RTA cabinets, which stands for ready-to-assemble cabinets, refer to kitchen and bathroom cabinets that come already constructed but not yet fully assembled. RTA cabinets offer several advantages over custom cabinetry, which is likely why they have become an extremely popular cabinetry option for homeowners undertaking kitchen or bathroom remodels. Some of the key benefits of RTA cabinetry include:

More Affordable Price Point

Because RTA cabinets come already constructed in a flat pack, requiring just assembly, they cut out much of the construction costs associated with custom cabinetry. This makes RTA cabinets a more budget-friendly solution for homeowners looking to refresh their kitchens or bathrooms without breaking the bank. RTA cabinets are on average 30-50% less expensive than custom cabinetry.

Convenience of Self-Assembly

With RTA cabinets, homeowners can tackle assembly and installation themselves over a weekend instead of having to schedule a professional cabinet installer for several days. This allows homeowners to work at their own pace and on their own schedule. The assembly process for RTA cabinets is designed to be straightforward using simple tools like a screwdriver and drill.

Quality Materials and Construction

Simply because RTA cabinets are more affordable does not mean they skimp on quality. Many RTA cabinet manufacturers use durable plywood boxes, solid wood doors and drawers, soft-close hinges, and quality finishes. This allows RTA cabinets to mimic the look of custom cabinets at a fraction of the investment.

Wide Variety of Styles and Finishes

From shaker style to modern designs, RTA cabinet manufacturers offer an extensive selection of door styles, wood species, and finish options. This allows homeowners to find RTA cabinets aligned with their desired aesthetic, from contemporary to farmhouse.

Customization Options

Beyond the ready-made selection, some RTA companies allow customization of cabinet sizes, accessories, and organization features. This allows a semi-custom look tailored to your space’s dimensions and storage needs.

Quick Turnaround Times

Because RTA cabinets are pre-assembled and in stock, turnaround times are often a fraction of custom cabinetry which needs to be built from scratch. RTA cabinets can be delivered in as little as 2-3 weeks from order date versus 8-12 weeks for custom cabinets. This accelerated timeline is ideal when coordinating full kitchen or bath remodels.

Now that you understand the many benefits of RTA cabinetry, you probably want to know where you can purchase these convenient ready-to-assemble cabinets. Here is an overview of where RTA cabinets are located:

Big Box Home Improvement Stores

Major home improvement chains like Home Depot and Lowe’s have become a top destination for RTA cabinets. They partner with several leading RTA manufacturers to offer a wide selection of styles and price points right in store. The advantage of purchasing RTA cabinets from big box stores is you can see the products in person before purchase, avoid shipping costs on your order, and easily return or exchange cabinets that arrive damaged or if you change your mind. Big box stores also often run sales and specials on RTA cabinet packages. The only downside is stock can be limited at local stores so if wanting a specific cabinet line, call ahead to ensure it’s in stock.

Some of the top RTA cabinet brands available at Home Depot and Lowe’s include:

  • Hampton Bay
  • Decorá
  • Dynasty
  • Allen + Roth
  • Martha Stewart Living
  • Design Elements
  • Project Source

Kitchen and Bath Showrooms

In addition to big box stores, many kitchen and bath showrooms also showcase RTA cabinet lines alongside their custom cabinet offerings. Showrooms provide a more personalized experience where you can browse displays, talk through cabinetry options with knowledgeable kitchen designers, and get quotes for full packages including countertops and hardware. Often kitchen showrooms will have more size, finish, and accessory options compared to big box stores.

Some examples of popular kitchen and bath showrooms featuring RTA cabinets:

  • Cabinets.com Showrooms
  • KitchenViews Showrooms
  • DirectBuy Showrooms
  • Kohler Experience Centers

Make sure to ask each showroom which RTA cabinet brands they carry before visiting so you can preview options online. Quality, selection, and pricing can vary greatly by manufacturer.

Online Retailers and RTA Brand Websites

Beyond in-store shopping, many homeowners purchase RTA cabinets directly through online retailers and manufacturers. Shopping online provides the widest selection of styles and customization options. It’s easy to get quotes, order samples to view quality up close, and some brands even offer virtual kitchen design services. Ordering cabinets online does have some drawbacks – you can’t see the products in person before purchase and delivery times can be delayed. Be sure to order samples beforehand and read return policies carefully in case any damage occurs in shipping.

