Dreaming of a kitchen makeover but worried about the cost? You’re not alone! Many people want a beautiful new kitchen without breaking the bank. Ready-to-assemble (RTA) kitchen cabinets offer a way to get that dream kitchen at a lower price. But with so many choices, it’s easy to feel lost. How do you pick the best ones for your home? What should you look for?
Choosing RTA cabinets can feel overwhelming. You might wonder about the quality, how hard they are to put together, or if they’ll look as good as custom cabinets. These are common worries that can make the decision stressful. But don’t let that stop you from getting the kitchen you deserve!
In this post, we’ll guide you through the world of RTA kitchen cabinets. We’ll help you understand what makes a good RTA cabinet, what to avoid, and how to choose a style that fits your taste and budget. By the end, you’ll feel confident in selecting the perfect RTA cabinets to transform your kitchen into a space you’ll love.
Our Top 5 Ready To Assemble Kitchen Cabinets Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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VEVOR White Shaker Base Cabinet | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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FAMAPY Wall-Mounted Kitchen Pantry Kitchen Cabinets with Countertop | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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Brookings Shaker Unassembled Sink Base Kitchen Cabinet SB36 | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Shintenchi Buffet Cabinet with Storage | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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BOTLOG 72″ Kitchen Pantry Cabinet | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Ready To Assemble Kitchen Cabinets Detailed Reviews
1. VEVOR White Shaker Base Cabinet
Rating: 8.8/10
Looking for a stylish and functional storage solution? The VEVOR White Shaker Base Cabinet offers a clean, modern look that fits right into your home office, living room, or even garage. This 36-inch cabinet is ready to assemble and provides plenty of space for all your belongings.
What We Like:
- The cabinet is made from quality particle board and MDF, making it durable.
- Soft-close hinges on the doors mean they shut quietly and smoothly, no more slamming!
- Cleaning is a breeze with its smooth surface.
- It offers versatile storage with a faux drawer and two doors, plus an adjustable shelf to organize your items just right.
- Assembly is straightforward thanks to a detailed manual and numbered parts.
- The door direction can be changed to fit your space.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cabinet does not come with a top surface, so you’ll need to provide one.
- Be careful with sharp objects as they can scratch the surface.
This VEVOR cabinet is a solid choice for adding organized storage to your home. Its thoughtful design and easy assembly make it a practical addition to any room.
2. FAMAPY Wall-Mounted Kitchen Pantry Kitchen Cabinets with Countertop
Rating: 9.5/10
Tired of a cluttered kitchen? The FAMAPY Wall-Mounted Kitchen Pantry offers a smart solution. This cabinet set combines a sleek wall-mounted unit with a sturdy free-standing cabinet, giving you tons of organized storage space. Its white and oak finish adds a touch of modern style to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- This pantry cabinet saves space with its wall-mounted design.
- It offers plenty of storage with four tiers of shelves in the wall unit.
- The free-standing cabinet has two drawers for smaller items and adjustable shelves.
- The 63-inch countertop is perfect for food prep tasks like chopping veggies.
- It’s made from strong MDF board for lasting durability.
- Each shelf can hold up to 66 pounds, making it great for heavy items.
- A special wall-mounting device keeps it secure.
What Could Be Improved:
- Assembly requires two people and careful attention to instructions.
- The unit comes in many pieces, so installation can take time.
This FAMAPY kitchen pantry cabinet is a fantastic way to boost your kitchen’s organization and functionality. It provides ample storage and a helpful workspace, making your kitchen more efficient.
3. Brookings Shaker Unassembled Sink Base Kitchen Cabinet SB36
Rating: 9.0/10
The Brookings Shaker Unassembled Sink Base Kitchen Cabinet SB36 offers a clean and classic look for your kitchen. This cabinet measures 36 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 34.5 inches high. It features two doors that open to a spacious interior. The painted white finish gives it a bright and airy feel. This cabinet is made from solid wood, making it a sturdy choice for your kitchen.
What We Like:
- Its solid wood construction ensures it will last a long time.
- The soft-close hinges make the doors close quietly and smoothly.
