{"id":14,"date":"2022-03-29T21:06:05","date_gmt":"2022-03-29T21:06:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kitchenandbathdiy.com\/?p=14"},"modified":"2023-01-17T02:16:04","modified_gmt":"2023-01-17T02:16:04","slug":"what-are-rta-cabinets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kitchenandbathdiy.com\/what-are-rta-cabinets\/","title":{"rendered":"What are RTA cabinets? [2023]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This post includes affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. I may earn commission from purchases made through these links. However, the views and opinions here are my own.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are RTA cabinets? The quick definition: RTA cabinets are “ready-to-assemble” cabinets. That is, cabinets that are shipped to you unassembled. You are responsible for assembling them before installing them in your house<\/p>\n\n\n

What are RTA cabinets? An overview<\/h2>\n\n\n

So what are RTA cabinets? The widespread use of RTA cabinets is a relatively new development. In the past, most cabinets came pre-assembled by their manufacturer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A typical buyer would be a contractor, who would come out to your house, do the measuring for the cabinets, and then have the cabinets delivered — assembled — to your house. The contractor would then install the cabinets. In this case, you may pay the cabinet manufacturer, although generally you would pay the contractor, who would then pay the manufacturer for the cabinets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RTA cabinets are a more DIY option. The most important thing about RTA cabinets is that you (or your contractor) must assemble them yourself — before they are installed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

RTA cabinets come in many different shapes and sizes, but they have a few main properties: First, they are flat-packed, like IKEA furniture. And second, they contain all of the hardware (but not necessarily the tools) to put them together — again, like IKEA furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It shouldn’t be surprising, then, that IKEA <\/a>is one of the largest sellers of RTA cabinets. Some others are Lily Ann Cabinets<\/a>, and The RTA Store.<\/p>\n\n\n

How difficult is it to assemble RTA cabinets?<\/h2>\n\n\n

RTA cabinets are generally not difficult to assemble. You definitely don’t need to be an expert carpenter or craftsman in order to assemble them. In fact, you don’t even need to be particularly handy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It helps to be familiar with an electric screwdriver and feel comfortable using a hammer. if you have ever assembled furniture (especially IKEA furniture), you are totally capable of assembling RTA cabinets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One thing to understand: it’s easier to assemble RTA cabinets than to install them. So even if you don’t feel capable of hanging cabinets on the wall, you are likely capable of assembling them.<\/p>\n\n\n

How much time should I budget to assemble RTA cabinets?<\/h2>\n\n\n

Depending on the cabinet type, assembly time can range from minutes to over an hour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I began assembling my first RTA cabinet, it took me well over an hour to assemble a simple 30″ wall cabinet. However, after assembling several, I was able to complete each new wall cabinet in under 30 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Base cabinets generally take longer than wall cabinets, given that they have a platform at the bottom which needs to be assembled. And drawers generally take longer than cabinets, since each drawer needs to be assembled piece by piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most difficult to assemble RTA cabinets tend to be the full height ones. These are unwieldy, and can way as much as 100 pounds. In order to assemble these, you will need space, and you may need a friend to help you turn them over without damaging them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In each of the reviews of different cabinet sellers’ products, I provide information on the time it took me to assemble their cabinets. You can look at each review page for that specific information.<\/p>\n\n\n

What do you need to assemble RTA cabinets?<\/h2>\n\n\n

Generally, very few tools are needed to assemble RTA cabinets. All parts and hardware are included in the box, and sometimes manufacturers include some assembly tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is a list of the most basic tools required to assemble RTA cabinets:<\/p>\n\n\n\n