinet. Most quality RTA cabinets use 3⁄4” thick plywood for cabinet sides, tops, bottoms, and shelves. Plywood offers durability and resists warping better than particleboard or MDF. Dowels, screws, or interlocking joints are used to assemble boxes.

Doors and Drawers

Doors are commonly available in slab, shaker, or custom styles. Solid hardwood lumber, plywood, or MDF are used based on door style and price point. Drawers are typically four-sided and made from solid wood or plywood. Undermount soft-closing drawer glides are preferred for a smooth open/close motion.

Finishes

Both painted and stained finishes are popular for RTA cabinets. Painted finishes involve spraying boxes and doors with several coats of durable paint suitable for kitchen use. Stained finishes require multiple stages of staining and sealing using wood tones like cherry, maple, and oak.

Hardware

Cabinet hardware includes hinges, drawer glides, and pulls/knobs. Concealed European-style hinges allow full door motion. Side-mounted drawer glides enable smooth operation. Hardware is typically pre-installed from the manufacturer. Understanding construction methods helps identify the hallmarks of quality in RTA cabinets. Look for plywood boxes, solid wood doors and drawers, soft-close hardware, and durable finishes. These indicate an RTA cabinet built to last.

How Much Do RTA Cabinets Cost?

RTA cabinets offer significant savings over other cabinet options, though prices vary based on quality, size, and customization. Here are typical price ranges:

• Economy Brands: $50 – $125 per linear cabinet foot
• Mid-Range Brands: $125 – $200 per linear foot
• Premium Brands: $200 – $300 per linear foot

Other cost factors include:

• Door style and material: Custom wood, paneled, glass, etc.
• Finish: Painted vs. stained
• Add-ons like dividers, tiered storage, or lazy susans
• Specialty storage and organizational systems

While economy brands start under $100/foot, quality issues often emerge over time. Investing in mid-range or premium cabinets in the $150-$250/foot range provides better long-term value. Remember to budget extra for:

• Cabinet hardware
• Delivery
• Countertops
• Installation tools
• Installation help (if hiring)

While not the cheapest option, RTA cabinets offer excellent bang-for-buck compared to other cabinetry. Focus less on bottom barrel pricing and more on enduring quality per dollar when choosing products.

How to Assemble RTA Cabinets

Assembling ready-to-assemble cabinets is a manageable DIY project with proper planning and care. Follow these tips for smooth RTA cabinet assembly:

1. Review Instructions Thoroughly

Before starting, read all instructions to understand the full assembly process. Identify parts, fasteners, and tools needed. Ask the manufacturer if anything is unclear.

2. Work on a Clean, Level Surface

Choose a large, clean area like a garage floor or basement to assemble cabinets. Ensure the surface is level so cabinets assemble squarely. Proper assembly depends on a flat surface.

3. Organize Parts and Hardware

Unpack all components and hardware. Organize parts, fasteners, doors, and shelves to avoid confusion or lost pieces during assembly. Double check that all listed parts are present.

4. Follow Instructions Exactly

Step-by-step, assemble cabinet boxes, doors, drawers, and pull-outs as directed. Rushing through instructions leads to mistakes. Take your time.

5. Use Power Tools Carefully

Power drills with adjustable torque and drivers with depth settings make assembly easier. The right drill bit types prevent wood splitting. Set tools to proper settings for each material.

6. Check for Square

Ensure cabinet boxes assemble at perfect 90 degree angles. Squared boxes allow proper installation alignment later on. A carpentry square is perfect for checking this.

7. Don’t Force Anything

If a part won’t align or fasteners won’t thread easily, don’t force it. Double check alignment and re-read instructions. Forcing parts leads to cracks and damage.

8. Prep and Finish Properly

Sand unfinished edges, fill holes as needed, and clean surfaces thoroughly before finishing or installation. Proper prep prevents finish defects down the road. Following each assembly step closely results in strong, square, flawless looking cabinets. Patience and care pays off during assembly. Rushing the process often results in headaches later on.

How to Install RTA Cabinets

Installing assembled RTA cabinets requires careful planning, precise measurement, and some carpentry skills. Follow these best practices:

Choose an Installation Sequence

Map out cabinet locations in exact order of installation. Start with corner or peninsula cabinets first. Group cabinets sharing walls to simplify installation.

Mark Cabinet Locations

On walls and floors, mark all cabinet locations and heights based on your kitchen plan. Double check spacing between cabinets and appliance openings.

Level and Plumb Walls

Ensure walls are square and plumb. Use shims if needed to create a flat surface for mounting. Cabinets must attach to flat, level walls.

Attach Wall Mounting Rails

Screw ledger boards horizontally to walls to support upper cabinets. Use a level to ensure perfect horizontal positioning.

Hang Wall Cabinets First

Attach upper cabinets to ledger boards using screws driven into wall studs. Use shims to adjust for uneven walls. Ensure cabinets are perfectly level.

Install Base Cabinets

Set base cabinets in place, level, and fasten to wall studs and/or floors using appropriate fasteners. Join cabinets together.

Scribe and Trim Cabinets

Where cabinets don’t fit flush against walls, trace gaps and use a jigsaw to trim cabinet sides for a perfect fit.

Secure with Screws

Secure adjacent cabinets using screws driven into adjacent cabinet sides/frames. Tighten bolted wall connections.

Adjust Doors and Drawers

Adjust hinge tension so doors close flush against cabinets. Confirm consistent reveal around doors and drawers. Take care to position and fasten cabinets securely. Plumb, square, and level cabinets result in a kitchen built to last. Don’t rush this critical stage of the installation process.

