Among many decisions, a homeowner is about to make for the renovation of his or her kitchen will be the kind of cabinetry. Among those options available, one such choice was a Ready-to-Assemble cabinet, which gained significant popularity due to cost-effectiveness, ease of customization, and accessibility. But what exactly are RTA cabinets, and why is it considered to be among the best options for modern kitchens? We will be discussing in this detailed post everything about RTA cabinets: what materials they are made of, the benefits, how to assemble them, and how they compare with other types of cabinets. In this article, we shall also consider how different styles of cabinets, including Shaker cabinets, shaker-style cabinets, or even more particular, such as white Shaker kitchen cabinets or modern grey kitchen cabinets, can be made using RTA cabinets.
What Are RTA Cabinets?
RTA stands for Ready-to-Assemble, which means cabinets are shipped out in flat packs, complete with all components and hardware necessary for on-site assembly. Unlike pre-assembled, delivered-to-your-house-in-final-form cabinets, RTA cabinets make the provision for self-service, thereby becoming increasingly popular among homeowners who like doing things themselves or who want to save on labor.
Why Choose RTA Cabinets?
The combination of affordability, flexibility, and quality is the charm of RTA cabinets. While they require some elbow grease to put together, they offer big savings in cost. Besides, many of the RTA cabinets are made from high-quality materials, thus they tend to be durable and visually appealing. This makes them one of the best RTA cabinets available in the market.
Materials Used in RTA Cabinets
Understanding what materials are used in making RTA cabinets is paramount in determining the quality and longevity of these cabinets. Herein are the most common materials:
Solid Wood: This is often the gold standard when it comes to cabinetry. Wood is robust, beautiful in a natural way, and exudes timelessness in the kitchen. Oak, cherry, and maple are among the most common. For example, Homecabinets use top-notch birch in assembling their RTA cabinets, hence the outstanding durability and longevity. Solid wood is especially loved in high-class kitchen buildouts with Shaker cabinets and Shaker style cabinets due to clean lines and classic appeal.
Plywood: It is cheaper than solid wood; plywood has better strength and stability. Several layers of wood veneer are bonded together, which adds to preventing warping and cracking. The RTA cabinets of Homecabinets use durable plywood in the cabinet boxes and maintain a consistent appearance with birch-veneered plywood. Thus, this is one of these materials, which allows catching some sort of balance between high-class fittings and their affordability. Therefore, it has become a significant inclusion in many modern gray kitchen cabinets and dark gray kitchen cabinets designs.
MDF: MDF is one of the preferred wood types for RTA cabinet doors, as it has a smooth surface when purchased-a very ideal feature should one intend to paint or laminate over it. MDF, however, is cheaper than solid wood and plywood but is less resistant to moisture. MDF is an excellent choice for budget-friendly owners who are okay with being a little more careful with it concerning exposure to moisture. MDF generally finds application in white shaker kitchen cabinets whereby smooth finish is a fundamental need for giving a clean finished look.
Particleboard: An inexpensive material made from wood particles bonded with resin. While particleboard is neither as durable as solid wood nor plywood, it is a common internal constituent of cabinetry, since it allows for a decrease in expense. On the other hand, it provides less resistance to moisture and wear compared with the previously mentioned materials; thus, it is undesirable in areas with heavy traffic.
Stainless Steel: Though rare in most residential kitchens, stainless steel RTA cabinets find wide application in commercial settings due to their strength and ease of cleaning. They add a sleek, modern look but are usually costlier and tend to show fingerprints easily.
Pros and Cons of RTA Cabinets
Like any other product in the market, RTA cabinets have their pros and cons. Here's what you need to know:
Pros:
Affordability: Generally speaking, RTA cabinets are more affordable when compared to assembled cabinets. They usually cost 15-20% less than assembled cabinets, thus making them ideal and attractive for homeowners who are on a budget yet wanting to give their kitchen an extreme makeover.
Customability: RTA cabinets also come in a host of styles, finishes, and colors. Whether it is blue shaker cabinets to add color to your interior design or white shaker kitchen cabinets to stage the classic appeal of timelessness, RTA has them aplenty.
