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Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) cabinets are a cost-effective and convenient option for installing new cabinets in your home. To install RTA cabinets, follow these steps:
1. Measure and plan: Measure your space and determine the layout for your cabinets. Take accurate measurements to ensure a proper fit.
2. Order your cabinets: Choose the style and finish of RTA cabinets that best suit your needs. Order the necessary cabinets and any additional accessories or hardware.
3. Prepare the space: Remove old cabinets, clean the area, and repair any damage or uneven surfaces. Ensure that the walls are smooth and level.
4. Assemble the cabinets: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble each cabinet. Use the provided hardware and tools to secure the pieces together.
5. Install the cabinets: Start with the base cabinets and work your way up. Use a level to ensure they are straight and secure them to the wall studs. Install the upper cabinets in the same manner.
6. Add finishing touches: Install any additional accessories, such as shelves or drawer organizers. Adjust the cabinet doors and drawers for proper alignment.
7. Enjoy your new cabinets: Once everything is installed and properly aligned, your RTA cabinets are ready to use. Enjoy the improved functionality and aesthetics of your new cabinets.
By following these steps, you can successfully install RTA cabinets in your home and achieve a professional-looking result.
Previously, installing kitchen cabinets was a demanding and challenging task. Nevertheless, many manufacturers have started selling ready-to-assemble cabinets, also called RTA cabinets. As the name suggests, they are delivered to the buyer in a ready-to-assemble form, enabling homeowners to reduce labor and shipping costs.
Although the installation process is a manageable DIY project, it can still be daunting for beginners. Learning more about RTA cabinet installation can help you take the necessary steps to ensure that your new cupboards last a lifetime.
Points to Consider Before Purchasing RTA Cabinets
Since numerous retailers now provide RTA cabinets, quality varies considerably among brands. There are several factors to consider to ensure that you get durable and well-made kitchen cabinets.
- Structure: The majority of RTA cabinet boxes are made of plywood, particleboard, or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Plywood is usually stronger and can resist moisture better. It is also lighter, making it easier to install as hanging wall cabinets. You can find plywood cabinets at retailers like the RTA Store. Particleboard cabinets are more affordable and are often available at retailers like IKEA and Home Depot. However, they should be avoided in humid areas such as bathrooms since they are more susceptible to water damage.
- Screws: Using confirmat screws during the installation process is one method to increase the durability of particleboard and MDF. These stronger screws help keep the cabinets sturdy without breaking down the wood. If you choose particleboard or MDF, check to see if the manufacturer supplies the confirmat screws. Otherwise, they can be found at your local hardware store.
- Solid Wood Frames: Although the exposed frames of cabinets must be somewhat strong, appearance is also crucial. Many people prefer frames made of attractive solid woods like cherry or oak.
- Full-Extension Drawer Guides: Ensure that your drawers have glides that allow for a full extension to make the most of your cabinets, enabling you to access everything inside them easily.
- Green Cabinets: The process of making cabinets and the materials used in assembly can sometimes produce what the Environmental Protection Agency calls volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Over time, VOCs negatively impact indoor air quality and can lead to adverse health effects. Look for manufacturers that avoid particleboard or MDF with urea-formaldehyde binders, use safe finishes, offer recycled or reclaimed wood options and offer cabinet boxes made of marine-grade plywood if you want cleaner, environmentally conscious cabinets.
- Solid Wood Drawers with Dovetail Joinery: Since you’ll be assembling the cabinets yourself, joinery methods on drawers are essential for maintaining a similar quality to cabinets put together by professionals. Old House Journal refers to this interlocking joinery as the most robust and traditional of options for kitchen cabinets.
Although online retailers offer far more options for RTA cabinet materials and styles than brick-and-mortar stores, it can be challenging to envision what a cabinet would look like in your home based solely on an online photo. If you’re having trouble envisioning, most retailers allow you to order sample RTA cabinet doors to give you an idea of what it would look like in your space.
Measuring for New Cabinets
After selecting the perfect RTA cabinets for your space, the next step is to determine the size and placement of the cabinets. This requires taking accurate measurements to ensure that you order the right cabinets. If you’re replacing old cabinets, you can replicate the same configuration as before. However, if you’re doing a kitchen remodel or building a new place, measuring may require more creativity and planning.
It’s crucial to pay attention to your intended kitchen design before ordering ready-to-assemble cabinets.
Image Credit:
Nicole Mason
When deciding on the height and width of the cabinets, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important factors is whether you want a toe-kick space, which is a recessed space between the floor and the bottom of the base of the cabinets. This space allows room for your toes to move and lets you stand directly adjacent to the countertop, making it easier to use the counter as a workspace.
If you want a toe-kick space, you’ll need a base for the cabinet boxes. Most bases allow the base cabinets to sit about 4 inches above the ground and allow for a recess that’s about 3-inches deep, though you can customize yours if you want more or less space. Some RTA cabinet retailers offer toe-kick base options in different finishes, edges and shapes as well as toe-kick particleboards for the outward-facing part of the base. You can also build your own customizable bases using 2×4 pieces of plywood, though this typically requires some DIY experience.
