All About Ready-To-Assemble (RTA) Cabinets
Welcome to the world of Ready-To-Assemble (RTA) cabinets—a popular choice among homeowners and contractors alike. Whether you’re updating your kitchen, bathroom, or any part of your home, RTA cabinets offer an affordable, flexible solution. Let’s dive into what they are, why they’ve become so popular, and how our ordering process works to ensure your satisfaction.
What Are RTA Cabinets?
RTA cabinets, as the name suggests, are cabinets that arrive ready to be assembled at your location. They come in flat-pack boxes, with all the necessary parts and hardware included. This setup is perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly and easy-to-transport option that also offers a lot of flexibility in style.
The Rise of RTA Cabinets
RTA cabinets took off in the early 2000s when online shopping and advanced manufacturing made them easier to produce, sell, and ship worldwide. The convenience of buying cabinets online and having them delivered right to your door has revolutionized home renovations, making RTA cabinets a go-to choice for many.
Why Are RTA Cabinets So Popular?
Several key benefits have made RTA cabinets highly popular:
- Cost-Effectiveness: RTA cabinets generally cost less than pre-assembled cabinets. You save on shipping costs, and the ability to assemble the cabinets yourself cuts labor expenses.
- Versatility: RTA cabinets come in a range of styles, materials, and finishes, so they can fit nearly any design preference or home decor.
- Shipping Ease: Because they ship flat, they’re easier and cheaper to transport, with less risk of damage during shipping.
- DIY Friendly: For those who enjoy hands-on projects, assembling these cabinets can be a satisfying DIY experience that allows for personal involvement in your renovation.
Common Concerns About RTA Cabinets
While RTA cabinets have many advantages, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Assembly Required: Not everyone is comfortable with DIY assembly. For some, putting the cabinets together may seem challenging, especially if tools aren’t familiar.
- Quality Perception: Some people may assume that RTA cabinets are lower quality because of their affordability, though many RTA options are made with high-quality materials.
Our Process for Ordering RTA Cabinets
At Gold Coast Solutions, we follow a straightforward, customer-centered process for ordering and installing RTA cabinets.
- Preliminary Layout: First, we create a layout for the cabinets and send it to you for review. If you have any changes, we adjust the layout and resend it for your approval. RTA cabinets come in pre-set sizes, so while we have flexibility, the layout options may be a bit more limited.
- Order Placement: Once you approve the layout, we place the order with our RTA cabinet vendors. The vendor prepares the order, which we then pick up and deliver to your job site in boxes.
- On-Site Assembly: We assemble the cabinets on-site, so you don’t need to worry about assembly yourself. Since RTA cabinets are prefinished, no additional finishing is needed after assembly.
- Installation and Hardware: After the cabinets are installed, we finish up by adding the cabinet pulls (provided by you). If you’re unsure of the exact door style you want, we can bring samples to help you decide. Most customers already have a general style in mind, so we only need to bring a couple of sample doors.
RTA Cabinet Gallery
1. Espresso Shaker Kitchen
- Style: Espresso Shaker
- Finish: Stain-grade
- Details: 36-inch-tall cabinets that do not reach the ceiling, creating an open space above.
2. Espresso Shaker Kitchen with Ceiling Termination
- Style: Espresso Shaker
- Details: 30-inch upper cabinets extending to the ceiling with no crown molding, as per customer preference.
3. Espresso Shaker Vanity
- Style: Espresso Shaker
- Details: Vanity with a specific layout – 12-inch drawer bank on the left, 24-inch sink base in the center, and another 12-inch drawer bank on the right.
4. Emerald Shaker Kitchen with Pantry and Fridge Cabinets
- Style: Emerald Shaker
- Details: Floor-to-ceiling cabinets, pantry storage on the left, and a fridge surround with upper storage. No crown molding, as per customer’s choice.
5. Ashton Gray Kitchen with Vaulted Ceiling
- Style: Ashton Gray
- Details: Small sub-crown molding on upper cabinets to fit the vaulted ceiling. Includes a three-drawer bank (standard for RTA), with upper drawers always 6 inches tall and middle and bottom drawers equally sized.
6. White Shaker Kitchen with Crown Molding
- Style: White Shaker
- Details: Crown molding used to accommodate an uneven ceiling, and a filler panel placed beside a narrow cabinet by the sink for a clean, finished look.
7. Ceiling-Terminated Cabinets with Fridge Surround
- Style: RTA with no crown molding
- Details: Upper cabinets extend to the ceiling. The fridge surround is 24 inches deep, allowing a standard 36-inch fridge to extend slightly beyond the cabinets.
8. Ashton Gray Kitchen with Toe Kick and Symmetry
- Style: Ashton Gray Shaker
- Details: Includes a toe kick for a clean transition from floor to cabinet base. Symmetrical layout on the right side of the wall with equal-width upper and base cabinets for a balanced look.
9. Ashton Gray Kitchen with Glass-Panel Upper Cabinet
- Style: Ashton Gray Shaker
- Details: Optional glass panel in a diagonal upper cabinet adds visual interest. Additional cost applies for this customization.
10. Vanity with Sink Bases and Drawer Banks
- Style: RTA Shaker Vanity
- Details: Vanity layout includes sink bases and three-drawer banks, maximizing storage and functionality.
RTA Cabinet Overview
- Cabinet Finishes & Sizes: RTA cabinets are not custom-made; they come in standard sizes and finishes from Gold Coast’s trusted vendors. Popular finishes include white shaker, cherry shaker, gray raised panel, emerald raised panel, white slab, and black slab. Available widths range from 9” up to 36”. Filler panels may be used to create the perfect fit in your space.
- Modifications: Some minor modifications are possible. For example, a 24” three-drawer cabinet can be customized to fit a microwave if needed.
- Construction Quality: RTA cabinets offer soft-close hinges like custom cabinets, though they use ½-inch plywood boxes instead of ¾-inch. This provides good quality at a more affordable price.
RTA Cabinet Face Styles We Offer
Explore our range of Ready-To-Assemble (RTA) cabinet styles, each available in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit your space and taste:
Antique White Raised Panel: A timeless option with a soft, antique white finish and raised panel design, perfect for traditional and farmhouse styles.
Ashton Grey Shaker: A modern, versatile gray shaker style that complements contemporary and transitional designs alike.
Black Shaker: Sleek and bold, this black shaker style adds a dramatic, sophisticated touch to any kitchen or bathroom.
Espresso Shaker: A rich, dark wood tone in shaker style, ideal for adding depth and warmth to your space.
Grey Shaker: A neutral gray option that pairs well with most color schemes and offers a clean, understated look.
Natural Raised Panel: A warm, natural wood finish with a raised panel that enhances the classic feel of any room.
White Raised Panel: A crisp, bright white with a raised panel design for a clean, classic look.
White Shaker: A popular, versatile choice with a clean white finish and simple shaker profile, suitable for any style.
Each style brings a unique charm and functionality to your project, offering both aesthetics and the practicality of RTA cabinetry.