Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinetry has become an increasingly popular option for homeowners and contractors looking to save on costs without sacrificing style or quality. RTA cabinets come flat-packed and require assembly, allowing for more affordable pricing than traditional cabinetry. For those interested in RTA cabinetry, a key question is often “Where can I find an RTA cabinet store near me?” This guide will provide an overview of the best places to shop for RTA cabinets, whether online or in physical retail locations.
Purchasing RTA Cabinets Online
One of the most convenient ways to buy RTA cabinetry is through online retailers that specialize in ready-to-assemble cabinetry. Shopping online provides a few key advantages:
Wider Selection
Online RTA cabinet stores have inventory and warehouse space that traditional brick-and-mortar stores lack. This allows them to offer a wider range of RTA cabinet sizes, styles, materials, and colors for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and more. Where a local home improvement store may only have a few RTA options, online stores can offer hundreds of different cabinet SKUs.
Competitive Pricing
Online RTA cabinet sellers can offer aggressively low pricing by keeping overhead costs low. Without expenses like retail space rental, sales commissions, and local inventory, online stores pass significant savings onto customers. Online prices are often 20-50% less than big box stores for comparable RTA cabinetry.
Convenient Delivery
Instead of making multiple trips to load RTA cabinet boxes into your vehicle, online stores offer direct shipping to your door. Many online retailers provide free shipping or low flat-rate shipping fees. Delivery time frames range from 3-10 business days on average.
Helpful Customer Service
Reputable online RTA cabinet stores have knowledgeable customer service teams ready to help via phone, email, and live chat. They can answer questions, provide assembly advice, and resolve any issues with orders or shipments. Local stores lack this level of dedicated support.
Below are some of the most popular national online retailers to purchase RTA cabinets:
- IKEA – IKEA has showrooms across the country, but also offers RTA cabinetry shipping. Their Sektion system includes cabinets, drawers, and organization products.
- The Home Depot – A major home improvement retailer, Home Depot sells Hampton Bay and Glacier Bay RTA lines on their website.
- Wayfair – With a massive furniture and home goods selection, Wayfair offers hundreds of RTA cabinet options from brands like Sunnywood and ZippsTart.
- Lowe’s – Lowe’s provides in-store and online shopping for RTA cabinets from brands like Diamond, Allen + Roth, and Project Source.
- Amazon – The Everything Store has dedicated RTA cabinet stores within Amazon that sell budget to mid-range cabinets. Brands include Decora, Tallmania, and Tenso.
Purchasing RTA Cabinets at Retail Stores
For those who prefer an in-person shopping experience, many home improvement chains and independent shops sell ready-to-assemble cabinets. Benefits of in-store RTA cabinet shopping include:
Hands-On Product Viewing
Seeing and touching RTA cabinets in person can provide a better evaluation of quality, sturdiness, and color tones versus viewing photos online. Stores display assembled kitchen and bathroom vignettes.
Immediate Product Availability
Visiting a physical store eliminates waiting for delivery. If RTA cabinets are in stock, you can purchase them and haul away immediately. This allows faster project timelines.
Store Staff Assistance
Store associates can pull products, offer design advice, explain assembly, and load purchases into vehicles. Many shoppers find this staff assistance valuable, despite extra costs built into in-store pricing.
Below are the most popular national and regional home improvement chains for in-store RTA cabinet purchasing:
- IKEA – IKEA’s showrooms display their RTA Sektion kitchen and bathroom cabinets in room vignettes. Their affordable Prins system is online-only.
- The Home Depot – Shop Hampton Bay, Glacier Bay, and other RTA brands in stores across the country. Home Depot has knowledgeable kitchen designers on staff.
- Lowe’s – Lowe’s provides in-store shopping for Diamond, Allen + Roth, and Project Source RTA cabinetry. Their prices are competitive with other major chains.
- Menards® – A Midwest home improvement retailer, Menards® sells RTA cabinets from BrandSource, Designer’s Choice, and Hampton Bay.
