Ready to assemble (RTA) cabinets have grown in popularity as the attractive and affordable option for customers who want high quality cabinets without the exorbitant price tag.
RTA means that your cabinets arrive in boxes with all of the major components included like panels, doors, hardware, fasteners, all of it in pieces for you to assemble. That is unlike traditional cabinetry that arrives at your home fully built and ready for a professional contractor to install.
This allows for a reduced cost on everything from manufacturing to shipping to installation costs while offering homeowners access to styles and finishes that look as if the cabinets have been professionally built and installed.
Read through our guide and you will learn everything you need to know about RTA cabinets, custom options, and what it all means for you, your home, and your wallet.
What Ready to Assemble Means for You and Your Cabinets
Simply put, ready to assemble cabinets are not built. They arrive in pieces with an instruction guide that walks you through every step of the process. You follow along and when it's all said and done, you should have fully built cabinets that are ready for installation.
We realize this may seem intimidating to some. Not every human has been born with the skill for building something. That's okay, the instructions are typically very simple to read and understand and the components include all of the panels, doors, and other accessories along with the required hardware which is usually limited to a variety of screws, nuts, bolts, dowels, and in some cases, the tools necessary for putting all of these parts and pieces together.
For those who don't have the self-confidence to take on a project like this, a contract or installer can be hired to assemble and install everything for a fee.
What Makes Ready to Assemble Cabinets So Appealing?
The do-it-yourself approach helps drive down costs. That's one reason why so many customers respond to this method of increasing storage in the home. Many homeowners like the idea that they get to create something that is going to be installed in their home, even if they're following a set of instructions step by step.
The idea of reducing costs is also very appealing. It allows for customers to get quality crafted cabinets that are manufactured for looks and longevity without the price tag that comes with fully built alternatives that are professionally installed. RTA cabinets also ship faster and offer a modular, mix and match approach to kitchen or bathroom design and finding replacement parts that may be lost or damaged over time is easier, so the cabinets are never damaged for long periods of time.
Assembling Your Cabinets
While there are multiple brands on the market offering RTA cabinets, they all try to make assembly of their products quick and easy. That ultimately depends on the skill of the assembler as well as the tools that he or she needs in order to complete the work effectively.
Assembly time may vary based on these factors and the part of the cabinet that is getting built may take a shorter or longer period of time. The tools that are most commonly required (besides any tools that may be included in the box) are a cordless drill, a rubber mallet, and a large flat surface upon which to work.
Most importantly, you want to make sure you read the instructions very carefully. Making a mistake could have a big impact on the condition and durability of your cabinets.
Are Custom RTA Cabinets Available?
Yes, custom RTA cabinets typically offer customers the ability to modify or exclusively design custom cabinets that are still meant to be built by the homeowner after they arrive at the home. Base box and drawer fronts can be modified or cabinets can be built to a set of particular specifications to match a specific layout.
These are all shipped flat when they are sent to the consumer and building these custom versions takes a little more time and patience.
Is RTA Right For You?
Taking all of this into consideration, you have to ask yourself if ready to assemble cabinets are the ideal choice for your home? Some customers may appreciate the affordability and jump at the chance to build their own cabinets. Others may not find that opportunity so inviting even if they can save some money in the end.
If you are ready to consider ready to assemble cabinets for your kitchen or bathroom, then give us a call to schedule a consultation with one of our cabinetry experts who will guide you through the process of measuring your space, selecting your cabinets, and creating a 3D design of how they will look in your home.