- The doors can be adjusted in six ways for a perfect fit.
- The inside of the cabinet looks nice and is also built to be durable.
- It has plenty of room to help you keep your kitchen organized.
What Could Be Improved:
- It comes unassembled, so you will need to put it together yourself.
- The instructions for assembly could be clearer for some users.
This cabinet is a solid addition to most kitchens, providing both style and function. It’s a great way to update your space and improve organization.
4. Shintenchi Buffet Cabinet with Storage
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of clutter? The Shintenchi Buffet Cabinet with Storage is here to help! This large, 53.4-inch cabinet offers tons of room for your kitchen, living room, or hallway. It’s a stylish and practical addition to any home, blending farmhouse charm with modern design.
What We Like:
- Massive Storage Space: It has everything you need! The spacious top is great for grabbing things quickly. Three drawers keep your forks and knives neat. Four doors open to reveal adjustable shelves, perfect for mugs, dishes, and other kitchen stuff.
- Super Versatile: Don’t just use it in the kitchen! It works as a console table in your hallway for photos. It can also be an accent cabinet in your living room to hide away knick-knacks. You can even use it as a TV stand.
- Stylish Farmhouse Look: The cabinet mixes a cool wood grain with a clean white finish. This makes it fit in with farmhouse, modern, or even traditional homes. It looks great anywhere!
- Modern & Safe Design: Choose from white, grey, or dark brown to match your style. The drawers slide smoothly, and the metal handles make them easy to open. Plus, it has an anti-tipping device for extra safety.
- Built to Last: Made from strong manufactured wood and good hardware, this cabinet is stable and durable. The top can hold up to 180 pounds, so it’s built for your everyday items.
What Could Be Improved:
- Assembly might take some time and effort.
- The white finish could show dirt more easily than darker colors.
This Shintenchi buffet cabinet is a fantastic solution for organizing your home with style. It offers ample storage and a design that fits into many different rooms.
5. BOTLOG 72″ Kitchen Pantry Cabinet
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of kitchen clutter? The BOTLOG 72″ Kitchen Pantry Cabinet, Kitchen Hutch with Microwave Stand, Buffet Cabinet with Hutch for Dining Room, White offers a stylish and practical solution. This large cabinet brings order to your kitchen, dining room, or even a coffee bar area.
What We Like:
- Generous storage with 10 enclosed compartments and two drawers keeps everything neat.
- A spacious 47” countertop is perfect for your microwave or preparing food.
- Adjustable shelves let you customize storage for items of all sizes.
- Durable engineered wood with waterproof paint ensures long-lasting use.
- Anti-tipping devices add an extra layer of safety.
- The clean white finish and elegant design fit into most home decor styles.
- Cable management holes keep cords tidy.
- Assembly is straightforward with detailed instructions.
What Could Be Improved:
- Assembly requires receiving two separate packages, which might delay the start of building.
This BOTLOG cabinet is an excellent way to maximize your storage and bring a touch of elegance to your home. It’s a practical addition for any space needing organization.
Ready-to-Assemble Kitchen Cabinets: Your Kitchen Upgrade Guide
Thinking about a kitchen makeover? Ready-to-assemble (RTA) kitchen cabinets offer a budget-friendly and often DIY-friendly way to get the look you want. This guide helps you understand what to look for and how to choose the best RTA cabinets for your home.
Why Choose RTA Cabinets?
RTA cabinets come in flat boxes, ready for you to put them together. This saves money because you don’t pay for pre-assembly. Many people find putting them together a fun weekend project. They are a great option if you want new cabinets without the high cost of custom or fully assembled ones.
1. Key Features to Look For
A. Cabinet Construction
Look for cabinets with sturdy construction. This means strong joints and good support. Many RTA cabinets use cam locks and dowels to connect pieces. This system is usually strong and easy to use.
B. Drawer Slides
Good drawer slides make a big difference. Full-extension drawer slides let you pull the drawer all the way out. This makes it easy to reach things in the back. Soft-close slides are a nice touch; they prevent drawers from slamming shut.
