A kitchen remodeling project is a serious thing to take on for any homeowner, and a big part of your investment will go to your new kitchen cabinets. Most people look to ready to assemble or RTA kitchen cabinets to save some dough while still getting the fabulous look they want. Top RTA cabinet manufacturers such as J and K Cabinets carry a wide assortment from which to choose.
Aside from being cheaper than custom cabinets, mostly because of lower shipping costs as they come in stackable flat boxes, it is relatively easy to assemble for even an amateur. This means significant savings on installation costs as well if you do it yourself.
However, it still pays to know a bit more about RTA kitchen cabinets to help you choose the right ones for your kitchen remodeling. Below are a few quick facts about RTA cabinets.
RTA cabinets defined
“Ready to assemble” may seem clear enough to you, but you should know what should go in the box. Aside from the bits and pieces that make up the box, door, and drawers (all of which should have pre-drilled holes and finished according to your specifications), it should also include any and all of the hardware required to actually put them together such as screws, rails, plates, and hinges. It should also include knobs and pulls.
Best places to buy RTA cabinets
You can buy RTA cabinets online or from big box stores. However, because of space constraints, big box stores usually have only a limited selection of a few brands. Not all of them will be able to deliver the models you choose when you need it because they still have to order it from the supplier, which will then deliver it to you. Ordering online is a more convenient and flexible option, but you still have to be careful because you may not be getting your money’s worth. It is best to order your cabinets from a reputable supplier specializing in RTA cabinets with a quick turnaround such as Cabinet Land. They that will do their own quality control before delivering the cabinets to you.
Quality expectations
RTA cabinets are cheaper than custom cabinets. Because they are mass-produced, but that does not automatically mean they are of inferior quality. Just like custom cabinets, RTA cabinets can range from poor to excellent quality. It all depends on the brand you choose. You may have to pay a bit more for top-quality RTA cabinets, but it will still be less expensive than inferior quality custom cabinets and will be well worth it.
Cost savings
It is important to know why RTA cabinets are substantially less expensive than custom or even stock cabinets. It all boils down to two things: mass production and shipping. Custom cabinets are made to order, which is especially important if you have unusual spaces you need to fill in your kitchen. However, it is more labor intensive than mass-produced stock and RTA cabinets are, which translates to a higher price tag. Custom cabinets and stock cabinets get to your home pre-assembled, so they occupy more space, which translates to higher shipping costs. RTA cabinets come in flat boxes, and that makes a big dent on the costs of transporting it from the warehouse to your home.
Cost factors
You should know that differences in the total cost of RTA cabinets are due to several factors. These include the materials used, type of finish, the complexity of the design, and the stage of completion.
At the lowest side of the cost range for RTA cabinets are flat-style, melamine-covered particleboard cabinets and drawers in white, ready for painting, which you do yourself or by a hired professional. At the opposite end, you have solid wood inset cabinet fronts and frames in a catalyzed lacquer finish with plywood boxes and drawers with dovetail joinery. You can also expect to pay more for semi-custom RTA cabinets with non-standard dimensions and accessories such as crown molding.
Pricing
In most cases, suppliers will make a cost estimate for new kitchen cabinets per linear foot. It is basically the length of the wall in inches that the cabinets will fill divided by 12. For example, if you have a wall length of 60 inches, divide that by 12. You will then have 5 linear feet. The cabinet supplier will quote you a price that usually includes the wall (upper) cabinets and the base (lower) cabinets.
The cost per liner foot will depend on the type of RTA cabinets you choose and the options included. Prices start from $250 per linear foot.
Assembly
RTA cabinets are quite easy to assemble, much like any other type of RTA furniture. As long as you have all the parts you need and follow instructions, you should have no problem. In most cases, you will just need a screwdriver and/or glue. Occasionally, you may need a hammer if you choose cabinets or drawers that use wooden dowels. These cabinets have pre-drilled holes that line up when put together correctly, so you should not need anything else.
Conclusion
These quick facts about RTA cabinets should be enough to help you decide if you should buy them for your kitchen remodel. It is even easier if you find a reputable and reliable cabinet supplier. Cabinet Land Kitchen and Beyond work only with the best cabinet brands at the best prices compared to our competitors such as Advance Cabinets and Handsome Cabinets. We also offer better free consultation services and quotes, so you know exactly what to expect from your purchase.
We are a local remodeling company with a showroom located in Schaumburg, Illinois. Visit us today to see what we have to offer. We service Chicago land and have the expertise and resources to complete virtually any type of kitchen cabinets – ON TIME and ON BUDGET with top quality craftsmanship that will exceed your expectations.
