Ordering RTA Cabinets for the First Time? Here's What to Expect
- Prefinished Cabinets
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
Ordering cabinets is one of the most exciting steps in any home renovation. Whether you’re designing a brand-new kitchen or updating a laundry room or bath, seeing your new cabinetry come together is incredibly rewarding.
For many homeowners, though, this may be the first time purchasing and assembling cabinets, especially RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) cabinets. If you’ve never taken on a project like this before, it’s completely normal to have questions — or even feel a little unsure when those first flat-packed boxes arrive.
This guide will walk you through what to expect, explain how RTA cabinets are built, and help you understand how proper assembly and installation reveal a cabinet's true beauty.
What Are RTA Cabinets?
RTA cabinets, or Ready-to-Assemble cabinets, are shipped flat-packed to make them easier to transport and more affordable. Instead of being assembled at the factory, the individual cabinet components are packaged securely and designed to be assembled on-site.
When you first open the boxes, you’ll see flat panels, doors, hardware, and fasteners. At first glance, the parts may not look like “real cabinets” yet — but once properly assembled, Quality RTA cabinets look and perform just like fully assembled or custom-built cabinetry.
In fact, our RTA cabinets are constructed the same way that quality custom cabinets are constructed — using durable plywood cabinet boxes, solid wood face frames, and and dovetail drawers. The only difference is that RTA cabinets are packaged flat and assembled in your home rather than at a warehouse or factory.
Many of our assembled cabinet lines are exactly the same as our RTA cabinets, built from the same materials and to the same specifications. They simply arrive pre-assembled for convenience.
Understanding Cabinet Quality
It’s easy to assume that “flat-packed” means “flimsy,” but the quality of a cabinet is determined by its materials and construction methods, not how it’s shipped.
Quality RTA and assembled cabinets typically feature:
Plywood cabinet boxes that hold up well to everyday use and support heavy countertops
Solid wood face frames for strength
Soft-close hinges and drawer glides that reduce wear and tear
Dovetail drawer construction for long-lasting durability
These are the same construction details found in many premium custom cabinet lines. With proper assembly and installation, RTA cabinets provide the same stability, functionality, and appearance as their pre-assembled counterparts.
What to Expect During Assembly
Assembling RTA cabinets is a hands-on process that requires patience and a few basic tools. After a small learning curve, most homeowners find it straightforward once they get started.
To assemble cabinets, you’ll typically need:
A screwdriver or drill
A rubber mallet
Wood glue (recommended for added strength)
Clamps to hold pieces square during assembly
A clean, flat workspace that will protect the cabinets
Our website includes detailed assembly sheets and step-by-step how-to videos that demonstrate every stage of the process. Attention to detail and taking your time will ensure your cabinets come together solidly and accurately.
Why Cabinets Don’t Feel “Sturdy” Until Installed
When you first assemble an RTA cabinet, you might notice that it feels lighter or less rigid than expected. That’s perfectly normal. Cabinets aren’t meant to function as stand-alone furniture pieces — they’re designed to be part of a built-in system.
Cabinets only gain their full strength and stability once they are:
Leveled and shimmed properly
Anchored securely to wall studs
Fastened to adjacent cabinets (to form a continuous run)
Once installed, your cabinetry becomes one strong, unified structure. The finished result is every bit as sturdy and professional as any custom or pre-assembled installation.
Tips for a Successful Installation
Whether you’re assembling your cabinets yourself or working with an installer, these tips can help ensure great results:
Locate your floor's unique high spots and start with a level base. Use a long level and shims to account for uneven floors or walls.
Work from the corners out. Begin with corner or base cabinets to set your layout.
Use clamps and pilot holes. These help keep joints tight and prevent splitting.
Check alignment as you go. Small adjustments early on prevent bigger issues later.
Take your time. A careful installation always looks more professional than a rushed one.
We've complied a collection of cabinet installation videos from This Old House' - Check out these how-to videos with expert advice from Tom Silva.
From Flat Packs to a Finished Space
When your cabinets first arrive, it can be difficult to imagine how those flat boxes will transform into your dream kitchen. But once assembled, leveled, and installed, you’ll see the precision and craftsmanship that went into each component.
RTA cabinets offer the same level of quality and durability as custom cabinetry—just in a more efficient, flexible format. With the right assembly techniques and installation practices, they’ll deliver a polished, high-end look built to last for years.
Final Thoughts
If this is your first time taking on a project like this, remember — every expert was once a beginner. With the right tools and a bit of determination, you’ll find that assembling and installing your own cabinets can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
And remember, we’re here to help even after your cabinets arrive. If you have questions during assembly or installation, give us a call. We’re happy to provide guidance and professional advice to help your project go smoothly and make your cabinets look their best.
Ready to Start Shopping for Kitchen Cabinets or Accessories? Prefinished Cabinets offers a large variety of quality wood cabinets all backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty. Choose from Traditional Face-Framed Cabinets or Modern, Frameless Euro-style Cabinets. With over 350 cabinets to choose from, you're sure to find fantastic cabinetry for any project. Take advantage of our FREE Kitchen Design and How to Measure Guide. Just let us know when you're ready to get started!