Faster Shipping: Since RTA cabinets are transported in flat packs, they often ship faster than pre-assembled cabinets, which could be a little bulky and take more time in delivery.
DIY-Friendly: The biggest plus for DIY enthusiasts would be the assembling process with regard to RTA cabinets. The process is pretty simple, with most of the cabinets featuring pre-drilled holes, detailed instructions, and all included hardware.
Cons:
Some assembly required: This is perhaps the biggest flaw in RTA cabinets since they require one to assemble them. While the process is designed to be user-friendly, time-consuming for people with no experience in DIY projects, poorly done misalignments during assembly can also lead to problems ranging from gaps to weak joints.
They are not all created equal, and those lower-cost options might use cheaper materials such as particleboard, which is less durable. For this reason, it is critical to select a good brand that will use high-quality materials in its products, such as the best RTA cabinets from Homecabinets.
Assembly Process: What to Expect
One of the things that sets RTA cabinets apart is the assembly process. Here's what you might expect:
Tools required: Most of the assembly usually requires only your basic tools, such as screwdrivers, a rubber mallet, and a drill. Certain cabinets may also need glue or clamps to secure it further.
Step-by-step instructions: Most RTA cabinets come with comprehensive instructions, and at times with detailed pictures, to walk you through the steps involved. Some manufacturers even have video tutorials to simplify the process of putting it together.
Time Invested: It takes 30 minutes to several hours to assemble one cabinet, depending on the complexity of the cabinetry and previous experience. For that reason, being patient and not hurrying will help you to avoid mistakes.
Professional Help: Though RTA cabinets were designed for DIY assembly, some homeowners may prefer to hire a professional-most especially for more complex installations or those where flawless finish is imperative.
Comparison of RTA Cabinets Versus Pre-Assembled Cabinets Considering the cost, one of the overwhelming reasons for choosing RTA cabinets is cost. How do RTA cabinets weigh against pre-assembled ones?
Lower Price: RTA cabinets are about 15-20% cheaper than assembled ones. For a 10x10 kitchen, the cost for RTA cabinets can be from $1,000 to $2,400, but for assembled cabinets, it may range from $1,300 up to $4,000. With this disparity in price, RTA cabinets automatically catch the fancy of any homeowner looking forward to value for his buck.
Shipping Costs: Most of the time, the cost is far lower to ship RTA cabinets since they are shipped in flat packs versus larger, assembled cabinets. Many suppliers also offer free shipping on more extensive orders that further reduce overall costs.
Installation Savings: This is where installation will save you a lot because you can install them by yourself. A professional installation could run from $200-$1,000 per linear foot.
How to Choose the Right RTA Cabinet
With so many choices, how do you choose the best RTA cabinets for your kitchen? Below are some tips:
Quality of Material: RTA cabinets made of solid woods or plywood have better resistance and durability. For example, RTA cabinets at Homecabinets use high-quality birch and strong plywood for long-lasting cabinets.
Style and Finish: Consider the general style of your kitchen. If you are working towards a more classic style, then shaker cabinets or shaker style cabinets are just what you need. If your aim goes toward modern style, then modern grey kitchen cabinets or dark grey kitchen cabinets will work for you.
Ease of Assembly: If you're a beginner regarding DIY projects, ensure to choose such RTA cabinets that provide instructions and pre-drilled holes. That would be relatively easier to assemble without the risk of making any mistakes.
Conclusion: The Best of Both Worlds
RTA cabinets offer just the right combination of affordability, customizability, and quality and thus could be considered an excellent option for a renovation, whether in the case of a kitchen or otherwise. From installing white shaker kitchen cabinets for an eternal look to installing bold-looking blue shaker cabinets, RTA cabinets provide the solution in such a manner that it will not compromise on the kind of style you will want or durability. Knowing what materials are used, how assembly is done, and the advantages and disadvantages will help you in making a confident decision about choosing the best RTA cabinets for your home.
In other words, RTA cabinets are not a cheap option; they are one of the smart ones for quality and flexibility in design. If done right, you will have a beautiful and functional kitchen that fits your style and practical needs.
