When you’re remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, cabinetry is one of the most critical, and costly, decisions you will make. Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) cabinetry is a growing trend for homeowners that want coordination & affordability in their traditional kitchen remodel. But are RTA cabinets worth it? If you’re on the fence, this in-depth guide will help you learn all about what RTA cabinets are, what they cost, their pros and cons, different types and important buying considerations.
If you’re looking for real wood RTA kitchen cabinets at the best rates, feeling like the best RTA cabinets today, or want a online RTA Store-made of quality, you have come to the right place.
Understanding of Are RTA Cabinets Worth It & Types
What Are RTA Cabinets And Are RTA Cabinets Worth It
RTA cabinets ( ready-to-assemble) cabinets, like its name suggests, is a type of cabinet that arrives to your home in multiple pieces that you need to put together yourself. Because they are not pre-assembled like more traditional cabinetry, RTA cabinets are also more economical to ship.
Cabinets are available in solid wood, wood panel, and veneer or particleboard. Solid wood doors are often used in most of the better RTA cabinets and plywood is generally used for the box material of the cabinets for solid wood and plywood offers great strength and durability but is not as low in cost as in years past.
Types of RTA Cabinets
RTA cabinet styles have their own distinctive door styles that provide a certain look.
Partial Overlay: This design only wraps around corner of the cabinet, leaving the rest of the cabinet exposed, adding contrast and balance. It is commonly seen in traditional kitchens and is usually cheaper.
Full Overlay: A door and drawer front completely covers the cabinet face creating a modern, seamless appearance. Full overlay cabinets are known to work best with modern and contemporary kitchens as their appearance is even more enhanced.
Inset: Inset cabinets feature doors set inside the cabinet frame, so that they sit flush with the face of the frame. More expensive, this style offers a sophisticated, custom look seen frequently in luxury homes.
Importance of RTA Cabinets
The increase in demand for RTA cabinets can be credited to their convenience and versatility. Here’s what that means to the world of remodeling:
Affordable Solution: These are inexpensive compared with both design and function.
Customization: Not as customizable as fully custom cabinetry, but there are many sizes, finishes and layouts to choose from.
Convenience: They’re easy to ship and put together, perfect for the do-it-yourselfer or even the professional in a pinch.
Quality: Through more recent innovations, even the top RTA cabinets can compete with custom counterparts in quality and longevity.
Average Cost of RTA Cabinet
RTA cabinets are available in price points from very cheap to fairly expensive, based on material, brand and design.
Most Affordable: MDF, particleboard RTA cabinets with laminate or thermofoil finish: $60–$100 per linear foot for a base unit. Those are great for temporary setups or budget makeovers!
Average: Mid-range RTA cabinets are usually plywood boxes with solid wood doors, they will hold up better. The cost might be in the region of $150–$250 per linear foot. The best rta cabinets are often found in this tier.
Most Expensive: Of course, high-end RTA (all solid wood, dovetail joints, soft close hardware, premium finishes) can run $400/lf or more. These are typically from a reputable vendor like RTA Cabinet Store and are great for high-end, long term renovations.
Pros and Cons Of RTA Cabinet
Pros of RTA Cabinets
Cost: One of the least expensive cabinet types.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) Friendly: Perfect for homeowners who like to get involved in outdooing their office or livingroom with these cabinets.
Short Lead Time: Most RTAs ship in days, not weeks or months of waiting for custom construction.
Design Variety: Will match any finish, pattern, or material.
Shipping Efficiency: Flat-pack style minimizes damage to the furniture during shipping and delivery.
Cons of RTA Cabinets
Time-Consuming Assembly: Has a learning curve; errors can result in poor alignment and performance.
Variable Quality: Though not all RTA cabinets are created equal, some are constructed from less-durable materials or have flimsy joinery.
Limited Customization: There’s only so much you can customize when you’re not creating your own custom cabinets.
Tool Requirements: Basic tools and experience are required for installation.
What to consider when purchasing RTA cabinets
Price alone cannot be the sole motivator when selecting RTA cabinets. Where to Buy When choosing RTA cabinets, you need to strike the right balance between design, functionality and quality.
Check Quality
Always look for construction details. Look for:
- Plywood boxes with particle board interior
- Solid wood frames and doors
- Metal brackets and dovetail joints
- Hinges and drawer glides with soft-close feature
Good quality brands such as RTA cabinet store or best RTA cabinets made in USA last longer and have a better finish as well.
Assembly
For most RTA models, assembly can be quite easy but some models may be complex. Make sure you:
- Read All instructions completely and thoroughly
- Watch if there are any tutorial videos
- Have necessary tools ready (screwdriver, drill, glue, clamps)
Hire a professional if you want the finish to be perfect and you’re not experienced.
Space of Cabinets
Get the correct dimensions of your kitchen or bathroom. Consider:
- How much storage you need
- If you’ll require base cabinets, wall-unit cabinets, or special units
- Access and workflow (triangle rule in kitchens)
Features of Cabinets
Read between the design:
- Soft-close drawers and doors
- Pull-out shelves
- Lazy Susans for corner cabinet
- Trash pull-outs
- Under cabinet lightning compatible
Select features that suit your lifestyle and enhance the cabinet’s use.
Conclusion
Are RTA Cabinets Worth It: RTA give very good value for money, quality and flexibility, in particular when you source from reliable suppliers. To makeover an entire kitchen or to update a bathroom, RTA cabinets help homeowners get more for their money without sacrificing looks or durability.
If you want something with a personal touch or a touch of luxury, custom cabinetry solutions built to your space, style and functionality requirements could be your solution. Contact us at Custom Cabnit Tx to get your dream design fo ready to assemble cabinets.
FAQs
What is RTA Cabinet Made of?
RTA cabinets are commonly constructed of plywood, solid wood, MDF, or particleboard. Premium: Solid wood fronts and plywood boxes are the norm.
Where to buy best RTA cabinets made in USA?
The best RTA cabinets, such as those from RTA Cabinet Store, and other online RTA specialists will have top of the line RTA products that are made in the USA and featuring the best materials and finishes.
Are Solid Wood RTA Cabinets Better than MDF?
Yes. RTA solid wood cabinets are almost always sturdier, more moisture resistant and longer lasting than a cabinet of MDF or particleboard.
Are RTA Cabinets Worth It?
Yes, RTA cabinets are worth it for homeowners seeking affordable, stylish, and customizable cabinetry. When asking “Are RTA cabinets worth it?”, the answer depends on your needs—if you’re comfortable with basic assembly and want to save on costs without compromising on design, RTA cabinets are a smart choice. Just ensure proper installation for long-term durability.