C. Door and Drawer Styles
RTA cabinets come in many styles. Shaker style is very popular. It has a simple, clean look with a flat center panel. Slab doors are even simpler, just a flat panel. You can also find raised panel doors for a more traditional feel.
D. Finish and Color
The finish protects the cabinet and adds to its look. Common finishes include painted, stained, or laminate. White, gray, and natural wood tones are popular choices. Make sure the finish is durable and easy to clean.
2. Important Materials
A. Cabinet Boxes
The main cabinet boxes are often made from particleboard, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), or plywood. Plywood is generally the strongest and most durable. It holds up better to moisture. MDF and particleboard are less expensive but can be weaker and swell if they get wet.
B. Drawer Boxes
Good drawer boxes use solid wood, often pine or birch. Dovetail joints are a sign of quality construction for drawer boxes. They are very strong and last a long time. Cheaper drawers might use staples or screws.
C. Doors and Drawer Fronts
These can be made from solid wood, MDF, or a combination. Solid wood doors are the most durable and look great. MDF doors are often painted and can offer a smooth finish. Some doors have a wood veneer over MDF.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A. Improves Quality
- Solid Wood Components: Doors, drawer fronts, and drawer boxes made from solid wood are a big plus.
- Plywood Construction: Plywood cabinet boxes are stronger than particleboard or MDF.
- Dovetail Drawer Joints: This is a strong and classic way to build drawers.
- Full-Extension Drawer Slides: They make drawers much more useful.
- Soft-Close Hinges and Slides: These add a touch of luxury and prevent damage.
B. Reduces Quality
- Particleboard Boxes: These can sag over time and are not good with moisture.
- Stapled Drawer Joints: These are not as strong as dovetail or even screw construction.
- Partial-Extension Drawer Slides: You can’t reach the back of these drawers easily.
- Thin Back Panels: The back of the cabinet should be at least 1/4 inch thick.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
RTA cabinets are perfect for homeowners who want to save money and are comfortable with some DIY work. They are a popular choice for kitchen remodels, basement bars, laundry rooms, and garages. People who choose RTA cabinets often enjoy the satisfaction of building their own kitchen. The assembly process is usually straightforward, with clear instructions. However, it’s important to have the right tools and be patient. The final result can be a beautiful, functional kitchen that looks like it cost a lot more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are RTA cabinets as good as pre-assembled cabinets?
A: RTA cabinets can be just as good, depending on the materials and construction. High-quality RTA cabinets use strong materials and good joinery, making them very durable.
Q: How difficult is it to assemble RTA cabinets?
A: Most RTA cabinets are designed for easy assembly. They often come with clear instructions and all the necessary hardware. It’s usually a manageable DIY project for most people.
Q: What tools do I need to assemble RTA cabinets?
A: You’ll typically need a screwdriver (often a power drill with different bits), a hammer, and a measuring tape. Some kits might require a rubber mallet.
Q: How long does it take to assemble RTA cabinets?
A: The time varies depending on your skill level and the number of cabinets. It can take anywhere from an hour to a full weekend to assemble a set of cabinets.
Q: Can I paint or stain RTA cabinets?
A: Yes, many RTA cabinets can be painted or stained. Unfinished cabinets are made specifically for this. If they have a finish, check if it’s suitable for painting over.
Q: What is the difference between RTA and flat-pack cabinets?
A: They are essentially the same thing. “RTA” emphasizes that they are ready for you to assemble, while “flat-pack” refers to how they are shipped.
Q: How do I measure for RTA cabinets?
A: Measure the length and height of each wall where you plan to install cabinets. Also, note the location of windows, doors, and appliances. It’s helpful to draw a simple floor plan.
Q: What is the warranty on RTA cabinets?
A: Warranties vary by manufacturer. Many offer a limited warranty, often for one to five years, covering manufacturing defects.
Q: Can RTA cabinets be customized?
A: While you can’t customize the size or style like custom cabinets, you can often add accessories like pull-out shelves, organizers, and decorative hardware to personalize them.
Q: Where can I buy RTA cabinets?
A: You can find RTA cabinets online from various retailers, as well as at some home improvement stores. Online shopping often offers a wider selection and competitive prices.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!