the cabinet boxes are constructed of lower-cost, lower-quality plywood. the doors and drawer fronts are made of lower-cost, lower-quality softwoods. the hardware for drawer glides and hinges is also lower-cost and lower quality. RTA cabinets offer limited door styles, colors, and sizes, which reduces inventory costs.
One of the negatives is that you will need to assemble the cabinets. Although they come with simple to follow instructions, some people prefer to pay for assembly rather than having to put in the time themselves.
“RTA cabinets last just as long as other cabinets: 10-30 years. They are a long-term investment, which is why it's so important to get a good quality cabinet and flexible style and color that will stand the test of time.”
Ready-to-assemble (RTA) kitchen cabinets offer homeowners an option to save money on kitchen remodeling—though this option comes with a time and labor cost. Rather than ready-to-hang cabinets, these cabinets are delivered in parts in a flat pack, along with all the hardware needed for assembly.
The high quality, beautiful design, and fast turnaround of ready to assemble cabinets makes them an easy choice for contractors who are building or renovating kitchen cabinetry or bathroom cabinets.
Builder-grade or contractor-grade kitchen cabinets are cheaper options than stock and RTA cabinets. Unlike custom cabinets, they do not promise expected durability as they use cheap wood materials such as particleboard and plywood.
RTA cabinets are available in a variety of materials, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. The most common materials used for RTA cabinets are solid wood, plywood, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Solid wood RTA cabinets are highly durable and offer a classic, timeless look.
Apply wood glue to the connection grooves in the RTA kitchen cabinets for maximum security. Rubber Mallet: Rubber mallets help secure cabinet faces as they are put into place. A few taps with a rubber mallet will ensure a secure connection when sliding cabinet faces into place.
Which cabinet materials offer the best longevity? Solid wood cabinets, particularly oak and hickory, are highly durable and resist wear, dents, and moisture. Plywood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) also provide good long-term performance at a more affordable price point.
Cabinet Style and Design
Ready-made "stock" cabinets are the most budget-friendly choice, while semi-custom cabinets offer a nice balance between cost and customization. Custom-designed cabinets, on the other hand, give your kitchen a luxurious feel but come at a higher price.
The answer is: “Of course you can!” Whether you're not fond of the cabinet color that arrived at your doorstep, or if you're tired of the color of your old cabinets and want a change, painting is a great solution for you. RTA cabinets are durable and can serve you for many years.
During the holiday season, kitchens seem to be what everyone needs. It's also the best time of the year to purchase kitchen cabinets. There are many stores that offer kitchen cabinets during this time of the year for considerably lower prices.
Most RTA cabinets come together with screws and cam-lock hardware or angle brackets and require only basic tools, such as a screwdriver. Step-by-step instructional videos are readily available.
How long does it take to assemble RTA kitchen cabinets? On average, it will take a novice installer about 35-45 minutes to assemble the first cabinet. Each cabinet, after that, only take 15-20 minutes to assemble. Professional installers may take half the time.
The only difference between framed and frameless cabinets is the box construction. The structural quality and durability between the two types of construction is equal, you simply have two very different construction methods that offer two different distinct looks.
The biggest disadvantage of RTA cabinets is the time commitment for assembly. You should plan on spending at least several hours assembling your cabinets, which may be a dealbreaker for some homeowners. Some cabinets are easier to assemble than others, but none of them are quick enough to build in a matter of minutes.
The primary advantage of RTA cabinets is cost savings.
Since you are handling the assembly and installation yourself, you can often cut the total cost by a significant margin compared to pre-assembled or custom cabinetry.
Yes, when assembled and installed correctly, high-quality RTA cabinets are durable and can last as long as pre-assembled cabinets with proper maintenance.
Stock cabinets
The pieces of your order are pulled from stock supplies and shipped to your home, where you need to handle both the assembly and installation. IKEA keeps its costs low because they are sending your order to you in pieces and because the materials they use are very inexpensive.
Easy to Assemble
One of the main advantages of RTA cabinets is that they come with easy-to-read instructions that make life easier from the moment of unboxing. Pre-drilled holes make it easy to attach doors, and you only need a few screws to secure the entire frame.
Thermofoil cabinets are made from MDF board covered with a vinyl film, while laminate cabinets are made from particleboard or MDF covered with melamine resin impregnated with paper. Melamine cabinets are also made from particleboard or MDF but are surfaced with a resin coating.