Research Different RTA Cabinet Brands and Styles
There are many manufacturers of RTA cabinets, each offering different styles, price points, and quality levels. Do some research to find brands that offer the look you want at a reasonable cost. Some top RTA cabinet brands to consider include:
- IKEA – Affordable, minimalist designs. Wide range of styles.
- Barker Cabinets – Mid-priced traditional and contemporary styles. High-quality materials.
- Cabinet Alliance – Budget-friendly selection. Lots of customization options.
- Ready To Assemble Cabinets – Large choice of styles and finishes. Competitively priced.
- Barker Cabinets – Mid-priced traditional and contemporary styles. High-quality materials.
Look at product images and specifications to get a sense of the construction, materials, sizes, and finishes available. This will help narrow down your options.
Compare Prices From Multiple Retailers
Once you’ve settled on a brand or two, take time to compare prices across different retailers. Large retailers like Amazon and Home Depot often carry RTA cabinets, but you may get better deals from specialty retailers like:
- CabinetJoint.com
- RTACabinetStore.com
- KitchenCabinetKings.com
- TheRTAStore.com
Check shipping costs, sales tax, and product availability too. Buying directly from the manufacturer can also yield significant savings. Don’t forget to look for coupons and seasonal sales for additional discounts.
Consider DIY Assembly vs. Professional Installation
RTA cabinets come with instructions and hardware for DIY assembly. If you’re fairly handy, you can assemble the cabinets yourself and save on labor costs. However, professional installation ensures proper alignment, a more seamless result, and easier project management.
Get installation cost estimates from home services sites like Thumbtack or HomeAdvisor to help decide if DIY makes sense for your project and skill level.
Purchase a Complete Set for a Cohesive Look
It’s tempting to mix and match components from different manufacturers to save money. However, cabinets, doors, and hardware sourced separately can vary slightly in size, finish, and quality.
Purchasing a cabinet set with matching doors, drawers, and hardware ensures everything integrates nicely. You can supplement the set with matching filler panels, moldings, and accessories from the same manufacturer.
Carefully Measure Your Kitchen Space
Take detailed measurements of your existing kitchen layout before ordering cabinets. You’ll need the linear and square footage of each wall to determine cabinet sizes and quantities.
Leave room for appliances, islands, pantries, and other features in your layout plan. Having accurate measurements ensures your RTA cabinets will fit perfectly with minimal gaps or issues.
Order Samples Before Buying a Full Set
Many RTA cabinet brands offer inexpensive samples of their door styles, finishes, and color options. Ordering samples allows you to see and feel the quality of their products.
Comparing color and finish options side-by-side can help prevent disappointment from unseen variations between cabinets. Get samples before investing in a whole new kitchen!
Utilize Discounts and Cashback Savings
Take advantage of any seasonal sales, first-time customer discounts, bulk purchase incentives, or other special promotions from retailers. Using discounted gift cards or shopping portals with cashback offers can lead to additional savings too.
Stacking discounts and rebates from multiple sources makes buying cabinets more affordable. Just be sure to calculate the total project costs beforehand so you don’t exceed your kitchen renovation budget.
Opt for Free Shipping When Possible
Shipping costs can really add up when ordering multiple large, heavy boxes of cabinets and accessories. Select retailers that offer free shipping or meet order minimums to qualify for free delivery.
Curbside delivery can be much cheaper than inside delivery and installation. Just make sure you have assistance to unload the heavy cabinets safely when they arrive.
With some strategic shopping techniques, a bit of online sleuthing, and keen attention to budget, you can refresh your kitchen with stylish new RTA cabinets without breaking the bank. Approach the purchase process slowly and thoughtfully to ensure you find high-quality cabinets at the lowest available cost from a retailer you can trust. Happy deal hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if RTA cabinets are good quality?
A: Look for plywood box construction, solid wood doors and drawers, durable finishes, Blum/soft-close hardware and dovetail joinery. Check reviews and purchase samples to assess quality firsthand. Top brands like Barker Cabinets use quality materials and construction.
Q: Should I assemble cabinets before or after installation?
A: It’s generally easier to install fully assembled cabinets. However, assembling beforehand allows you to detect and replace damaged pieces more easily. Partially assembling cabinets makes them easier to maneuver into place.
Q: What tools do I need to assemble RTA cabinets?
A: You’ll need a drill, Phillips head screwdriver, hammer, level, tape measure, pencil and safety equipment like gloves and eye protection. A rubber mallet helps seat pieces together firmly. You may also need a saw for modifications.
Q: Can I change the cabinet layout from the standard configuration?
A: Yes, most RTA cabinet sets allow you to substitute cabinet sizes and change layouts to customize your kitchen’s design, provided the overall space requirements don’t change.
Q: Should I get cabinets with finished or unfinished interiors?
A: Finished cabinet interiors (melamine or thermally-fused laminate) hold up better to spills and wear-and-tear. However unfinished wood interiors allow staining/painting for a more custom look.
Q: How much should I budget for RTA kitchen cabinets?
A: Expect to spend $3000-5000 for stock RTA cabinets for a 10×10 kitchen. More cabinets, custom sizes, modifications and higher-end door styles can run $8000 to $20,000 or more.
Conclusion
Shopping online for RTA cabinets takes some diligence but can yield huge savings, convenience, and customization potential. Setting a realistic budget, thoroughly measuring your space, comparing brands and prices, utilizing discounts and rebates, and ordering samples are keys to success. With some smart preparation and shopping strategies, you can achieve a stunning kitchen makeover at the lowest possible cost. Just take the process step-by-step to land the best RTA cabinet value for your needs.
