What are RTA Cabinets?

RTA cabinets are a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodels, offering a cost-effective and customizable solution. But what are RTA cabinets? RTA is an acronym for Ready to Assemble. RTA cabinets are factory-built cabinets that come flat-packed and require you to complete the final assembly and installation (or hire someone to do it for you). Most of the work is done before you receive them and they come to you (literally) ready to assemble.

RTA kitchen cabinets present a notable advantage in terms of cost, as they can be up to 50% cheaper than fully assembled or custom cabinets, mainly because labor costs for assembly and installation are eliminated. RTA cabinets are also less expensive (and easier) to ship because they take up significantly less space than fully assembled cabinets and are less prone to damage during transit.

What are RTA Cabinets Made of?

RTA cabinets can be made from a variety of products, including particleboard, plywood, Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF), and High-Density Fiberboard (HDF). The choice of material affects the cabinet’s quality, durability, and appearance.

Plywood

Plywood is made from thin layers of wood veneer, known as plies, that are glued together with their grain patterns at 90 degrees to each other. This cross-graining technique enhances the strength, stability, and resistance to warping of the final product. Its durability makes plywood a top choice for cabinet boxes.

HDF & MDF

HDF and MDF are made from very fine wood fibers bonded with wax or resin under high temperatures and pressure. The process results in a smooth uniform surface which makes HDF and MDF ideal for painting. They’re often used for cabinet doors for this reason.

Particleboard

Similar to HDF and MDF, particle board is made of wood chips and glue compressed by heat and pressure. Particleboard is the cheapest of the three options, but its lack of durability makes it ill-suited to use in cabinets. Particleboard is also not good at holding screws, and they tend to strip with time and use.

When considering RTA kitchen cabinets, it’s crucial to focus on quality, as cabinets made from inferior materials won’t withstand rigorous daily use, leading to earlier replacements. High-quality RTA cabinet boxes are typically made from all-plywood materials, ensuring durability and longevity. Cabinet doors can be made from all solid wood or HDF (usually on painted cabinets). Look for features like solid wood box construction, dovetail drawers, soft-close drawers and hinges, and full-extension drawer guides to ensure you’re getting a product that will last. Despite the DIY nature of RTA kitchen cabinets, they can be of equal quality and durability as pre-assembled options, provided they’re chosen from reputable manufacturers.

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Cabinet Installation – Is It Difficult?

RTA cabinets are designed to make life easy for the DIYer. All of the necessary components and assembly instructions are included in the box and assembly and installation are usually straightforward.

Skill Level

You don’t need to be particularly handy or an experienced DIYer to assemble RTA cabinets. All of the components are included and the pieces should go together easily. If you can use a screwdriver, you can assemble RTA cabinets.

Tools Required

The assembly of RTA cabinets usually requires basic tools that you likely already have. Most RTA cabinets can be assembled using only a screwdriver. Many manufacturers recommend the use of wood glue as well when assembling the cabinets. The need for simple tools further lowers the barrier to assembling these cabinets yourself.

Instructions and Support

Manufacturers of RTA cabinets often provide detailed instructions, online tutorials, or even customer support to assist with assembly. These resources are crucial in helping DIYers through the process, making it easier to understand and follow the assembly steps.

Quality of Materials

The ease of assembly can also depend on the quality of the cabinets that you purchase. High-quality cabinets with accurately cut parts and pre-drilled holes align more easily and securely, reducing the chances of assembly issues. Conversely, lower-quality cabinets may have misalignments or require more effort to assemble properly.

Physical Effort

Assembling and installing cabinets can be physically demanding, requiring lifting, holding in place, and manipulating large pieces. This aspect is often overlooked but is an important consideration, especially for large kitchen remodels. It will be a lot easier if you have someone to help.

Our Ready to Assemble Cabinet Door Styles

Pure White Shaker

White shaker cabinets are the most popular kitchen cabinets for a reason. Their clean and simple design is versatile and timeless, fitting nearly any kitchen decor. Their popularity and versatility make them a great choice for flips and rentals or for your home. Our Pure White Shaker RTA kitchen cabinets feature solid hardwood doors and drawer fronts, solid hardwood frames, solid hardwood dovetail drawers, plywood side panels, concealed soft-close under-drawer glides, and soft-close, 6-way adjustable, concealed hinges. The style is timeless and these cabinets will last a lifetime.