- Costco – Costco offers private label RTA cabinet collections from brands like Diamond Cabinets on their website and in warehouse stores.
Beyond the major national chains, these regional home improvement stores also carry RTA cabinets:
- Lumber Liquidators – With showroom locations across the eastern US, Lumber Liquidators sells RTA cabinets made from solid hardwoods.
- Orchard Supply Hardware – This Pacific coast chain offers a wide selection of RTA cabinetry and countertops for all kitchen budgets.
- Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery® – With hundreds of showrooms nationwide, Ferguson sells mid to high-end RTA vanities along with other bathroom fixtures.
RTA Cabinet Options at Big Box Stores
For convenience and widespread availability, most homeowners shop for RTA cabinets at large national chains like IKEA, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards®, and Costco. These big box retailers partner with cabinet manufacturers to offer exclusive RTA cabinet collections in a range of styles and price points:
IKEA Sektion System
IKEA’s Sektion line features European-style cabinets in modern matte colors and durable finishes. Door styles include shaker, integrated handles, and flat paneled. Premium features include soft-close hinges and drawers, glass door inserts, and organizers.
Hampton Bay at Home Depot
From traditional oak to sleek thermofoil, Hampton Bay has RTA kitchen and bathroom cabinetry to suit any design aesthetic. Their finishes resist wear, and soft-close hardware prevents slamming. Home Depot offers professional kitchen design services to assist.
Diamond Cabinets at Lowe’s and Costco
This popular brand provides RTA cabinets at Lowe’s, Costco, and other major retailers. Diamond offers durable plywood boxes, adjustable shelves, soft-close doors and drawers, and easy-to-assemble construction. Their diverse styles work for traditional to contemporary kitchen designs.
Allen + Roth at Lowe’s
Designed exclusively for Lowe’s, Allen + Roth cabinetry brings high-end looks at affordable prices. Available finishes include woodgrain melamine, textured thermally fused laminate, and polyurethane stain options. Their Windham style captures modern farmhouse appeal.
Project Source at Lowe’s
As Lowe’s most affordable RTA line, Project Source cabinets balance value and quality. Their streamlined shaker, slab, and recessed panel door designs suit starter or rental kitchens on a strict budget. Assembly instructions are clear and easy to follow.
With some planning and research, you can find stylish, well-made RTA cabinets from a trusted brand that fits your project budget and timeline. Carefully measure your space, read product descriptions and reviews, and order samples if possible. With an attractive and functional new kitchen or bath, it will be worth the effort!
Frequently Asked Questions About RTA Cabinet Stores
RTA (ready-to-assemble) kitchen and bathroom cabinets provide a budget-friendly alternative to traditional cabinetry. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about purchasing RTA cabinetry:
Are RTA cabinets cheaper than custom cabinets?
Yes, RTA cabinets are typically 50-75% less expensive than full custom cabinetry. Affordable pricing is achieved by packing cabinets flat and unfinished, passing on savings from reduced shipping, storage, and labor costs.
Where can I buy RTA cabinets in-store?
Major home improvement chains like IKEA, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Costco stock RTA cabinetry in stores. You can also find RTA cabinets at regional chains like Menards®, Lumber Liquidators, and Orchard Supply Hardware.
Where are the best places to buy RTA cabinets online?
Online retailers like Wayfair, IKEA, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Amazon offer the widest RTA cabinet selection and lowest prices online. They ship cabinets directly to your home.
How much do RTA kitchen cabinets cost?
RTA kitchen cabinets range from about $50 – $300 per cabinet box. A typical 10-cabinet kitchen costs $1500 – $6000. Higher-end options with more features and thicker materials fall in the top of this price range.
Are RTA cabinets good quality?
Many RTA cabinets utilize plywood boxes, solid wood doors and drawers, and soft-close hardware equal to assembled cabinetry. High-end lines from companies like KraftMaid offer the same quality as their non-RTA cabinets.
How long do RTA cabinets take to assemble?
