We’re here to answer all your questions about ready-to-assemble—RTA—kitchen cabinets and why these are an affordable high-quality choice for your remodel.
What are RTA kitchen cabinets?
RTA kitchen cabinets are “ready to assemble,” which is where the “RTA” comes from. This type of cabinet is flat packed by components, arriving at your door with all the necessary parts and hardware you’ll need to put them together yourself. Additional tools and a wood glue of your choice may be needed, depending on the cabinet supplier. The flat pack shipping method and DIY assembly make RTA kitchen cabinets more affordable than custom cabinetry. Our RTA kitchen cabinets are wood, not particleboard, and are simple to assemble and install.
How to assemble RTA cabinets?
How you assemble your RTA cabinets depends on the fastening method. Your RTA cabinets from Custom Service Hardware will come together with cam locks, screws, or a combination of both, again depending on the supplier. We list how each cabinet series fastens on the product page, so you know right away if the ones you want come with cam locks or or are sliding dovetail assembly. Either way, the process of putting your cabinets together is fairly straightforward, and instructions come with your delivery. In short, you’ll assemble the drawer boxes and cabinet boxes, then attach drawer slides, doors, shelves, and then insert the drawers. We give you brief, easy-to-follow tutorial videos, too.
Are RTA cabinets good quality?
Your RTA cabinets from Custom Service Hardware are high quality. We’ll only partner with reputable cabinet manufacturers that use superior materials and hold a high standard of quality control. We’re proud to work with American businesses like JSI Cabinetry, GHI Cabinets, and Fabuwood. These companies use exceptional woods, HDF (high-density fiberboard), plywood box construction, and precision-engineered carpentry joints like dovetail or tenon and mortise. You’ll also find that many of the cabinets we sell have solid wood veneers and face frames. Other distinguishing details include soft-close and full-extension drawers, concealed hinges, and California Air Resources Board Certification for low emissions.
How do RTA cabinets compare to pre-assembled cabinets?
The three main factors homeowners consider when doing a side-by-side comparison of RTA cabinets and pre-assembled (or, just “assembled”) cabinets are cost, quality, and convenience. We sell assembled cabinets, and we highly recommend them for quality and convenience, especially if you have no desire to put them together yourself! But, considering how easy our RTA cabinets are to assemble at home, plus all the other benefits of RTA cabinets, we think they’re a great choice if you’re looking for a more cost-effective way to remodel your kitchen.
What tools do I need to assemble RTA cabinets?
For sliding dovetail assembly cabinets you will need a brad nailer, screw gun, wood glue, rubber mallet, and safety glasses. Find out more here on how to assemble RTA kitchen cabinets from us. For cam lock assembly, a screwdriver secures your cam locks, if your cabinets assemble with these fasteners. Wood glue adheres your dovetail joints together, should your cabinets assemble in that manner. Some of our cabinet series use cam locks and dovetail joints.
How much do RTA kitchen cabinets cost?
RTA kitchen cabinets vary in price depending on the size, materials, and any add-ons, like pull-out shelves. In one line, a single base cabinet in 2024 can run somewhere around $120 for a small one but more than $600 if you want a larger one with soft-close drawers and a pull-out for waste bins. You can browse our website for the most current pricing for each line we carry. Click on the drop-down boxes on each product page to see exactly what each cabinet costs. For example, if you want white cabinets, find the ones you like, click open the product page, and you’ll see the drop down box with all the options and prices. For ballpark numbers you can select the number of cabinets needed, and add them to your cart. This will give you an estimated price before shipping costs. If you want to talk with someone about your specific kitchen dimensions, give us a call at (800) 882-0009 or contact us through the website.
Where and how can I buy RTA kitchen cabinets?
Buy your RTA kitchen cabinets right here, from Custom Service Hardware. We have a huge selection of top quality RTA cabinets, separated into categories for easy browsing. The filter section shows everything from shaker cabinets to stained wood styles, modern European cabinets, states cabinets ship from to help you save on shipping, and more. Once you’ve picked your style, buying your RTA kitchen cabinets is easy: Just click on the kind of cabinet you want, how many, and add them to your cart. Check out, and you’re good to go!
Can I customize RTA kitchen cabinets?
You can customize your RTA kitchen cabinets with accessories like panels, moldings, pull-out trays and shelves, filler strips, glass doors, and storage racks. Each line of cabinets lists the custom options available. You can also shop in our kitchen accessories to find ways to customize your cabinets for your needs.
How long does it take to assemble RTA kitchen cabinets?
It shouldn’t take long to assemble your RTA kitchen cabinets, even if this is your first time. If you’re an expert at assembling furniture at home, it will take an average of 7-15 minutes to put a cabinet together, depending on how complex it is (pantries and oven cabinets often take longer). If you’re brand new to DIY assembly, you can spend 30 minutes to an hour on your first cabinet, but you’ll get faster once you understand the process. These are, of course, ballpark estimates just to give you a general idea of how long (or not long) you’ll spend putting your new kitchen cabinets together.
What are the pros and cons of RTA kitchen cabinets?
Pros:
- Many choices
- Affordability
- Easy to transport and maneuver prior to assembly
- Readily available
Cons:
- Limited color and customization options
- DIY assembly (although this can be considered a “pro” by some homeowners)
- Potential for DIY errors in measuring for installation or alignment during assembly
- Can be frustrating for home improvement novices
How to install RTA cabinets?
RTA cabinets are designed so you can install them yourself, but we always recommend consulting a professional or hiring a professional to mount your cabinets if you aren’t entirely confident. Here are very general guidelines for installing your RTA cabinets.
BASE CABINETS:
- Measure the base cabinets and use a pencil and level to mark a line of the height point in the floor to the cabinet height.
- Use the stud finder to locate the studs and mark them accordingly.
- Fit your cabinet into place and check to make sure it is level.
- If so, predrill the top framing piece into the wall studs and secure with screws.
WALL CABINETS:
- Measure the space from the floor up to the bottom of wall cabinets, taking into consideration the base cabinets, countertops, and more (if they aren’t already installed).
- Using a level and a pencil, mark a line on the wall where your cabinets will end. Typical wall cabinet height from top of countertop, to underside of wall cabinet is 18 inches of space.
- Use a stud finder and mark them so you know where to drill.
- Most people secure a ledger board to the wall for support and screw it into the marked studs to support the cabinet’s weight temporarily.
- Install the cabinets on the ledger board and secure them into the wall at the studs.
If you have any more questions about RTA kitchen cabinets or how to choose the right ones for your remodel, we’re here to help! Just give us a call at (800) 882-0009 or contact us through the website.