Alpine White

Our Alpine White cabinets are a great choice for the homeowner wanting cabinets with a little more style than white shaker cabinets. The details on the raised panel doors and drawer fronts add more interest to the look while maintaining the versatility of white kitchen cabinets. These cabinets feature solid wood face frames, solid plywood cabinet boxes, color-matched boxes and shelves, soft-close undermount drawer glides, and soft-close 6-way adjustable concealed hinges.

Marine Blue Shaker

Our Marine Blue Shaker cabinets are the perfect choice for homeowners looking to add a splash of color to their kitchen. You get the classic look and clean lines of shaker-style rta kitchen cabinets while bringing them up to date with a more modern color palette. These dark blue cabinets make a statement without overwhelming the rest of the kitchen. They’re also a great choice if you’re looking for a two-tone kitchen (i.e. different colored base and wall cabinets). These Marine Blue Shaker cabinets feature solid hardwood doors and drawer fronts, solid hardwood frames, solid hardwood dovetail drawers, plywood side panels, concealed soft-close under-drawer glides, and soft-close, 6-way adjustable, concealed hinges.

Natural Knotty Hickory

These stunning Natural Knotty Hickory cabinets are sure to make an impression. The natural finish shows off the highly figured maple doors and the knots and grain give you a unique and organic look. These cabinets are equally at home in a rustic country kitchen or a more modern decor. They have all of the features you look for in modern cabinets: solid wood face frames, solid hickory box construction, undermount soft close drawer glides, solid wood dovetail drawers, and soft close 6-way adjustable concealed hinges. If you want a natural wood look, you can’t go wrong with these Natural Knotty Hickory cabinets.

Rustic Hickory Shaker

Our Rustic Hickory Shaker cabinets are another great choice for the all-wood look. The dark stain brings out the rich hues and grain patterns of the doors. Not just suited to cabin life, these cabinets fit nearly any home decor. Gorgeous stained hardwood never goes out of style. These cabinets feature solid hardwood doors and drawer fronts, solid hardwood frames, solid hardwood dovetail drawers, concealed soft-close under-drawer glides, and soft-close, 6-way adjustable, concealed hinges.

Proper Gray Shaker

Our Proper Gray Shaker cabinets feature the classic styling and versatility of shaker cabinets while the gray-painted finish provides a more modern look. The neutral gray tones lend themselves to nearly any palette of colors and let the rest of your kitchen be the star. Like our Pure White Shaker cabinets, these are a great choice for a two-tone kitchen and check all of the boxes when it comes to desired features: solid hardwood doors and drawer fronts, solid hardwood frames, solid hardwood dovetail drawers, plywood side panels, concealed soft-close under-drawer glides, and soft-close, 6-way adjustable, concealed hinges.

Pacific Gray Shaker

If you’re looking for a bolder, more dramatic, and more modern shaker cabinet, our Pacific Gray Shaker cabinets fit the bill. The sleek modern aesthetic of these cabinets radiates a sense of luxury and high-end craftsmanship. But the simple shaker design and neutral color give them the versatility to fit into nearly any decor. These Pacific Gray Shaker cabinets feature solid wood face frames,undermount soft close drawer glides, solid wood dovetail drawer boxes, soft close 6-way adjustable concealed hinges, and color-matched interiors.

Brown Cocoa

Our Brown Cocoa cabinets offer the classic look and elegance that you can only get with raised panel cabinets. The dark chocolate stain allows the character of the wood to show through and adds to the sophistication of the look. These Brown Cocoa cabinets feature solid wood face frames, raised panel doors with glazing, solid wood dovetail drawer boxes, undermount soft close drawer glides, 5-piece drawer head that match the door profile, soft close 6-way adjustable concealed hinges, and color-matched interiors.