With 1-2 people working, expect assembly to take 8-16 hours for a full kitchen’s cabinets. Simpler cabinets like utility or bathroom vanities may take just 30-60 minutes to assemble.
Can I get RTA cabinets custom sized?
Some manufacturers like Barker Cabinets or KraftMaid allow for customized sizing on certain RTA cabinet lines. Simply provide width, height, and depth dimensions for a custom cabinet quote.
RTA cabinetry provides high-quality, affordable options for savvy homeowners. With some research on reputable brands and stores, you can find the perfect RTA cabinets for your next kitchen or bath remodel.
Key Factors When Purchasing RTA Cabinets
Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets provide an accessible entry point into new cabinetry for many homeowners. When shopping for RTA cabinets, keep these key factors in mind:
Quality of Materials
Focus on cabinets made with plywood boxes, solid wood doors and drawers, and durable finishes. Thermally-fused laminate and melamine coatings provide scratch, moisture, and stain resistance at affordable price points.
Hardware and Features
Look for soft-close hinges and drawers, adjustable shelves, pull-out trays, and other functional features found on comparable assembled cabinetry. Avoid old-style RTA cabinets with visible seams and plastic parts.
Door Styles
Choose door designs that fit your kitchen or bath decor, like classic shaker, sleek flat paneled, or traditional raised panels. Contemporary styles with recessed finger grips or integrated handles also add interest.
Color and Finish Options
Many RTA lines now offer rich woodgrain stains, painted solid colors, and designer laminates to fit any design vision. Neutral, on-trend, and bold hues give versatility in coordinating cabinetry with countertops and flooring.
Manufacturer Reputation & Warranty
Established cabinet brands like KraftMaid, Merit Kitchens, and Circle S often offer matching RTA collections with equivalent warranties. Buy from major home stores or direct from manufacturers.
Ease of Assembly
Look for clear instructions and numbered, pre-drilled cabinet parts that simply screw together. Most kitchen RTA cabinets take 10-20 hours for assembly and installation with two people.
Price Per Cabinet
To maximize budget, calculate cost per cabinet box rather than overall kitchen price. Expect to pay $75 – $200 per standard cabinet, with variations for size, materials, and features. Sales can reduce costs 10-20%.
Doing your homework on RTA cabinet qualities, smart features, and trusted brands means you can shop confidently and find value. Take advantage of this versatile, affordable cabinet option for your next remodeling project!
Pros and Cons of Choosing RTA Cabinets
Ready-to-assemble (RTA) kitchen and bathroom cabinets provide distinct advantages over traditional cabinetry. But RTA cabinets also come with some trade-offs to consider when choosing cabinetry. Weigh the pros and cons below when deciding between RTA and assembled cabinet options.
Pros
Cost Savings – RTA cabinets cost 20-50% less than comparable pre-assembled cabinets due to shipping efficiencies and reduced labor.
Wide Selection – Online RTA cabinet stores offer far more sizes, styles, colors and accessories than local cabinet showrooms.
Customization – Some RTA manufacturers allow custom sizing or door style mixing at reasonable prices. Local shops charge premium pricing for full custom work.
Convenience – RTA cabinets ship to your door so you can assemble on your timeline. No waiting weeks for custom cabinets to be built and installed.
Cons
Assembly Required – You must have the time, ability and tools to assemble RTA cabinets properly. Improper assembly can lead to problems down the road.
Can’t View Before Buying – Ordering RTA cabinets online means you can’t see doors, finish quality and hardware until boxes arrive. Be certain of return policies.
Complaint Resolution Difficult – Dealing with manufacturing defects or damage claims can be more difficult than working with local cabinet showrooms.
No Professional Installation – You or your contractor must handle the entire install rather than having a cabinetmaker measure, order, deliver and install custom cabinetry.
For many homeowners, the pricing and selection benefits make RTA cabinets a smart choice despite the assembly and ordering considerations. Weigh your priorities to decide if RTA or traditional cabinetry is the better fit.
