RTA stands for ready-to-assemble. The cabinet ships flat-packed in a single box with all the panels, hardware, and instructions to assemble on-site. Typical assembly time: 15 to 30 minutes per cabinet with basic tools.

Are RTA cabinets the same quality as assembled?

Yes — they are literally the same cabinets, just shipped in pieces. Construction (plywood box, dovetail drawers, soft-close hardware) is identical. The only difference is whether the factory assembles them or you do.

How much money does RTA save?

Typically 15 to 25 percent off the assembled price for a full kitchen. The savings come from shipping efficiency (flat-packed cabinets fit ~3x more units per truck) and skipped factory labor. On a 10x10 kitchen, that is often $800 to $1,500 in savings.

How long does it take to assemble RTA cabinets?

15 to 30 minutes per standard base or wall cabinet. A full 10x10 kitchen typically takes one person a weekend day, or a contractor crew a few hours. We have step-by-step assembly videos for every cabinet type at /assembly-videos.

What tools do I need to assemble RTA cabinets?

A power drill, a rubber mallet, wood glue, a square, and a couple of clamps. Most RTA cabinets use cam-lock or screw-and-dowel construction — no specialty tools required. A second person helps with larger cabinets.

Should contractors buy RTA or assembled?

Most contractors buy RTA. The shipping savings are significant on multi-unit jobs, and a crew can assemble cabinets on-site faster than coordinating delivery of bulky pre-assembled units. The exception is high-volume flippers who want to minimize on-site labor — they sometimes prefer assembled.

Should DIY homeowners buy RTA or assembled?

If you have basic DIY skills and a free weekend, RTA gives you the best value. If you would rather pay extra to skip assembly entirely (or you are short on time / tool space), assembled is worth the upcharge. Both options install the same way once they are built.

What if I damage a panel during assembly?

Contact us with your order number and the damaged part SKU — replacement panels for individual pieces are available. Damage during assembly is not covered under warranty (the warranty covers manufacturing defects), but replacement parts are typically inexpensive.

Can you assemble cabinets for me before shipping?

Yes. Add the Cabinet Assembly service to your cart at checkout — we assemble the cabinets at our facility before they ship. Assembled cabinets arrive ready to install: no boxes to open, no parts to sort.

How are RTA cabinets shipped?

RTA ships via LTL freight on a pallet — the entire kitchen typically fits on one or two pallets. Curbside delivery is standard. Compare that to assembled cabinets, which ship as built units (more pallets, more carrier handling, higher freight cost).

RTA vs Assembled Cabinets: Which Should You Buy?

Every cabinet we sell is available either ready-to-assemble (ships flat-packed, you build it on-site) or fully assembled (ships built, you install it). Same cabinets, same warranty — different format. Here is how to choose between them.

What does RTA mean?: RTA stands for ready-to-assemble. The cabinet ships flat-packed in a single box with all the panels, hardware, and instructions to assemble on-site. Typical assembly time: 15 to 30 minutes per cabinet with basic tools.
Are RTA cabinets the same quality as assembled?: Yes — they are literally the same cabinets, just shipped in pieces. Construction (plywood box, dovetail drawers, soft-close hardware) is identical. The only difference is whether the factory assembles them or you do.
How much money does RTA save?: Typically 15 to 25 percent off the assembled price for a full kitchen. The savings come from shipping efficiency (flat-packed cabinets fit ~3x more units per truck) and skipped factory labor. On a 10x10 kitchen, that is often $800 to $1,500 in savings.
How long does it take to assemble RTA cabinets?: 15 to 30 minutes per standard base or wall cabinet. A full 10x10 kitchen typically takes one person a weekend day, or a contractor crew a few hours. We have step-by-step assembly videos for every cabinet type at /assembly-videos.
What tools do I need to assemble RTA cabinets?: A power drill, a rubber mallet, wood glue, a square, and a couple of clamps. Most RTA cabinets use cam-lock or screw-and-dowel construction — no specialty tools required. A second person helps with larger cabinets.
Should contractors buy RTA or assembled?: Most contractors buy RTA. The shipping savings are significant on multi-unit jobs, and a crew can assemble cabinets on-site faster than coordinating delivery of bulky pre-assembled units. The exception is high-volume flippers who want to minimize on-site labor — they sometimes prefer assembled.
Should DIY homeowners buy RTA or assembled?: If you have basic DIY skills and a free weekend, RTA gives you the best value. If you would rather pay extra to skip assembly entirely (or you are short on time / tool space), assembled is worth the upcharge. Both options install the same way once they are built.
What if I damage a panel during assembly?: Contact us with your order number and the damaged part SKU — replacement panels for individual pieces are available. Damage during assembly is not covered under warranty (the warranty covers manufacturing defects), but replacement parts are typically inexpensive.
Can you assemble cabinets for me before shipping?: Yes. Add the Cabinet Assembly service to your cart at checkout — we assemble the cabinets at our facility before they ship. Assembled cabinets arrive ready to install: no boxes to open, no parts to sort.
How are RTA cabinets shipped?: RTA ships via LTL freight on a pallet — the entire kitchen typically fits on one or two pallets. Curbside delivery is standard. Compare that to assembled cabinets, which ship as built units (more pallets, more carrier handling, higher freight cost).

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