It’s also essential to avoid covering any electrical wires or outlets and to ensure that cabinet doors do not swing open in inconvenient ways. If you’re installing both base and wall cabinets, consider how much room you want in between them. Typically, most people leave about 18 to 20 inches, though you might want more room if you have large countertop appliances. If you’re feeling lost or indecisive during the measuring process, some RTA cabinet retailers offer suggested cabinet placements and measurements based on the dimensions of your room.
How to Install RTA Cabinets
Step 1: Prepare for Installation
Once you’ve taken accurate measurements and ordered your RTA cabinets, it’s time to prepare for the installation process. Begin by cleaning the area where the cabinets will go, making sure to remove any dirt and debris from the floor and ensuring that the area is dry.
Next, gather the tools you’ll need for the job. The good news is that you probably won’t need too many uncommon tools as RTA cabinets typically come with all the screws, wood dowels, or glue needed for assembly. However, you’ll likely need a drill and a screwdriver. Depending on the type of RTA cabinets you buy and their placement, you may also need a nail gun to speed up and streamline the process as well as a table saw to cut the fillers and moldings on the cabinets. Tools such as a level, rubber clamps, and a stud finder may also come in handy.
Having a drill is crucial for installing ready-to-assemble cabinets.
Image Credit:
Valentyn Semenov / EyeEm/EyeEm/GettyImages
Step 2: Assemble the Cabinets
Begin by covering the floor with a protective layer to avoid any scratches. Then, follow the provided instructions for assembling the cabinets which may involve the use of wood glue, sliding the cabinet sides into position, and securing the parts with screws. This task can usually be accomplished by a single person, but for larger cabinets, it’s advisable to have a partner who can assist in sliding the larger sides into place or hold the cabinet steady when using a screwdriver.
Most RTA cabinets come with instruction booklets containing illustrations to guide you through the process step by step. If you’re still having difficulty with assembling the cabinets, many brands have online videos that can guide you through the process specific to your cabinet model and brand, which can be found by searching for them on the internet.
Step 3: Install the Cabinets
Once you’ve finished assembling all of your cabinets, you can start installing them. This task should not be done alone as someone needs to hold the cabinet in place while another person screws or nails the cabinet to the wall.
Begin by installing the cabinets that are higher up on the wall, such as wall cabinets. Start with the upper corner cabinet and, after identifying the wall studs, use a pencil to mark where the cabinets should be drilled. Carefully drill the cabinet into the wall, but not all the way. If your walls, ceilings, or floors are uneven, you may need to use shims to adjust the cabinet’s placement. Once all cabinets are in place, fully screw them into the wall.
Install the base cabinets similarly to the wall cabinets by starting with the corner cabinet and not fully screwing the cabinets into the wall until all are in place.
Step 4: Install Finishes and Trims
Now that your cabinets are in place, it’s time to add the finishing touches. This may involve installing doors, drawers, moldings, trimmings, toe-kick boards, and other pieces depending on the brand and style of your RTA cabinet.
You may also need to install fillers between cabinets or between the floor and the toe-kick space. The materials for fillers will be provided with your cabinets, but you may need to use a table saw or other tools to cut them to size. Then, open the cabinet and screw the fillers from the inside to secure them in place.
FAQ
1. What are Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) cabinets?
Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) cabinets are unassembled cabinets that are delivered to your doorstep. They come with all the necessary parts and hardware required for installation, along with detailed instructions.
2. How difficult is it to install RTA cabinets?
Installing RTA cabinets can be a DIY project, even for those with limited experience. The cabinets are designed for easy assembly, and the instructions provided are usually clear and user-friendly. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and have some basic tools on hand.
3. What tools do I need to install RTA cabinets?
The tools required for installing RTA cabinets generally include a screwdriver, a drill, a level, a tape measure, and a rubber mallet. Some additional tools may be needed depending on the specific cabinet design and installation requirements mentioned in the instructions.
4. Can I hire a professional to install RTA cabinets for me?
Absolutely! If you are not confident in your DIY skills or simply prefer to have a professional handle the installation, you can hire a contractor or a handyman to do the job for you. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to ensure a proper installation.
5. Are RTA cabinets durable and of good quality?
Yes, RTA cabinets can be durable and of good quality if you choose the right manufacturer or supplier. It is important to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase. Look for cabinets made of high-quality materials such as solid wood or plywood, as they tend to be more durable and long-lasting.
6. Can I customize RTA cabinets to fit my kitchen space?
Most RTA cabinets come in standard sizes, but some manufacturers offer customization options. You may be able to choose different dimensions, finishes, or additional features to fit your specific kitchen layout. Check with the manufacturer or supplier to see if customization is available.
7. How long does it take to install RTA cabinets?
The installation time for RTA cabinets can vary depending on the size of your kitchen, the complexity of the design, and your level of experience. On average, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days to complete the installation process.