What to Look for When Ordering RTA Cabinets Online
Shopping for ready-to-assemble cabinets online provides great selection and affordable pricing. However, you can’t inspect products in person before purchase. Use this checklist to ensure you select quality RTA cabinets online:
- Plywood box construction – Look for cabinets with plywood sides, top, bottom and back. Avoid particle board or MDF.
- Solid wood doors – Doors should be solid hardwood or veneered MDF for durability. Avoid hollow core doors.
- Soft-close doors/drawers – Features like self-closing hinges and drawer glides prevent slamming and boost longevity.
- Finishes – Look for thermally fused laminate or melamine coatings that resist scratching, moisture damage and wear.
- Modular sizes – Stick with standard kitchen cabinet dimensions for easy room planning and combining cabinets.
- Packaging – Cabinets should ship fully enclosed in cardboard boxes, padded and protected inside for safe transport.
- Warranty – Choose companies that warranty cabinets against defects for 1-5 years. Read warranty details closely.
- Reviews – Read buyer reviews on cabinet quality, customer service, shipping damages, and ease of assembly.
- Return policy – Understand any return/exchange time limits, restocking fees, and process for resolving issues.
Doing comprehensive online research protects you from unwelcome surprises and helps ensure satisfactory results from your RTA cabinet purchase.
Tips for Assembling RTA Cabinets
Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets provide a cost-effective option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. However, you do have to tackle the assembly yourself. Use these pro tips for smooth and successful RTA cabinet assembly:
Carefully Review Instructions – Thoroughly read and understand all assembly directions and diagrams before starting.
Check Box Contents – Unpack cabinets and verify you have all required hardware and un-damaged parts before assembly.
Gather Proper Tools – Have screwdrivers, drills, clamps, stud finder, level, etc. on hand to ease the process.
Designate Clean Workspace – Choose an area with ample room to work and spread out components. Protect flooring from scratches.
Follow Sequential Steps – Assembly order is usually designed to make the process quick and error-free. Don’t take shortcuts.
Pre-drill Holes – Drill pilot holes before driving screws to prevent splitting particle board and plywood.
Tighten Fully – Use care when tightening screws into cabinets. Over or under tightening can cause issues.
Add Shelves and Doors Last – It’s easier to install fixed shelves, adjustable shelves, and cabinet doors after box assembly is complete.
Check for Square – Make sure cabinet boxes assemble into perfect 90 degree angles. Errors impact installation.
Secure Properly – Use provided structure, braces and L-brackets to ensure cabinets are sturdy and square when installed.
With attention to detail, having proper tools on hand, and following directions, you can achieve quality results assembling RTA cabinets for your home. Take your time and don’t force pieces together. The investment of careful assembly will pay off for years to come.
How to Install Assembled RTA Cabinets
You’ve finished assembling your ready-to-assemble cabinets – great work! Now it’s time to hang them. Follow these steps for proper RTA cabinet installation:
Prep the Work Area
First, remove existing cabinets if this is a remodel. Then, clean the floor and walls thoroughly to create a dust-free workspace.
Gather Tools & Materials
You’ll need a drill, drivers, saw, measuring tape, level, stud finder, shims, screws, construction adhesive, and other installation supplies.
Map Out the Design
Based on your room layout, create a plan for cabinet placement. Mark stud locations on the walls and identify any problem spots.
Install Mounting Rail
Screw a level mounting rail into wall studs where upper cabinets will go. Use shims if necessary to ensure a straight rail.
Hang Wall Cabinets
Lift wall cabinets onto the rail, drill pilot holes, and screw into studs through cabinet back. Check for level and plumb.
Install Base Cabinets
Set base cabinets in place, shim as needed, then secure to wall studs through cabinet back. Join cabinets together.
Add Countertops
Measure for countertops once base cabinets are installed. Set countertops in place and secure them to cabinet boxes.
Attach Decorative Trim
Nail filler strips, crown molding, light rail and other trim to cabinets for a built