Ideal Gray Shaker

Our Ideal Gray cabinets redefine modern sophistication in kitchen design, effortlessly blending timeless charm with contemporary flair. With their shaker design, renowned for its clean lines and practical elegance, these cabinets offer a refreshing sense of uncluttered simplicity. The dark grey tone introduces a captivating depth, capable of seamlessly harmonizing with muted, monochromatic schemes or making a bold statement against brighter colors. Ideal Gray cabinets are the perfect complement to industrial or contemporary themes, providing a sleek and versatile backdrop for both daring accents and classic neutrals alike.

Mellow Glaze

Our Mellow Glaze cabinets have the elegance and sophistication of raised panel cabinets while the warm brown finish lightens up the space. The glazing highlights the details on the doors and drawer fronts and adds another level of refinement to the look. These Mellow Glaze cabinets feature solid wood face frames, raised panel doors with glazing, solid wood dovetail drawer boxes, undermount soft close drawer glides, 5-piece drawer head that match the door profile, soft close 6-way adjustable concealed hinges, and color-matched interiors.

Newtown Gray Shaker

Our Newtown Gray stained shaker cabinets have a warm, welcoming appearance that will brighten any kitchen. The gray stain allows the character of the wood to shine and the trim details on the doors and drawers elevate them above a standard shaker. They have all of the features you’d expect in a high-end cabinet: solid wood face frames, 1/2” solid plywood box construction, undermount soft close drawer glides, solid wood dovetail drawer boxes, and soft close 6-way adjustable concealed hinges

Washington Pure Gray Shaker

Our Washington Pure Gray cabinets are a stunning addition to any kitchen space that effortlessly marries chic contemporary style with timeless appeal. Their grey stain infuses a modern vibe while ensuring versatility, seamlessly complementing various decor styles, from sleek minimalism to classic elegance. The sleek flat panel design creates an open and inviting atmosphere, while delicate beaded molding adds a touch of sophistication, enhancing the overall aesthetic without overwhelming the simplicity of the design. Features include solid wood face frames, undermount soft close drawer glides, solid wood dovetail drawer boxes, soft close 6-way adjustable concealed hinges, and color-matched interiors.

Need Design Help?

Schedule an appointment with one of our experienced kitchen designers and literally see your dream kitchen come to life. Online or in person. They’ll walk you through the ins and outs of RTA kitchen cabinets, help you assess your needs and budget, and be your design partner. Realistic 3d renderings and state-of-the-art design software let you see what your new kitchen will actually look like.

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Why Choose Cabinets Door to Door?

Finding the right partner for your home renovation project can make all the difference in achieving the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams. We’ve been selling and installing cabinets for over thirty years and we’ve seen it all. We rely on our extensive experience to ensure the quality of all of the products we sell and to provide you with the best possible service from start to finish. If you run into installation problems, we’re here to help.

For those who need a little extra help visualizing their new space, we offer free kitchen design services, including live one-on-one sessions with an experienced designer. Our team of experts will work with you to create a custom kitchen design that meets your needs and budget, helping you visualize your new space before committing to your purchase. You’ll receive 3d renderings of your space and an itemized quote so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Unlike most online cabinet retailers, we have real-life showrooms, offering you the chance to see our products in person and speak with our knowledgeable staff face-to-face. If you prefer shopping the old-fashioned way, we’ve got you covered. If you’re near one of our showrooms, you can complete the entire process in person.

Not everyone can make it to one of our brick-and-mortar locations, which is why we offer refundable samples. You can see and feel the quality of our products before making a full purchase, giving you peace of mind in your decision-making process.

Buying kitchen or bath cabinets is a significant investment and we’ve positioned ourselves to be the best-priced cabinet store with a price match guarantee. If you find a lower price elsewhere, we’ll not only match it, we’ll beat it. We want to ensure that you’re getting the highest quality products at the most competitive prices.

If time is an important consideration for your project, we have a variety of expedited shipping options to take care of your needs. RTA cabinets can ship in as little as three days. We can also deliver in-stock cabinets to locations within 100 miles of our store in 24 hours or less.

Ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets are a great choice for homeowners looking to trade a little bit of work for significant savings. The quality and durability of RTA cabinets are on par with pre-assembled cabinets if you purchase from an experienced and reputable company. If you have any questions or problems, we’ll be there to help you every step of the way: from designing your ideal kitchen to assembling your cabinets and making your dream kitchen a reality.