Introduction
Kitchen cabinet installation is one of the biggest expenses involved in a kitchen renovation. For a homeowner, some of the biggest expenses include cabinetry. The good news is that it is one of these expenses that could be undertaken by a homeowner who chooses a DIY project.
Therefore, what logically comes up as a question is: are ready-to-assemble cabinets (RTA cabinets) easy to install when it comes to DIY projects?
Answering that directly would be premature without understanding what RTA cabinets are, why they have become so popular, and other factors related to their installation.
What Are Ready-to-Assemble Cabinets?
Flat pack cabinets are ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets that come unassembled and are shipped flat-packed. This means that every cabinet comes in a box with all necessary parts inside, including cabinet panels, shelves, drawer boxes, doors, hardware, and fasteners.
Unlike traditional custom cabinet work, RTA products are intended to be assembled by the consumer or installer. This is accomplished through precise cutting and pre-drilling to help ensure proper assembly.
In most RTA cabinet systems, the design incorporates assembly methods that require only basic tools such as a drill or screwdriver, wood glue, a rubber mallet, clamps, and a level.
Trade-Offs You Should Consider
Despite a variety of advantages that RTA cabinets have to offer, there are a number of disadvantages.If you’re still planning your budget, using a kitchen cabinet cost estimator can help you set realistic expectations before you commit to a DIY timeline.
Assembly Time
Assembly can be quite time-consuming, particularly if a person is a first-time DIYer. It can take several days to assembly an entire kitchen.
Variability of Quality
The quality of RTA cabinets depends greatly on who makes them.
The quality of the cabinets may differ greatly; it is always important to do some background research before acquiring the cabinets.
Limited Customization
Compared with custom cabinetry, there may be fewer options available with regard to style and materials.
It will help in setting proper expectations before commencing the Do It Yourself installation.
Assembly and Installation – a Crucial Difference
One of the myths associated with RTA cabinets is that assembling them automatically means they are ready to use, but installation is still a separate step that requires planning and accuracy.
Assembly is the process of assembling the cabinet boxes.
It includes wall mounting cabinets and leveling them; adding doors and drawers to the cabinets; and installing appliances.
Most homeowners find assembly relatively easy and repetitive. The work of installation calls for a great deal of accuracy.A clear measurement plan—and even a quick kitchen estimate—can make the installation step far less stressful.
Popularity of RTA Cabinets: Reasons & Implications
Recently, RTA cabinets have also gained popularity in do-it-yourself and professional renovation jobs for a variety of reasons.
Affordability
Since RTA cabinets are not made in an assembly line fashion and are less likely to be sent in full quantities, the price to buy the RTA cabinets will definitely be lower than the price to buy the assembled cabinets.
Convenience
RTA cabinets are portable and can be conveniently stored and staged. This is important, especially when dealing with renovation projects that do not necessitate the need for immediate installation.
Accessibility
RTA cabinetry is readily available on internet consumer retail sites and cabinet specialists. Its lead time may be less when compared to customizable cabinetry.
Design Control
Since the assembly will take place on the site itself, it is quite easy to accommodate last-minute changes with regards to size, depth, or layout.
Where most DIY homeowners struggle is with the installation process.
Installing the cabinet requires the following:
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Measuring correctly
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FINDING WALL STUDS
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Levelling And Shimming
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Alignment of cabinets.
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Doors and drawers adjustment
Small imperfections occurring in the process of their assembly might affect the end result of these cabinets. Unstable floors or walls might be problematic, especially in older structures.
Pre-Assembled Cabinets versus Ready-to
The condition of the cabinets is significant before the installation process starts.
Pre-assembled cabinets are delivered completely assembled and require only installation.
In addition, the RTA cabinet requires assembly.
With regard to difficulty levels, building RTA cabinets can actually be less daunting than one thinks. After that, both are equally easy to mount. This is especially true with straightforward door styles like shaker cabinets, where the parts and steps are typically very consistent.
Many homeowners have managed to put together RTA cabinets on their own and only opted for professional services when it comes to installation.
Breaking Down the Difficulty Levels -
Not all RTA cabinet projects are equal.
Simple
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Galley Kitchens
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Small kitchens
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Straight cabinet runs
These types of arrangements are useful for DIY work.
Moderation
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L-shaped or U-shaped kitchens
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Minor wall and floor irregularities
The above projects can be managed.
Hard
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Large kitchens
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Critical differences exist between the two
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Extremely tight timelines
Thus, in such situations, the best amalgam strategy has to be implemented.
Effective Installation Methods in a Home
Many examples show that success in DIY installation comes from preparation rather than skill.
Before installing the upper cabinets, remove doors and shelves to cut down weight.
Measure and mark guidelines properly.
A ledger board should be used when hanging wall cabinets.
Pre-drill holes for mounting screws.
The wall cabinets are leveled as the installation of the base cabinets progresses.
This will help minimize frustrations that come with the installation process.
Who Could Benefit From Conducting Their Own RTA Cabinet Installation?
Homeowners who meet the following criterion may install the cabinets by themselves:
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Enjoy hands-on projects
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Have Flexible Timelines
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Are comfortable using basic tools
Professional installation may be the best choice if you:
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Have extensive concerns about completing the installation correctly
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Are working under tight deadlines
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Have complex layouts
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Prefer guaranteed precision
Final Answer: Are RTA Cabinets Easy to Install?
Are ready-to-assemble cabinets easy to install when it comes to do-it-yourself projects?
For many home owners, the answer is yes—if one has realistic expectations.
It is not a complicated process. Installing it also requires some hard work and expertise and can be handled only by genuine do-it-yourself enthusiasts.
RTA cabinets offer the best value based on cost and flexibility and thus can work well for homeowners wishing to assume control of a kitchen renovation project. If you’d like help mapping out measurements, layout, and next steps, professional kitchen cabinet design support can make the entire process feel much more manageable.