Hello World! Welcome Friends! Home remodeling projects have been on the rise in the last year. We think this may be due to most of us spending more time at home and realizing that some things need to be updated.
One of the most popular remodeling projects homeowners are tackling is the kitchen. There are many different pieces of the kitchen puzzle to consider while putting together a remodeling wish list and budget. One of the most important is the cabinets you will be using. You may have noticed that there are many different styles of cabinets but that they also come pre-assembled or Ready To Assemble (RTA). Either of these options has 100s of styles, finishes, wood varieties, and sizes to choose from.
If you’re stuck trying to choose between RTA and pre-assembled cabinets, we’ve put together some of the pros and cons of each choice to help you make the decision that works best for you.
What Are RTA Cabinets?
Ready To Assemble cabinets require you to put in a little bit of work before they can be installed. They come unassembled and are flat-packed when they are shipped. The assembly is usually not terribly difficult but varies based on the design of the cabinet.
If you’re not an overly handy person, you may be concerned about having to put together your cabinets yourself. Rest assured that the cabinets come with clear instructions, and most distributors will have instructional videos on their website to help you out. Plus, the cabinets usually come with pre-drilled holes, so all of the hardest parts are done for you.
Pros of RTA Cabinets
The biggest draw to RTA cabinets is the price. Since you have to put in some of the work, you’ll be saving money, sometimes as much as 50% off the price of pre-assembled cabinets. RTA cabinets are less expensive since you have to put them together and also because the shipping is cheaper since they come in smaller packages.
Another pro to choosing RTA cabinets is that there is more design flexibility since you put them together yourself. For example, you could add an extra shelf or remove a shelf depending on your needs.
It is important to note that RTA cabinets are not of a lower quality than pre-assembled cabinets.
They are often made of the same materials; it’s just that one is ready to be installed and the other is not.
Cons of RTA Cabinets
If you prefer to save time over money, RTA cabinets may not be your best choice. While most people can assemble an RTA cabinet in about 15 minutes, depending on your kitchen or bathroom size and how many cabinets you need to put together, that could equal a lot of time spent.
Another consideration to take is that in the event the assembly is more than you bargained for, you’ll have to hire someone to put the cabinets together, which will end up costing you more money than if you would have purchases pre-assembled cabinets.
Now, let’s take a look at pre-assembled cabinets to help you decide which is best for your project.
What are Pre-Assembled Cabinets?
Pre-assembled cabinets are exactly as the name describes, already assembled and ready to be installed. They do not require any work. All parts of the cabinets, including drawers and hardware components are already put together for you.
Pros of Pre-Assembled Cabinets
Pre-assembled cabinets are more convenient than RTA cabinets since they can be installed right away, hopefully leading to your project being completed more quickly.
Pre-Assembled cabinets can be customized into more complex options like adding a lazy susan or pull-out drawers. They can also be made to your specific measurements so you can get exactly what you need.
Cons of Pre-Assembled Cabinets
The biggest con of pre-assembled cabinets is the price. Since the manufacturer puts them together, they cost significantly more than RTA cabinets. The shipping on pre-assembled cabinets is also a huge factor in the price since they can’t be shipped in flat boxes and often come from overseas.
Something else to consider is the length of time it takes from order to installation. Pre-assembled cabinets are oftentimes built to order and are not readily available. So, make sure you plan accordingly.
Ready to Get Started?
Hopefully, this has helped you decide between RTA cabinets and their pre-assembled counterparts. If you have more questions, one of our design consultants would be happy to help.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
Deep Clean Your Curtains And Drapes in 5 Steps
Problems Managing Construction Supplies
5 Ways to Make Your Condo Look Bigger
7 Situations That Call for a Handyman
Office Settings With A Standing Desk
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Toodles,
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