Are RTA Cabinets Worth It?

Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets have become increasingly popular among homeowners looking to stretch their renovation budgets. These DIY-friendly cabinets are more cost-effective than traditional cabinets, but they come with some limitations.

If you’re considering RTA cabinets for your dream kitchen renovation, it’s best to weigh all the options before you buy. Read on to learn all about RTA cabinets, their pros and cons, and whether they’re worth it for your situation.

What Are RTA Cabinets?

RTA cabinets are a set of components that manufacturers cut, drill, and finish in a factory so that buyers can assemble them on-site. They also come with all the necessary hardware for assembly, almost like an Ikea shelf or table.

RTA Cabinets Pros & Cons: An Overview

Check out our quick overview of the pros and cons of RTA cabinets in the chart below. Then, keep reading for all the details.

Pros of RTA Cabinets

Ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets offer several advantages for homeowners. If you’re on the fence about what to buy, consider the benefits below:

Lower Costs

One of the biggest perks of RTA cabinets is their affordability. The main reason these cabinets are so cost-effective is because they have lower labor costs and shipping expenses.

Since the homeowner or a local contractor handles assembly, the manufacturer doesn’t need to factor that into their labor costs. Likewise, RTA cabinets ship in flat packs, which take up less space and result in lower shipping costs compared to traditional cabinets.

Quick Availability and Shipping

RTA cabinets typically have shorter wait times than custom or traditional options. Since they ship in pieces, manufacturers can keep components in stock, ready to ship at a moment’s notice. This quick turnaround is extra helpful for homeowners working on tight renovation schedules.

Ample Design Options

Today’s RTA cabinet market offers a wide array of styles, finishes, and configurations. Homeowners can choose from various wood types, colors, and designs to match their aesthetic preferences.

Simple Installation

RTA cabinet manufacturers understand that many of their customers are DIY enthusiasts. As a result, they usually provide detailed instructions, online tutorials, and customer support to guide homeowners through the assembly process. For those comfortable with basic tools and following instructions, assembling RTA cabinets is relatively straightforward in most cases.

Quality Construction

The quality of RTA cabinets has improved significantly over the years. Many manufacturers now offer cabinets with solid wood frames, dovetail joints, and full-extension drawer glides—features that were once limited to high-end custom cabinetry. There are plenty of options for everything from budget-friendly particleboard to premium solid wood, so if you want high-quality components, you can still find them with RTA cabinets.

Cons of RTA Cabinets

While RTA cabinets offer a lot of benefits, no product is perfect. Be sure to consider the following drawbacks before you spend your money on new cabinets:

Requires Time

The biggest disadvantage of RTA cabinets is the time commitment for assembly. You should plan on spending at least several hours assembling your cabinets, which may be a dealbreaker for some homeowners. 

Some cabinets are easier to assemble than others, but none of them are quick enough to build in a matter of minutes. Time is money, and if you’re short on time, RTA cabinets may not be the best choice for you.

Potential for Assembly Errors

If you don’t have any DIY experience, it’s likely that you’ll make some mistakes during the assembly process. These errors could lead to structural issues, misalignments, or damage to the cabinets. There’s always a learning curve, so it may take a while to learn how to build your cabinets correctly.

Limited Warranties

Many RTA cabinet manufacturers offer limited or no warranties on their products. This is often because they can’t guarantee that the user will assemble them correctly. If you make any errors during assembly or installation, you may be responsible for the resulting damage.

Requires Space and Tools and Space

Assembling RTA cabinets requires a clean, flat surface to work on and basic tools like screwdrivers, drills, and clamps. If you live in a small apartment without a dedicated work area, you may find the assembly process challenging.

Inconsistent Quality

While many RTA cabinets are high-quality, there can be inconsistencies in materials and construction, especially with cheaper options. Make sure to research brands and read reviews before you buy so you don’t end up wasting your money.

How To Choose the Right RTA Cabinets

Not all RTA cabinets are the same, and if you decide to buy RTA cabinets, you likely want the highest quality possible. When shopping for RTA cabinet options, look for things like solid wood components for frames and doors, plywood for cabinet boxes (avoid particleboard), dovetail joints for drawers, full-extension drawer glides, and soft-close hinges and drawer mechanisms.

If your cabinets have all the features above, there’s a good chance that they’ll stand the test of time. However, if your main concern is cost, prioritize affordable cabinets with good reviews. Particleboard cabinets may not be ideal, but if you install them correctly, they can still be a worthwhile investment.

Cost Comparison: RTA Vs. Traditional Cabinets

RTA cabinets are generally less expensive than traditional options. According to cost data from Angi, RTA cabinets for an average kitchen cost about $1,000, while custom cabinets start at around $7,000. However, if you plan on paying a professional to assemble and install them for you, it will bring the price up significantly.

So, Are RTA Cabinets Worth It?

Whether you have DIY experience or not, RTA cabinets can be worth it for your home. For many homeowners, purchasing RTA cabinets is a simple choice because of their cost benefits and quality. You’ll still need to put in the time to install them, but with a little bit of elbow grease, you can have a functional, attractive kitchen for a fraction of the cost of buying custom cabinets.