If you’re choosing new cabinets for your kitchen or bathroom, you have some big decisions ahead of you. Color, style, and material are all things you need to think about, but have you considered whether you want pre-assembled cabinets or RTA cabinets? Both formats have their benefits, and either could be the best for you based on your situation.
In this article, I’ll explain these types of cabinets and break down the differences that will help you decide which is best for your home. Each type has specific traits that could be either advantages or disadvantages depending on your needs and the details of your project.
What Are RTA Cabinets?
RTA stands for “Ready-To-Assemble.” Just like it sounds, these cabinets come in a flat pack including all the pieces, cut and finished but not yet put together. They are meant to be assembled on-site, and also include most of the hardware like screws, hinges, and drawer slides, but no knobs or pulls. You need to supply the tools, labor, and certain consumables like glue and brads.
How RTA Cabinets Are Made
RTA cabinets start out like any other cabinet: a carpenter or related professional selects materials such as wood and plywood, and carefully cuts them into the different parts needed for a cabinet. The doors and drawer fronts are often made of select hardwood like maple, and the other pieces including the sides, top, and bottom of the cabinet box are made from tough plywood for strength. Each piece gets its finish, and the holes for screws and hardware are often pre-drilled. When every part is ready to be assembled, the cabinet is packed into a flat box for storage, sale, and shipping.
The Benefits of RTA Cabinets
One of the biggest reasons people choose RTA cabinets is the cost. They are usually much cheaper than pre-assembled cabinets. This is because you are doing some of the work yourself, which saves on factory labor. Since they come in flat boxes, they are easier to ship and store, which also helps keep the price down. If you’re on a tight budget for your kitchen remodel, RTA cabinets can be a fantastic way to save money — sometimes hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the size of your kitchen or bathroom. Another nice thing about RTA cabinets is that they are often available more quickly. Since they don't need to be built at the factory, they can be shipped out to you faster.
Things to Think About with RTA Cabinets
Even though RTA cabinets can save you money, there are a few things to keep in mind. The main one is that you have to put them together, which takes time and effort. If you’re not comfortable using tools or following instructions carefully, this might be a challenge. The assembly process can also take a while, especially if you have a lot of cabinets. The instructions are usually straightforward but can be a little tricky if you’re new at this. Also, while the quality of RTA cabinets has gotten much better over the years, some cheaper options might not be as sturdy as pre-assembled ones unless you choose carefully. It’s important to buy from a reputable source, like RTA Kitchen Cabinets Online, to ensure you get good quality.
What Are Pre-Assembled Cabinets?
Pre-assembled cabinets arrive at your house already built and ready to be put into place. The factory has done all the hard work of putting them together for you. They are usually shipped in one piece, wrapped up to protect them during transit. When they get to your home, you just need to unwrap them and get them ready to install. You will still need some tools and you’ll have to supply your own cabinet screws, but you won’t need much else.
How Pre-Assembled Cabinets Are Made
Pre-assembled cabinets are built in a factory by skilled workers. They often start out as the same cabinet model also available in RTA format, but continue on to be assembled rather than packed as RTA. The cabinet parts are cut, finished, and then put together using industrial-grade fasteners and glues. This process often includes clamping and precise alignment to ensure the boxes are perfectly square and strong. Because they are assembled in a controlled factory setting, the quality control can be very high, meaning fewer chances of mistakes in construction. After assembly, they are carefully inspected and then wrapped up tight to protect them on their journey to your home.
The Benefits of Pre-Assembled Cabinets
The biggest benefit of pre-assembled cabinets is how much less work you have to do. Since they’re already put together, you just need to get them into your kitchen and attach them to the walls. Installation can be easier too since they were professionally assembled. This can save a lot of time and effort during your remodel, sometimes cutting installation time by more than half compared to RTA. If you’re not good with tools or just want the quickest possible installation, pre-assembled cabinets are a great choice.
Things to Think About with Pre-Assembled Cabinets
The main drawback of pre-assembled cabinets is the cost. They are usually more expensive than RTA cabinets because you are paying for the factory to do the assembly work, which involves labor costs and specialized machinery. The shipping costs are also higher since assembled cabinets take up more space in a truck and need more careful handling. Because they are shipped as whole units, getting them into your house can be a bit more challenging, especially if you have narrow doorways or need to carry them upstairs to a second-floor apartment. You might need help from friends or professional movers, which can add to the overall expense. They can also take longer to get to you because they are built to order, so you might have to wait a few weeks or even months.