Some of the most popular online RTA cabinet brands include:

  • Cabinet Joint
  • Ready To Assemble Kitchens
  • Barker Cabinets
  • Ready Set Cabinets
  • Cabinet Direct
  • Nevada Woodwork
  • Kitchen Cabinet Kings
  • Keystone Wood Specialties

Many of the brands above sell through Amazon and Wayfair as well.

RTA Cabinets at Warehouse Stores

For bulk savings, members-only warehouse chains like Costco and Sam’s Club have started retailing ready-to-assemble cabinets. This allows access to RTA cabinets at wholesale club pricing. The selection is often limited to one or two RTA lines, but the per unit price on cabinet boxes and individual doors is very budget-friendly. The trade-off is you may not get the customized sizing or accessory options as ordering through other retailers. But for a streamlined DIY kitchen refresh, RTA cabinets from warehouse stores offer major cost savings.

Buying Direct Through Cabinet Manufacturers

Some homeowners and contractors bypass retailers altogether and purchase RTA cabinets directly through wholesale cabinet manufacturers. This can provide the lowest pricing as you cut out the retailer markup. Direct ordering does usually require large minimum purchases and you won’t get the hands-on shopping experience. But for big remodeling jobs, buying RTA kitchen or bath cabinets directly from a manufacturer can translate to big savings with more customization flexibility.

A few examples of reputable made in the USA RTA cabinet manufacturers include:

  • Dynasty Cabinetry
  • Kemper Cabinetry
  • Cabinetworks Group
  • Woodstone Cabinets
  • Canyon Creek Cabinet Company

Purchasing directly does require more research and vetting of cabinet makers. Be sure to verify their reputation through reviews and endorsements before placing orders.

Used RTA Cabinets Through Resale Marketplaces

If working with an especially tight kitchen or bath remodeling budget, purchasing used RTA cabinets can be a smart money-saving strategy. Many homeowners replace practically brand new RTA cabinets when moving to a new home or just wanting a style update. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist often have local sellers offering quality used RTA cabinets at major discounts off retail pricing.

The bonus is used RTA cabinets will come already fully assembled so you can install as soon as they are delivered. Be sure to thoroughly inspect cabinets before purchasing to ensure all parts are included and no hidden damage. Replacing just doors and drawers is also an option to give existing cabinets a facelift on a budget.

Wherever You Purchase, Do Your Research

While RTA cabinets provide an affordable, convenient cabinetry solution, it is important to do your homework before purchasing. Not all RTA cabinet brands are equal when it comes to quality, construction, selection, and warranty. Be sure to read reviews, check the manufacturer website for technical details and certifications, order samples to inspect quality firsthand, and understand return policies. Investing a bit of time upfront ensures your RTA cabinetry investment yields beautiful results.

Now that you know the primary places RTA cabinets can be purchased, here are some additional purchasing tips to ensure the best selection with trusted retailers:

  • Review manufacturer warranties carefully – a minimum 1 year warranty is standard but longer is preferable for peace of mind.
  • Look for retailers that include sinks, countertops, and accessories as package deals for complete kitchen or bath remodeling.
  • Calculate total costs upfront – beyond cabinet boxes and doors, you will need budget for shipping, taxes, cabinet hardware, molding, installation tools, and accessories. Hidden fees can add up quickly.
  • For major home centers, shop end of season for clearance deals but call ahead for availability.
  • Measure kitchen or bathroom layouts thoroughly so cabinets are sized appropriately.
  • Order samples before purchase to inspect quality and confirm finishes.
  • Choose retailers with generous return and exchange policies in case any issues arise.
  • For buying online, look for free shipping or store pickup options.
  • Ask about price matching policies to get the best value.
  • Consider buying display models which offer instant in-stock availability at a discount.

While ready-to-assemble cabinets offer outstanding value per dollar spent, buying wisely ensures your investment yields beautiful, high quality results. By knowing the primary places where RTA cabinets are located – big box stores, kitchen showrooms, online retailers, warehouse clubs, and direct through manufacturers – you can choose the purchasing option best aligned with your project budget, preferences, and timeline. With some smart prep work and research, RTA cabinetry can deliver a kitchen or bath you will love showcasing for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About RTA Cabinet Locations

Below are answers to some of the most common questions about places to purchase ready-to-assemble cabinetry:

Where can I see RTA cabinets in person before I purchase?

