RTA Cabinets vs Assembled Cabinets: What’s the Best Choice for Your Kitchen?

Choosing the right kitchen cabinets can feel like a big decision, especially with so many options available. If you’re torn between ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets and assembled cabinets, you’re not alone. They both have advantages and disadvantages. The best choice will depend on your budget and specific needs. In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each type to help you make an informed decision for your kitchen renovation.

What Are RTA Cabinets?

Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets come flat-packed with all of the necessary parts and pieces together in one box. The pieces are cut and finished and instructions are included, but the final assembly must be completed after purchase.

Pros of RTA Cabinets

1. Cost: RTA cabinets are more affordable than equivalent assembled cabinets. They cost less to produce because they aren’t assembled in the factory. They are also cheaper and easier to ship because they are flat-packed.
2. Faster Shipping: RTA cabinets usually have a shorter lead time. They come in standard sizes and don’t take as much space to store. It’s likely your cabinets are in stock and can be shipped immediately. Assembled cabinets are often not built until after they are ordered and can take weeks, or even months, to arrive.

Cons of RTA Cabinets

1. Assembly Time: If you’ve never assembled RTA cabinets, the first few may take a while. Not everyone has the time to assemble all their kitchen cabinets, especially for a larger kitchen.
2. Assembly Quality: RTA cabinets shouldn’t be difficult to assemble. But there is still the possibility of making mistakes and damaging the cabinets.
3. Tools Required: RTA cabinets are relatively easy to assemble, but still require the proper tools. While it’s possible to assemble most RTA cabinets with a simple screwdriver, it’s not practical. You will at least want a power drill to assemble your RTA cabinets.
4. Missing Parts: All the pieces and hardware to assemble your cabinets should be included in the box. But it doesn’t always happen. Your project will be put on hold if you have to wait for replacement parts to arrive.

What Are Assembled Cabinets?

Assembled kitchen cabinets are delivered fully built and ready to install. They may be built with higher quality materials and standards than RTA cabinets. But they are often the same RTA cabinets you can purchase and assemble yourself and the only difference is that the final assembly was completed in the factory. 

Pros of Assembled Cabinets

1. Professional Assembly: Assembled cabinets are built in a controlled environment by workers who have assembled thousands of cabinets before. They also go through a quality assurance process after they’re assembled. There’s a good chance that they’re assembled better than your average DIY job.
2. Customization: Assembled cabinets often have more options for customization than RTA cabinets; more color choices, more door styles, more sizes, and more wood selections.
3. Time-Savings: It may take longer for your assembled cabinets to arrive, but they are ready to install immediately. There’s no need to find the time to assemble them.
4. No Need for Tools or Skills: Assembled cabinets are a hassle-free option. You don’t need to have any DIY skills or experience and you don’t need any tools.

Cons of Assembled Cabinets

1. Cost: The convenience and quality of assembled cabinets come at a higher price. They will cost more than RTA cabinets of the same quality.
2. Shipping and Handling: Assembled cabinets occupy more space, leading to higher shipping costs. Additionally, they are more prone to damage during transit due to their bulk.
3. Lead Time: Assembled cabinets typically take longer to be shipped than RTA cabinets. They’re often built to order and may take several weeks before they’re shipped.

Need Help Deciding?

If you’re still not sure whether RTA or assembled cabinets are the best choice for your project, we’re happy to help you out. Give us a call at 1-877-772-2246 to discuss your options with one of our experienced kitchen designers. Get a free kitchen design consultation, including 3D renderings and a detailed quote.

Practical Tips for Choosing Between RTA and Assembled Cabinets

1. Assess Your Skills and Time: Do you enjoy DIY projects? Do you have the extra time to assemble the cabinets for an entire kitchen? If the answer to either of these questions is no, RTA cabinets may not be for you.
2. Budget Wisely: RTA cabinets are less expensive than assembled cabinets of similar quality. The cost savings are even greater if you have to pay for shipping. If you don’t already have the tools or you’re paying someone to assemble the cabinets, the cost savings won’t be as large. Make sure you consider all of the costs when determining whether to choose RTA or assembled cabinets.
3. Research Quality: Look carefully at the specs of the cabinets before purchasing and consider purchasing sample doors. There’s not necessarily a difference between RTA and assembled cabinets in terms of quality and durability. Quality can vary greatly among manufacturers. 
4. Consider Your Timeline: If you have a tight deadline, RTA cabinets might be a better choice. They will usually arrive much sooner than assembled cabinets. But remember to factor in the extra time you need to assemble them.

Ultimately, whether you choose RTA or assembled cabinets, it’s all about what fits your lifestyle and renovation goals. If you enjoy DIY projects and are looking to save some money, RTA cabinets might be the perfect fit. If you prefer convenience and professional quality, assembled cabinets could be worth the extra cost. By considering factors like budget, time, and your DIY skills, you can confidently select the best option for your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions