Why RTA Cabinets Are Reshaping Kitchen Remodeling in 2025

If you’re planning a kitchen remodel or new build, choosing the right kitchen cabinets is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Cabinetry sets the tone for your space, determines your storage capacity, and often takes up the largest share of your remodeling budget.

More homeowners, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts are turning to RTA cabinets in 2025 as a practical and stylish alternative to expensive custom or pre assembled cabinets. But what are RTA cabinets exactly? What makes them different from other cabinets on the market? And are they the right fit for your kitchen?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about ready to assemble cabinets, from how they’re made and what materials are used, to how to assemble RTA cabinets and what makes the best RTA cabinets truly stand out. We’ll also explore the pros and cons, key features to look for, and what to expect when installing them.

What Are RTA Cabinets?

Understanding the Term “RTA”

RTA stands for “ready to assemble.” That means the cabinets come unassembled, packed in flat boxes with all the components needed to put them together. This includes the cabinet boxes, cabinet doors, drawer fronts, drawer boxes, hinges, screws, and hardware needed for assembly.

When you purchase ready to assemble RTA cabinets, you or your installer will need to assemble each cabinet before installation. This DIY-friendly approach offers major advantages in cost, shipping, and flexibility, making RTA cabinets ready for homeowners on a budget or timeline.

How Do RTA Cabinets Compare to Other Options?

Compared to pre assembled cabinets or fully assembled cabinets, RTA options ship in flat packs that are easier to transport and store. Most RTA cabinets come with pre drilled holes, step by step instructions, and clearly labeled parts to simplify the assembly process.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how RTA cabinets compare:

Cabinet Type	Delivered As	Cost	Assembly	Flexibility
RTA Cabinets	Flat boxes	Lower	Assembly required	Medium
Pre Assembled Cabinets	Built and boxed	Medium–High	None	Limited
Custom Cabinets	Built to order	High	None	High

RTA cabinets strike a balance between affordability and quality. While custom cabinets offer full control over every detail, they come with a hefty price tag and longer lead times. Pre assembled cabinets offer convenience but often cost more due to increased labor and shipping costs.

Main Advantages of RTA Cabinets

1. Big Savings on Your Kitchen Remodel

The most obvious benefit of choosing RTA cabinets is the cost. Since you’re doing the assembly yourself, or paying less for someone to do it, the labor costs are significantly lower. Shipping costs are reduced too, thanks to flat boxes that take up less space in transit.

Many homeowners report saving up to half the price compared to similar assembled cabinets. For a standard kitchen layout, that can mean thousands of dollars saved without compromising on style or quality.

2. Easy to Transport and Store

Because RTA cabinets come in compact boxes, they’re easier to move into tight spaces, high-rise buildings, or homes without large entryways. Flat packs also make it possible to store the cabinets until you’re ready for installation without taking up your entire garage or living room.

3. DIY-Friendly for Homeowners and Pros

Assembling RTA cabinets only requires a few basic tools and a bit of patience. Most cabinet boxes and drawers come with detailed instructions, metal clips, and pre drilled holes to make the process straightforward.

For many homeowners, assembling cabinets can be a rewarding DIY project. For others, hiring a handyman or contractor still results in lower total costs than ordering fully assembled cabinets.

4. Quality That Rivals Custom Cabinets

Not all RTA cabinets are created equal, but the best RTA cabinets use high quality materials like plywood, solid wood doors, dovetail drawer boxes, and soft close hinges. These features are often considered the gold standard of cabinetry construction.

While lower quality RTA cabinets exist, especially from big box stores or unknown online brands, Kitchen Search carries only high quality RTA cabinets that meet professional-grade standards.

What Makes High Quality RTA Cabinets Stand Out?

1. Premium Materials

The best RTA cabinets are built using strong, durable materials such as:

• Plywood for cabinet boxes and backs
• Solid wood for cabinet doors and face frames
• Medium density fiberboard (MDF) for smooth painted finishes when appropriate
• High density fiberboard (HDF) in some painted or molded components

Avoid RTA cabinet manufacturers that use low-grade particleboard or cheap composites. These materials tend to sag, swell, or chip over time, especially in high-humidity kitchen environments.

2. Sturdy Construction Details

Look for cabinets with:

• Full extension drawer slides for easy access
• Soft close hinges and drawer glides
• Dovetail drawer boxes for added strength
• A solid face frame for structural support
• Durable cabinet doors with smooth edges and quality finishes

When RTA cabinets come with these features, they rival the construction quality of much more expensive pre assembled cabinets.

3. Clear Assembly Process

High quality RTA cabinets come with step by step instructions, hardware needed, and components labeled clearly. You should not need anything more than basic tools like a screwdriver, rubber mallet, drill, and clamps.

Whether you assemble the cabinets yourself or hire someone, having everything packaged with detailed instructions makes the process smoother and ensures the cabinets are installed correctly.

RTA Cabinet Trends in 2025

Colors, Finishes, and Styles to Watch

In 2025, the most popular RTA kitchen cabinets are moving away from plain white and embracing warm, natural tones. Trending styles include:

• Sage green and soft blue cabinets for a calming, earthy look
• Natural wood tones that highlight the grain of solid wood
• Matte black and charcoal for a bold, modern contrast
• Mixed finishes like wood lowers with painted uppers

RTA cabinets are also offering more variety in styles, from classic shaker cabinet doors to modern slab fronts and transitional hybrid designs.

Modular Flexibility and Smart Storage

Many RTA cabinet manufacturers now offer modular systems with a wide range of sizes and configurations. Features like:

• Pull-out spice racks and tray dividers
• Corner solutions like Lazy Susans
• Open shelving and glass cabinet doors
• Trash pull-outs and soft-close hardware

These options make RTA cabinets ready to meet the demands of modern kitchens without custom pricing.

Who Should Choose RTA Cabinets?

Homeowners Remodeling on a Budget

RTA cabinets are a favorite among homeowners looking for affordable RTA cabinets without sacrificing quality. If you want a stylish, functional kitchen that doesn’t break the bank, choosing RTA cabinets can deliver a high-end look for less.

DIY Enthusiasts and Handy Homeowners

For those comfortable with basic tools and instructions, RTA cabinets offer a rewarding project and a sense of accomplishment. DIY assembly saves labor costs and allows for more flexible scheduling during your kitchen remodeling process.

Contractors and Builders

RTA cabinets come ready to assemble quickly and are ideal for builders who need quick turnaround times without long lead times. With consistent sizing and quality, they’re easy to work with and make professional installation efficient.

Tips for Choosing RTA Cabinets

Ask the Right Questions

Before buying RTA cabinets, make sure to ask:

• Are the cabinet boxes made with plywood or MDF?
• Are the cabinet doors and drawer fronts made from solid wood?
• What type of hardware is included, are hinges soft close?
• Are the drawer boxes dovetailed and full extension?
• Is there a warranty or customer service policy?

Avoid Lower Quality Materials

Watch out for cabinets made entirely of low-grade MDF or particleboard. While MDF has its place in door construction or painted finishes, the entire frame and box should use more durable materials like plywood or solid wood.

Work with Reputable Suppliers

Not all RTA cabinet manufacturers offer the same quality. Buying from a trusted company with a proven track record ensures you’re getting good quality products with the right support.

Installing RTA Cabinets: What to Expect

What You’ll Need

Most RTA cabinets can be assembled with:

• A few basic tools like a screwdriver, drill, rubber mallet, and level
• Clamps to hold panels during assembly
• Screws, metal clips, and cam locks (usually included)

Assembly Tips

• Read the instructions before starting
• Organize hardware and parts from each flat box before you assemble
• Work on a clean, flat surface
• Double-check that cabinet boxes are square before tightening everything

If you’re not confident in your skills, consider hiring a pro for the professional installation. It’s still more affordable than buying pre assembled cabinets and ensures the job is done right.

Frequently Asked Questions About RTA Cabinets

What are RTA cabinets made of?

Most high quality RTA cabinets are built with plywood for cabinet boxes, solid wood for cabinet doors and face frames, and MDF for smooth painted finishes when appropriate.

How long does it take to assemble RTA cabinets?

Each cabinet may take 20 to 40 minutes to assemble. A full kitchen typically takes a weekend for DIY enthusiasts or a day for professionals.

Are RTA cabinets lower quality than other cabinets?

Not necessarily. The best RTA cabinets are made with high quality materials and hardware and can be just as durable as more expensive pre assembled options.

Can I assemble RTA cabinets myself?

Yes. With a few basic tools and the included instructions, many homeowners can assemble RTA cabinets without hiring a pro.

Do RTA cabinets include everything I need?

Yes. Most RTA cabinets come with all the cabinet boxes, drawer fronts, hardware, and instructions needed to complete the assembly.

Final Thoughts: Are RTA Cabinets Right for Your Kitchen?

RTA cabinets offer a smart balance of cost, quality, and design flexibility. With the right materials, assembly, and layout planning, most RTA cabinets can deliver the same performance and style as more expensive options.

If you’re remodeling a kitchen and want to get the most value out of your budget, ready to assemble cabinets could be the perfect solution. Whether you’re a DIYer looking to save on labor costs or a contractor sourcing materials for multiple projects, RTA cabinets come with real advantages, especially when sourced from the right place.

At Kitchen Search, we help you choose the best RTA cabinets for your kitchen layout, style, and price range. Our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way, from design consultation to delivery.