What are RTA Cabinets
RTA are ready-to-assemble Cabinets. They come in compact boxes with all the individual parts packed together. They’re designed to be easy enough for you to assemble with a few basic tools.
What are Pre-Assembled Cabinets
Pre-assembled cabinets come built , with drawers and doors all installed. No need to put them together yourself—just unpack and install.
While both RTA and pre-assembled cabinets are good options, there are some pros and cons to both.
Shipping Time
RTA cabinets are pre-made and packed in flat boxes. They’re easy to ship given the compactness. Most RTA cabinets reach you in two to four weeks as they can be shipped as soon as you place the order.
Pre-assembled cabinets come in larger containers. Some common designs are always available in stock and can be delivered within a few days. If there’s customization involved, production often starts after the order has been placed. Shipping can take a month or longer because of factory assembly and package size.
Installation Time and Skill
Pre-assembled cabinets take no construction time at all. You will need to install them though. Since cabinets are heavy, it’s best to have two people mount them.
Manufacturers say assembling RTA cabinets takes 15 minutes per cabinet, assuming you’re an expert DIY-er. For a beginner, plan for 45 minutes at least. RTA cabinets include pre-cut wood, screws, hinges and pre-drilled holes. You would need a few basic tools like a screwdriver, drill, tape measure, level and hammer. It’s also helpful to have a stud finder and clamps to make the process simpler. RTA cabinets come with a set of instructions and often have walk-through videos to help you with the process. You could also hire a local professional to set up your RTA cabinets.
Don't have time to install cabinets yourself? Check out our professional cabinet installation service.
Customization
You can personalize both RTA and pre-assembled cabinets. Pre-assembled cabinets typically come in a wider variety of colors and styles. They also have enhanced fittings like trash chutes, lazy-susans and pull-outs.
RTA cabinets are mass-produced and have some basic customization options. You can purchase matching accessories, filler, molding pieces, toe kicks and touch up kits separately. You also have flexibility when installing RTA cabinets. For example, you could take off a shelf to have more vertical space inside the cabinet.
Some RTA kitchen cabinets come with shaker style doors that can swing either left or right so you can install them based on your preference.
Pricing
RTA cabinets cost less than pre-assembled because they come flat and unassembled. This saves on shipping costs since they take up less space.
You also save on labor costs because you put them together yourself, unlike pre-assembled cabinets where the factory does it. So, RTA cabinets are cheaper overall.
RTA cabinets typically range in price from around $40 for a small base cabinet to several hundred dollars for a large wall cabinet. Pre-assembled cabinets cost around $60 for a small base cabinet. Prices run in the thousands for larger pieces but If you buy them in sets, you can get better deals.
Quality
Both RTA and pre-assembled cabinets come in both real and composite wood. Solid wood is more long lasting than engineered wood. Popular choices are birch, oak, hickory and maple. It also matters how well the cabinets are put together. Pre-assembled cabinets go through a factory assembly line, which can ensure consistent quality if the manufacturer has good practices. RTA cabinets that you assemble yourself could potentially be stronger if you use proper techniques and good quality hardware. Keep in mind that if you can't assemble them yourself, you'll need to hire someone which adds extra cost.
Which One Should You Buy?
When purchasing, you will need to consider design, style and configuration of your cabinetry. Both cabinets are available in flat, recessed and raised panels. Glass paneled cabinets come pre-assembled. The wood finishes are usually painted, stained or laminated. If you want to customize the colors, you can get cabinets with unfinished wood. When setting up your kitchen, you will need to align your cabinetry with your appliances. You get pieces designed to accommodate those specific needs like corner cabinets, oven cabinets and sink cabinets.
Both RTA and pre-assembled cabinets are great choices for your home. The type of cabinet you choose for your kitchen comes down to the age-old issue of time vs. money. Will you spend on easy assembly? Or save money by putting in the time and effort to install your cabinets?
If you’re on a tight budget, go with RTA cabinets. Pre-assembled cabinets are expensive but more durable.
In the end, the decision comes down to what you value the most in your cabinetry.
The Lowe’s Kitchen Planner can help you create your dream kitchen. Take our style quiz, get a cost estimate and meet with one of our designers for a free consultation.