RTA vs Pre-Assembled: A Side-by-Side Look
Now that I’ve laid out the basics for both cabinet formats, let’s look at how they compare in different situations. This will help you decide which one is best for your specific needs. Think about your budget, your skills, and even how much space you have in your home. It’s not just about one factor, but how all these things fit together for your personal project.
Cost Differences Explained
RTA cabinets are almost always the less expensive option. You save money on labor because you're doing the assembly yourself, avoiding factory assembly costs. For a typical kitchen, RTA cabinets could save you anywhere from 10% to 50% on the cabinet purchase price, depending on the styles and materials. This is a significant saving that you can put towards other parts of your remodel, like new appliances or countertops.
Pre-assembled cabinets cost more up front because you are paying for skilled labor and more intensive shipping. If money is your main concern, this could be the decision-maker alone.
The Assembly Factor
This is a big one too. Since RTA cabinets require you to put them together, you’ll need some tools, a good amount of time, and patience. For a medium-sized kitchen, assembling all the RTA cabinets could take a weekend or even longer, depending on your skill level and how many cabinets you have. Each cabinet typically takes 15-30 minutes to assemble, and no matter how fast and skilled you are, freshly built cabinets need to be left alone for 12 hours before installation to let the glue set. Unless you start very early in the morning, you won’t be likely to assemble and install a cabinet in the same day, let alone a whole set of them. Depending on how much space you have for assembly, you can also run out of room to work while your work area gets clogged with cabinets needing time for their glue to cure. If you have all the time you need, this isn’t a problem, but you need to be aware of that 12-hour hard limit between assembly and installation so you can account for it in your schedule.
Thankfully the assembly time is the main obstacle when building RTA cabinets. Tools can be rented and the instructions are usually clear. If you enjoy DIY projects and scheduling isn’t an issue, this can be a satisfying task, and you'll learn a lot about how your cabinets are constructed.
Pre-assembled cabinets arrive ready to install. There is no assembly required on your part. This saves a lot of time and effort during the installation phase, making them a great choice if you want a faster, less hands-on process. You just unwrap them and get them ready to attach to the wall.
Moving Them Around and Up Stairs
How easy is it to get your cabinets from the delivery truck into your kitchen? This is a crucial point, but some people don’t think about it until they’re struggling with a huge cabinet box.
RTA cabinets come in flat packs, making them much easier to carry. A single person can often carry one or two at a time. They can fit through narrow doorways, go around tight corners, and be carried upstairs with much less effort. If you live in an apartment on a higher floor or have a home with a winding staircase, RTA cabinets simplify the delivery process immensely.
Pre-assembled cabinets are bulky and heavy. Moving them can be a significant challenge, especially if you live in an apartment, have stairs, or a small entryway. You might need professional movers or several strong friends to help you, and even then, navigating tight spaces can be difficult. Sometimes, a professional moving company might even charge extra for “difficult access” deliveries for fully assembled units.
Options for Style and Finish
Both RTA and pre-assembled cabinets come in many styles and colors. However, you’re often more likely to find a wider variety of RTA cabinets available, because they take up so much less warehouse space. You’ll also see many of the same cabinets available in both formats, but the RTA version might be the only one in stock. Of course, there are exceptions — some cabinets might be available in only one of the two formats.
If you aren’t concerned about time or cost, and you don’t care either way about assembly, you could choose your cabinets based only on their style and color and just buy whatever format is available. What matters the most is how well they work for your vision of your home.
Your Home’s Space and Storage
Think about the space in your home where you'll be working. If you're building RTA cabinets, you'll need an area to spread out the pieces and put them together. This could be your garage, a spare room, or even a large living room. You'll need enough floor space to lay out the parts and maneuver them during assembly, and remember what I said earlier about leaving time for the glue to set. This is important if your kitchen is small or if you have limited extra space available.
Pre-assembled cabinets don't need assembly space, but you'll need room to store them before they are installed. Since they arrive as full boxes, they take up more floor space and height. If your project timeline means cabinets will sit for a while, consider where you’ll put them all.
Your Comfort with DIY Projects
This might be the most important factor. Are you comfortable with tools? Do you enjoy putting things together? Can you follow written or video instructions step-by-step? If you answered yes, RTA cabinets are a good fit. You’ll save money and get a sense of accomplishment from building your own kitchen.
