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Any homeowner would be justifiably nervous about undertaking a major kitchen remodel because it represents a huge investment. One of the most important factors is the kitchen cabinets as they make up a large piece of the budget.
Fortunately, it is no longer necessary to have kitchen cabinets customized. You can choose RTA cabinets to save a huge chunk of change and still get the awesome kitchen you wanted all along. RTA cabinets from top manufacturers are available in a wide range of colors, styles and materials.
RTA cabinets make practical sense. Because they are much more affordable to build than customized cabinets. They are cheaper to ship as manufacturers deliver them in flat, stackable boxes. You do need to assemble it. But, even someone with no experience can do it quite easily. So, you don’t need to pay a pro to do it for you.
If you are considering new RTA kitchen cabinets for your remodel, or simply to replace old, outdated ones, here are some things you need to know.
Basic parts of RTA kitchen cabinets
When your RTA kitchen cabinets arrive at your home, you should make sure you receive everything you need before signing for it. Each box should specify how many panels you are supposed to have to make up the door, cabinet box, and drawers, if any. Inspect the panels for pre-drilled holes and ensure they have the finish you chose.
You also need to check if it comes with the right number of hardware. These include screws, plates, hinges, knobs, pulls, and rails for drawers, if any. If any are missing, note it in the delivery receipt and get in touch with your supplier immediately.
Where to buy RTA kitchen cabinets
RTA kitchen cabinets are available in big box stores as well as online. The problem with big box stores is limited options. Big box stores have limited space to display actual cabinets, so you only get to see a few brands. In addition, storage space is limited, so you still may not be able to bring home the model you choose there and then. The store will still have to order, and have it delivered to you.
Online purchases are more convenient and have a wider range of choices, but you are never sure if what you see is what you will get. You may end up with low-quality cabinets with shoddy craftsmanship.
The safest choice for maximizing your investment is to go to a reputable supplier of RTA cabinets with a reputation for a quick turnaround in your area. You can take your pick of the top cabinet brands and get the kitchen cabinets you want when you need it. A reputable supplier will give you a level of service and guarantees on quality and delivery you will not get from online or big box stores.
Quality selection
The best thing about RTA cabinets is affordable quality. They are more cost-effective than custom cabinets because they are produced in large quantities using advanced technology. It has nothing to do with the quality of the cabinets. They can be just as good as custom cabinets if you choose the right brand.
That said, some RTA cabinets are quite bad, so you must be careful when choosing your supplier. Make sure they specialize in high quality RTA cabinets, so you get your money’s worth. You may pay a bit more, but it will be worth it in the end.
Cost issues
RTA are generally more affordable than custom or semi-custom kitchen cabinets because of mass production and lower shipping costs. However, some issues may make a set of RTA kitchen cabinets more affordable than others are. These include style complexity, material, finish, and add-ons
At the lowest end of the cost spectrum are plain RTA cabinets with a flat door style, particleboard covered in colored or white melamine, and ready for painting. At the other end is a solid natural wood with inset cabinet fronts, plywood boxes, dovetail joined drawers, and finished in catalyzed lacquer. In some cases, you may need cabinets in non-standard sizes, so that can add to the cost, as will add-ons such as crown molding.
Quotes
When you provide suppliers with the dimensions of your kitchens, they will typically provide you with a price quote expressed in linear feet. You can derive a linear foot by measuring how long the wall is where you plan to put your new cabinets (in inches) and dividing that by 12.
Let’s say you have a wall that is 72 inches in length. If you divide that by 12, you have 6 linear feet. The supplier will quote you a price in cost per linear foot, and typically includes the wall and base cabinets. The lowest price per linear you can expect for RTA cabinets is $250 and goes up depending on many factors.
Assembly
Most RTA cabinet manufacturers include clear instructions for assembling it, much like any other RTA product you get from IKEA or other big box stores. It should be easy enough to assemble even if you have no experience if all the parts are available, and you follow instructions carefully.
RTA kitchen cabinets should come with pre-drilled holes that line up precisely, so you would not need any fancy tools to put them together. Typically, the only tools you need would be a screwdriver and maybe a rubber mallet to deal with dowels. You might also want to have some wood glue handy, just to be on the safe side.
Conclusion
RTA kitchen cabinets are a good option if you want a budget-friendly kitchen makeover. These facts should help you make that a seamless experience, especially if you find a reliable RTA supplier working with you. If you are in cities such as Chicago, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Hoffman Estate, Elk Grove Village, and surrounding areas, Cabinets City is your best choice.
We carry some of the best brands in the country, from RTA to custom wood cabinets, and at the best prices compared to Cabinets To Go and Advance Cabinets. These include Schrock, Fabuwood, J and K, Forevermark, and Wolf Cabinets, each of which come with manufacturer warranties. We always deliver on time, so you will not have to worry about keeping your schedule to stay in budget.
We can advise you on the best RTA cabinets for your kitchen or bathroom. Give us a call for a free consultation and quote, or visit our showroom in Mt. Prospect, Illinois. We can give you what you need faster and better than online and big box stores.