The two most convenient places to see RTA cabinets in person are big box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s and kitchen and bath showrooms in your area. Both showcase a wide variety of RTA cabinet brands at different price points so you can get a feel for the quality and craftsmanship.

Which store has the biggest selection of RTA cabinets?

For absolute variety, your best bet is purchasing RTA cabinets online through retailer sites like Wayfair and Overstock or directly through cabinet brand websites. This offers access to hundreds of different styles from modern to traditional in every color and finish imaginable. If shopping in person, kitchen showrooms also tend to have a larger selection than home centers.

Where can I get the lowest prices on RTA cabinets?

Your most budget-friendly options for RTA cabinets will be purchasing factory direct through manufacturers, shopping clearance sales at home centers, buying display models from showrooms, or sourcing used cabinets through resale sites. Big box stores do often run sales and specials on RTA cabinet packages but tend to be priced higher overall than other options.

What are the best places to buy quality RTA cabinets?

While price can be one consideration, you also want to ensure the cabinets you purchase are built to last. Some of the highest quality ready-to-assemble cabinet brands available include Cabinet Joint, Barker Cabinets, Kemper Cabinetry, Decorá and Dynasty. Purchasing directly through the brand website or from authorized dealers is best to guarantee you receive authentic products.

Where is the cheapest place to buy cabinets for a full kitchen remodel?

For entire kitchen overhauls, your most affordable option is often to purchase RTA cabinetry from big box home improvement retailers when they run a 10-15% site wide sale or you can stack other discounts like military, teacher, or first responder savings. Those coupled with special financing offers can yield big savings on quality cabinetry for whole home projects.

Can I buy replacement RTA cabinet doors only?

Yes, many manufacturers and retailers sell replacement RTA doors and drawer fronts individual so you can give existing cabinets a brand new look. This is a great budget-friendly option for a minor kitchen or bathroom refresh. Check manufacturer websites for available replacement parts or talk to kitchen designers at showrooms about this facade option.

Conclusion

Ready-to-assemble cabinets offer a versatile, quality, and cost-effective cabinetry solution for today’s homeowners. With a little research, you can determine the best places to purchase RTA cabinets aligned with your budget, location, and project timeline. Whether choosing big box retailers for convenience and specials or direct through manufacturers for customization and potential cost savings, understanding where RTA cabinets are located ensures you find the right products for your kitchen or bathroom. Investing thoughtfully in RTA cabinetry will make your next remodeling project a success.

What are some top quality brands for RTA cabinets?

When shopping for ready-to-assemble cabinetry, you’ll find there is quite a range when it comes to quality and craftsmanship between RTA cabinet manufacturers. Below are some of the top rated and most recommended brands known for exceptional construction, durability, selection, and warranty support.

Cabinet Joint

Founded in 2005, Cabinet Joint has fast become one of the most reputable RTA cabinet makers with distribution across the United States and Canada. Their cabinets are handcrafted from solid wood and premium materials. Each cabinet box features furniture-grade plywood construction, soft close doors and drawers, and adjustable shelves. Cabinet Joint offers over 40 door styles in oak, maple, cherry, hickory, and thermofoil painted finishes. Their products come with an exceptional limited lifetime warranty on the cabinet box and 5 years on doors and drawers.

Barker Cabinets

Family owned and operated out of Michigan for over 30 years, Barker Cabinets prides themselves on eco-friendly processes and outstanding craftsmanship. Their line of studio RTA cabinets are handcrafted using solid hardwood face frames, plywood boxes, and dovetail joinery. With 108 door combinations and a variety of stains, paints, and glazes, their products allow extensive customization possibilities. They also offer matching bathroom vanities, utility cabinets, and accessories. Barker Cabinets provides a limited lifetime warranty.

Decorá Cabinetry

Backed by the Masco family of cabinetry brands, Decorá offers fashion-forward RTA designs perfect for contemporary, urban homes. Their cabinets feature full overlay doors, soft-close hinges, concealed 6-way adjustable hinges, melamine interiors, and matching valances and moldings. With unique storage solutions and clever space-saving designs, Decorá makes it possible to maximize every inch. Find their products locally at Home Depot or order online directly.