If you prefer to have things ready to go, or if you don't have experience with home projects, pre-assembled cabinets will be less stressful and more straightforward for you. There’s no shame in knowing your limits and choosing what works best for you and your skills. Your time is valuable, and if spending hours on assembly isn't something you want to do, the extra cost for pre-assembled might be worth it.
Strength and How They Are Built
When it comes to how sturdy a cabinet is, both RTA and pre-assembled options can be very strong. However, the method of construction differs. Factory-assembled cabinets often use strong glues, dowels, and industrial fasteners, with assembly performed by professionals who do this for a living. Pre-assembled cabinets can be extremely strong and durable.
For RTA cabinets, this depends partially on your DIY skills, but often less than you’d think. The construction of the RTA kit can be high enough quality that you can build a factory-strong cabinet with widely available tools and basic competence. The best RTA cabinets use the same assembly methods as pre-assembled, with the only difference being who does the work. Cheap RTA cabinets often use camlocks, plastic parts, and other inferior hardware.
At RTA Kitchen Cabinets Online we use no shortcuts or cheap methods, and our RTA cabinets are the same top quality as our pre-assembled selection.
Warranties and Help You Can Get
Most reputable cabinet manufacturers, whether RTA or pre-assembled, offer warranties on their products. These warranties cover defects in materials or workmanship. For pre-assembled cabinets, if there’s a manufacturing defect, it’s often more straightforward to claim since the factory did all the assembly.
For RTA cabinets, the warranty typically covers the parts themselves. If a part is missing or damaged, or if there’s a flaw in the finish, you can get a replacement. However, if an issue arises due to incorrect assembly on your part, it might not be covered. Make sure to inspect your cabinets and look for these defects before you assemble them.
It’s always a good idea to read the warranty information carefully before you buy, no matter which type of cabinet you choose. Good companies will provide support for assembly questions too. You can contact us for help any step of the way.
Besides manufacturing defects, you should also look out for any damage that occurred during shipping. Whether RTA or pre-assembled, you need to inspect your shipment immediately upon arrival so you can make a claim with the shipping carrier if necessary. Pre-assembled cabinets are a little more vulnerable due to their bulkiness, but damage can happen to any package regardless of its shape or size.
Pre-Assembled or RTA? Making the Best Choice for Your Home
Now that we have all the differences laid out, think about the pros and cons of each cabinet format. Both have subjective factors that some people consider to be positives while others see them more negatively depending on their needs. Both formats also have their specific moment when they really shine. Your personal situation will guide your decision.
When RTA Cabinets Are Your Best Bet
RTA cabinets are a smart choice if you have a tighter budget. They can save you a good amount of money, which you can then use for other parts of your kitchen remodel, like new flooring or appliances. If you enjoy DIY projects and are comfortable using basic tools, putting together RTA cabinets can be a rewarding experience, giving you a sense of ownership over your kitchen. They are also ideal if you need cabinets quickly, as they often have much shorter lead times for shipping. Plus, if you have difficult access to your kitchen, like narrow stairs or small doorways, the flat-pack nature of RTA cabinets makes them much easier to transport into your home without damage or extra moving costs. They are also great if you have a place to set up a small assembly line, like a garage.
When Pre-Assembled Cabinets Make More Sense
Pre-assembled cabinets are perfect if you want convenience and a quicker installation. If you’re not comfortable with assembly or prefer to avoid the extra work, these cabinets arrive ready to install, saving you valuable time and effort. This is especially true if you’re hiring someone to handle your cabinets, as it can reduce their labor time and costs. If your budget allows for it and you prioritize a smooth, professional installation with less personal effort, and you have open access for delivery like a ground-floor kitchen with wide doors, pre-assembled cabinets will likely be your preferred choice.
Summing It Up
Deciding between pre-assembled and RTA cabinets boils down to what matters most to you. If saving money and having a hands-on project appeals to you, RTA cabinets are a fantastic option, especially if you have a good amount of space and are comfortable with DIY tasks. If you prioritize convenience, a faster installation, and are willing to invest more, pre-assembled cabinets offer a ready-to-go solution that can simplify your renovation. Both types of cabinets can give you a beautiful, functional kitchen. The best choice for you depends on your budget, your DIY comfort level, your home's layout, and how much time you have. Think carefully about these factors, and you'll be well on your way to a kitchen (or bathroom) you love.
