Ready to assemble (RTA) cabinets provide a convenient and budget-friendly option for renovating your kitchen. With some basic tools and DIY know-how, RTA cabinets can transform the look of your space without breaking the bank. But with so many options on the market, how do you determine what are the best ready to assemble cabinets for your needs? We outline the key factors to consider below.
Quality of Materials
The quality of the materials is arguably the most important factor when selecting ready to assemble cabinets. Opting for cabinets made from plywood rather than particle board will provide greater stability and durability. Plywood construction is denser and resists warping better than particle board over time.
Look for features like:
- Wood doors and face frames
- Dovetail joinery on the drawers
- Full-extension drawer glides
- Adjustable shelves
- Solid wood drawer boxes
High quality hardware is also essential. Soft-close hinges and full extension drawer glides are worthwhile upgrades that enhance functionality and provide a luxury feel.
Ease of Assembly
Ready to assemble means being able to put the cabinets together yourself without too much hassle. Look for cabinets with simple cam and dowel assembly and clear instructions. Modular designs with common component sizes also make the installation process easier.
Pay attention to:
- Cam and dowel joinery
- Pre-drilled cabinet holes
- Detailed instructions with diagrams
- Modular sizes and designs
The easier they are to assemble, the faster your kitchen refresh will be complete.
Customization Options
One of the best advantages of RTA cabinets is the ability to select customized sizes and configurations. Evaluate the range of sizes offered and how flexible the layout possibilities are. Can you easily change cabinet depths and widths? Are accessory pieces like fillers and valances available? Can you add functional interior elements like roll-out trays and spice racks?
Consider:
- Range of widths, depths and heights
- Availability of matching filler and valance pieces
- Interior storage accessories and organizers
- Number of door style and finish options
With greater customization you can achieve a tailored kitchen layout.
Workmanship and Fine Details
Don’t forget the fine details that make a kitchen cabinetry really shine. Examine elements like the hinges, drawer glides, and drawer boxes closely. Are doors aligned properly and evenly spaced? Do drawers slide smoothly? These finer points differentiate average cabinets from quality craftsmanship.
Look for:
- Concealed 6-way adjustable hinges
- Full-extension drawer glides
- Dovetail joinery on drawers
- Proper door alignment and spacing
- Finished interiors
Quality ready to assemble cabinets should not feel like a compromise.
Warranty Coverage
Make sure to confirm the warranty coverage for both defects and finish. Many home improvement stores offer a one-year warranty, but some RTA brands provide longer protection. Understand what is covered if any parts are missing or damaged, or if the finish wears unevenly over time. The longer the coverage the better.
Check for:
- Minimum one-year warranty
- Details on parts/defects coverage
- Finish coverage time period
- Ease of starting a warranty claim
Strong warranty coverage provides helpful peace of mind.
Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions
Beyond the cabinet construction itself, ensure your ready to assemble cabinets follow standard kitchen cabinet sizes. Standard cabinet heights, widths, and depths allow you to easily fill your existing layout. Common sizes include:
- Base cabinet depth: 24 inches
- Base cabinet height: 34 1/2 inches
- Base cabinet widths: 12, 15, 18, 24, 30, 36 inches
- Wall cabinet depth: 12 inches
- Wall cabinet height: 30, 36 inches
- Wall cabinet widths: 12, 15, 18, 24, 30, 36 inches
Matching industry standards makes installation smooth and seamless.
Cost Savings
At the end of the day, a driving factor for many homeowners is the cost savings RTA cabinets provide. Expect to pay 35-50% less for ready to assemble versus custom cabinetry. Carefully calculate costs to get the best value:
- Price per linear foot
- Cost of any extra accessories
- Hardware upgrades
- Expected tax and shipping fees
- Price of installation if outsourcing
Even with add-ons, RTA cabinets offer major budget savings.
Top Ready to Assemble Cabinet Brands
With an idea of what to look for, which brand offers the best ready to assemble cabinets? Here are our top recommendations:
IKEA
IKEA is likely the most well known RTA cabinet brand. They offer a range of styles at affordable price points. Their cabinets feature cam lock assembly and come with a 25-year limited warranty.
Barker
For premium quality, Barker Cabinetry is a great choice. Their plywood boxes feature soft-close doors and drawers. They have excellent warranty coverage for life.
Kabinart
Kabinart provides fashionable styles and lots of customization options. Their boxes are birch plywood with Cam and dowel joinery.
Hampton Bay
As Home Depot’s house brand, Hampton Bay is widely available and reliable. They offer lots of handy storage accessories and upgrades.
KraftMaid Cabinetry
Available through Lowe’s, KraftMaid’s assembly instructions get top marks for being clear and detailed. Their warranty spans five years.
Ready to Assemble Your Kitchen?
With careful selection, ready to assemble cabinets offer a high-quality and affordable kitchen transformation option. Focus on finding durable plywood construction combined with easy cam and dowel assembly. Look for standard kitchen cabinet sizes, customization potential, and strong warranty coverage from top brands like IKEA, Barker, and Kabinart. With handy DIY installation, you can overhaul your kitchen for 35-50% less. Ready to tackle your RTA kitchen refresh?
FAQs About Ready to Assemble Cabinets
What tools do I need to assemble RTA cabinets?
You’ll need basic tools like a drill, drill bits, screw gun, hammer, level, tape measure, clamps and a rubber mallet. A utility knife, chisel and movers dolly can also be helpful.
How long does it take to assemble RTA cabinets?
With one or two people, expect assembly to take a full day or longer depending on how many cabinets you purchase. Complex cabinet designs may require 2-3 days.
Can I change the layout of RTA cabinets?
Absolutely! A major perk of RTA cabinets is being able to customize your own kitchen design. You can easily change the cabinet dimensions, locations and finishes.
Should I install the cabinets before or after countertops?
It’s best practice to install cabinets first, and then measure for countertops. This allows you to fine-tune the cabinet placement and avoid gaps.
What can I do if my cabinets arrive damaged?
If there are any defects or missing pieces, contact the manufacturer right away. They should ship you replacement components under warranty.
Should I hire someone to install RTA cabinets?
You can install them yourself to save costs, but for complex designs hiring a carpenter can be worthwhile. Consider your DIY skills before deciding.
Can you paint ready to assemble cabinets?
Yes, with proper primer and technique RTA cabinets can be painted. This allows you to refresh the color down the line.
How secure are cam lock connectors?
Cam lock connectors create tight joints just like traditional joinery when installed correctly. Fillers help strengthen the framework.
How do I adjust cabinet doors that won’t close correctly?
Cabinet hinges can be adjusted in 6 ways to fine-tune the door position. YouTube tutorials demonstrate how.
Conclusion
Ready to assemble cabinets offer homeowners an accessible path to a kitchen remodel. Focus on well-constructed cabinets featuring quality materials and straightforward installation. Look for upgrades like soft-close hardware and interior organizers for added functionality. With some savvy shopping, you can find stylish RTA cabinets that fit within your budget. The key is doing thorough research to determine what are the best ready to assemble cabinets for your particular kitchen and lifestyle. With smart selection and DIY assembly, you can tackle a kitchen refresh and enjoy the finished results for years to come.