Dynasty Cabinetry

Specializing in RTA cabinets for over 15 years, Dynasty Cabinetry provides outstanding value without sacrificing quality, style, or functionality. Their vast catalog includes everything from stock to semi-custom cabinets crafted from solid woods like oak, hickory, and maple. Dynasty is known for staying on top of current design trends and bringing those stylish looks to their affordable cabinet collections. They offer a limited lifetime warranty.

Kemper Cabinetry

For premium craftsmanship, Kemper Cabinetry hand builds their RTA cabinets one order at a time at their family owned shop in Nebraska. Their lines are known for ornate detailing, quality finishes from thermofoil to multi-step stains, full extension soft-close drawers, adjustable shelves, dovetail joinery, and 3/4” solid wood frames. Kemper proudly builds using eco-friendly manufacturing processes and provides a limited lifetime warranty on workmanship and materials.

Ready To Assemble Kitchens

One of the very first online suppliers of RTA kitchen cabinets back in 1999, Ready To Assemble Kitchens has perfected delivering affordable, quality cabinetry directly to homeowners. Beyond their stock line of over 70 cabinet styles, they offer completely custom-built cabinets tailored exactly to your layout and storage needs. With stellar customer service and a low price match guarantee, they make the cabinet buying process easy and risk-free.

Cabinet Direct

Offering a combined experience of over 100 years working in the kitchen and bath industry, the founders of Cabinet Direct aim to provide the most seamless ordering process for customized RTA cabinetry. Their products are hand assembled and crafted using quality materials like solid wood doors, plywood boxes, full-extension drawers, and soft-close hardware. Cabinet Direct has been recognized as one of the 50 fastest growing companies in Arizona, reflecting their reputation for great value and service.

Keystone Wood Specialties

For campers and RVers, Keystone Wood Specialties creates specialized cabinetry designed to maximize every inch of available space in recreational vehicles. Their RV kitchen and bathroom cabinets come with features like hidden hinges, engineered wood for moisture resistance, and mounting tracks or seismic latches for safely securing during travel. Keystone offers a range of customizable RTA cabinets purpose-built for life on the road.

The brands above represent some of the top ready-to-assemble cabinet makers that offer high quality construction backed by outstanding warranties. Carefully vetting RTA cabinet brands protects your investment and ensures your satisfaction whether undertaking a kitchen, bathroom or recreational vehicle remodeling project. Only purchase cabinetry from manufacturers that meet your standards for quality, service, selection, and value.

What should I look for when assessing RTA cabinet quality?

Ready-to-assemble cabinets offer a great value proposition for homeowners. However, it is important to look beyond the attractive price point and vet the quality of construction. Here are the key factors to inspect to ensure your RTA cabinets will stand the test of time:

  • All plywood box construction – Particle board boxes won’t withstand moisture and can sag over time. Quality RTA cabinets use moisture-resistant plywood for sides, tops, bottoms, and shelves.
  • Solid wood face frames – The face frame provides stability and allows cabinets to be secured firmly to walls. Opt for a minimum of 3⁄4” thick solid wood rather than engineered wood facings.
  • Soft-close doors and drawers – Look for brands using self-closing hinges and drawer glides with dampers for smooth, quiet operation that will last for years.
  • Dovetail joinery – Dovetail joinery creates an extremely strong, long-lasting corner joint for drawers. Avoid stapled butt joints which can separate over time.
  • Adjustable shelves – Shelves that can be repositioned or removed make it easy to customize storage as needs evolve.
  • Sturdy drawer boxes – Look for plywood construction with joints on all corners along with full extension glides for maximum durability.
  • Quality hardware – Details like hinges, pulls, and latches should show no signs of cheap fabrication or loose fittings.
  • Low VOC finishes – Top brands use low VOC stains, paints, and glazes for a healthier living environment.
  • Comprehensive warranties – A minimum of 1 year on entire product with longer terms of at least 5 years on doors and drawers.
  • Positive online reviews – Vet brands thoroughly through customer reviews and testimonials before purchasing. Bad quality shows up fast.