How to Customize and Upgrade RTA Cabinets

Beyond their flexible sizing, RTA cabinets offer many customization options that can tailor them to your unique space and taste:

Door Style Swaps

An easy upgrade is choosing alternate door designs like shaker, inset, glass panel, arched, or slab styles. Door styles dramatically change the look.

Finish and Color Changes

Stain, paint, glaze, or distress cabinets for limitless color and style options. Many brands offer dozens of stain and paint choices.

Accent Materials

Using contrasting materials like tile, metal, or glass for door inserts or cabinet accents creates distinctive designs.

Crown Molding

Adding crown molding lends a furniture-like feel. Molding choices range from simple to highly ornate.

Specialty Organizational Pieces

Companies offer specialty pull-outs, organizers, wine racks, and other unique storage options to maximize kitchen efficiency.

Decorative Hardware

Updating standard cabinet hardware with custom knobs, pulls, and hinges modernizes the look inexpensively. Take advantage of these upgrades to achieve a fully custom, high-end appearance kitchen using affordable RTA cabinetry as a starting point.

Maintaining and Repairing RTA Cabinets

RTA cabinets are built to last for years, but some periodic maintenance helps keep them looking their best:

• Tighten any loosening hardware
• Clean surfaces using dedicated wood cleaners only
• Touch up scrapes, scratches, or dents immediately
• Re-stain or paint cabinets as needed over time
• Replace broken hardware components
• Check hinge screws and drawer glide clips for loosening

Many RTA brands sell replacement parts for their cabinets. Maintaining a few spare shelves, hinges, and drawer glides enables quick repairs over time. With periodic upkeep and proper care, quality RTA cabinets will serve reliably in kitchens for a decade or longer. Handle cabinets gently, keep moisture away from cabinet boxes, and repair minor issues quickly to maximize life.

What are RTA cabinets made of

RTA (ready-to-assemble) cabinets are typically made from the same materials as pre-assembled cabinets, just shipped unassembled to save on costs. The most common materials for RTA cabinets are:

• Particleboard – This is made from wood particles pressed together with resin. It’s an affordable and stable material that makes up the cabinet box and shelves. The edges are often covered with veneers or laminates.
• Plywood – Higher quality RTA cabinets may use plywood for some parts, like cabinet sides and doors. Plywood is more expensive but stronger than particleboard.
• MDF – Medium density fiberboard is an engineered wood like particleboard. It’s sometimes used for cabinet doors and drawer fronts on more affordable RTA cabinet lines.
• Solid wood – Solid wood doors and drawer fronts are found on higher end RTA cabinets. Options like oak, maple and cherry add beauty and durability.
• Laminates – Thermofoil or melamine laminates coat the exterior cabinet surfaces. This gives a smooth finish and provides protection from wear and tear.
• Hardware – Drawer slides, hinges, pulls and knobs are included with RTA cabinets for assembly. These are usually metal with some plastic components.

So in summary, particleboard, MDF, plywood, solid wood and laminates make up most RTA cabinet components. The hardware allows you to assemble them into a finished cabinet for much less cost than pre-built cabinets.

Frequently Asked Questions About RTA Cabinets

RTA cabinets offer a versatile, affordable cabinetry option, but you probably still have some questions. Here are answers to some common FAQs: How long do RTA cabinets last? Quality RTA cabinets have a lifespan comparable to custom cabinetry when properly assembled, installed, and maintained. Expect 10-15 years from leading RTA cabinet brands. Can RTA cabinets support granite countertops? Yes. Well-made plywood RTA cabinets offer durability on par with custom cabinets. Securely anchor into wall studs to support heavy countertops. Should I hire a contractor for installation? Installing cabinets is challenging, but determined DIYers can manage the process with proper planning. Otherwise, hiring an experienced kitchen pro ensures a flawless install. Can RTA cabinets be returned if damaged? Always inspect deliveries thoroughly before accepting. Most brands allow returns within a short window if cabinets arrive damaged or defective. Do RTA cabinets come with warranty? Leading brands offer warranties of 1-5 years against defects in materials and workmanship. Ensure you understand warranty terms and timeline. Are RTA cabinets suitable for rentals? Yes. RTA cabinets are an affordable solution for refreshing rental kitchens on a budget. Focus on durable thermally fused or melamine finishes that resist scratches and dents. RTA cabinets remain a versatile, affordable option suitable for homeowners and renters alike. Taking time to properly assess quality and installation needs is key to success.

Key Takeaways on RTA Cabinets

Ready-to-assemble cabinets offer convenience, customization, and affordability unmatched by other cabinetry options. Key points to remember:

• RTA cabinets ship disassembled for DIY assembly, saving significantly over prefab and custom cabinets.
• Leading brands use quality plywood boxes and hardware for durability rivalling custom cabinets.
• Careful assembly and installation are crucial for fit and finish. Don’t cut corners.
• Customization options tailor RTA cabinets to your unique kitchen design style.
• Maintenance like tightening hardware and touching up finishes keeps cabinets looking their best.
• Choosing quality brands is essential – don’t sacrifice materials and construction to save a few dollars.

For homeowners looking to refresh their kitchen affordably, RTA cabinets offer a robust, customizable solution. With smart planning and a meticulous approach to assembly and installation, the end result can rival premium custom cabinetry at a fraction of the price. Carefully weigh all the pros, cons and factors when embarking on an RTA cabinet project.