Do you want to get an aesthetically pleasing and functional kitchen? You need to install kitchen cabinets. They will not only boost your cooking zeal but will also make you more efficient in the kitchen. The cabinets occupy more than half of the kitchen’s wall.
In case you are planning to revamp your kitchen, you shouldn’t ignore the importance of getting the right kitchen cabinets for the space. But they don’t come at a cheap price. If you are looking for a budget option, you can consider RTA cabinets wholesale.
What is an RTA Cabinet?
The full form of RTA is ready-to-assemble. This is self-explanatory. When you get RTA kitchen cabinets, all parts are cut to size, holes are already drilled where required, and any finishes you require are already applied. Thereafter, the parts are wrapped to be delivered to you. Get them from the store if they are in stock, or get them shipped to your location.
Thereafter, you have to take upon the task of assembling the RTA cabinets and installing them. You will find the instructions with the cabinets. However, these are usually drawings and steps without any written guidance. A few companies will also provide you with links to online videos that will show how you can assemble the cabinets. If you cannot assemble them all by yourself, you can always hire an expert.
Things to Keep in Mind While Purchasing RTA Cabinets for Your Kitchen
There are a few things that you need to keep in mind before you purchase RTA cabinets.
1. Quality
Like any other cabinets, RTA cabinets are available in all types of quality. Purchase RTA cabinets that are attractive and strong. Don’t just buy anything that looks attractive in the showroom. However, you should be able to recognize poor-quality cabinets.
Make sure that you avoid choosing cabinets with stapled particleboard, integrated rail drawer guides, doors of veneered particleboard, etc.
Here are a few features of a good quality RTA cabinet-
- Full-extension drawer guides
- Solid wood drawers that have dovetail joinery
- Coating and finishes are applied by brush instead of being spread on
- Doors that come with solid wooden frame with panels that have been developed either of plywood or solid wood
You can easily check these features in a store. However, if you are getting them online, you can ask for a door sample.
2. Measurement
Make sure that you measure the dimension of the space where you are going to place them before you buy RTA cabinets. The standard size of cabinets might not fit into your kitchen area. The ideal way to get the right measurement is to check out all the available sizes and then select the one that will fit into your kitchen. Generally, an open kitchen requires bigger cabinets that you can personalize as per your requirements.
3. Easy to Install
One of the primary benefits of RTA cabinets is the customization option it provides. When you take all measurements into account, you can buy the different pieces and get them delivered to your front door. Once you get them, you can start to install them following the instructions.
The cabinet you are buying should be designed with DIYer in mind. All you should need are a screwdriver, hammer, nails, and glue. If it requires more than this, you probably shouldn’t go for it.
Read more: Important Tips For Cleaning Sticky Grease Off Kitchen Cabinet
Types of RTA Cabinets
Apart from the cabinet still, you should also consider the cabinet overlay, which is something you should consider for all types of cabinets. An overlay is how the cabinet door sits on the cabinet frame.
Here are three different types of cabinet overlay that are available in the market.
1. Partial Overlay
It is one of the most popular overlays for a cabinet. The overlay can leave some space between the drawers and the cabinet doors. With this, you do not always need hardware. It is the least expensive kind of cabinet you can get for your kitchen. The partial overlay will provide a more classical and traditional look to the RTA unfinished cabinets.
2. Full Overlay
The full overlay kind of kitchen cabinets will cover the entire front portion of the cabinet frame. Where the cabinet doors are meeting, you will find tiny space in between. To let you open and close the quality RTA cabinets, you will need hardware. The full overlay will give you a bigger storage capacity and you will easily be able to access the items, which are present in the cupboard. It gives a sleek and contemporary look to your RTA cabinets wholesale.
3. Inset
These are the doors, which will be fitted into the inner part of the frame. So, they lie flush with the cabinet frame. The whole frame will be exposed to the view and the edges of the cabinet doors are protected. They are less prone to damage or nick. It is generally more expensive than a full or partial overlay, Also, if you install them in your kitchen, you might lose more space.
Affordable Alternatives
By installing quality RTA cabinets, you can save a considerable amount of money as opposed to assembled or custom cabinets. You can save money in two ways. Firstly, as they are coming to you disassembled and the cost of shipping RTA is much less in comparison to a fully-assembled cabinet as they take up less room. Secondly, you can assemble and install the cabinets all by yourself. Hence, you will be able to save money on labor costs.
But the money that you are spending will depend on various factors, such as the finish, materials, degree of completion, and complexity. The least expensive cabinets are the ones, which are melamine-coated and have particleboard drawers. But the more expensive options are veneered plywood kitchen cabinets with solid wood doors and hardwood face frames. Cabinets with unique dimensions might cost you a little more.
Before you get the cabinets, it is better to compare them from 2-3 suppliers. This will give you a fair idea about the market price of the product. Don’t forget to check the replacement and return policy of the store from where you are getting your RTA cabinets.