Kitchen remodeling is a big task. Yes, it is also an exciting one since it provides you with an opportunity to create the layout and design that meets all your requirements. At the same time, it can be quite complex, because there are several things you have to choose and decide.
In the following article, we will focus on assembled and ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets because this is one of the first decisions you have to make. We will tell you about the main difference between these options and also provide you with a list of pros and cons to help you make the right choice.
What is the difference?
First things first, let us answer this question and tell you the difference between assembled and RTA kitchen cabinets. As you can probably assume, the former ones are delivered to your home in one piece, completely built and finished, meaning that all you have to do is choose the layout and where you want to place them. On the other hand, the latter ones will arrive in pieces together with all the accessories, and you will have to assemble them. Naturally, both of these options have numerous pros and cons, which we will discuss later on.
Should you go with assembled cabinets?
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Obviously, the first benefit of these is that they will save you a lot of time. Can you imagine how much time you would need to assemble them from scratch? There are so many things you have to take care of during kitchen remodeling, and purchasing these will enable you to cross one list off your to-do list.
Next, you can rest assured that these are correctly constructed. We are not talking only about their design but also durability. Keep in mind that professionals assemble these and that they use the best tools, the ones you probably wouldn’t be able to get. Because of this fact, you won’t have to worry about the quality of their work and be sure that these will last you for a long time.
Furthermore, these provide you with the opportunity to include several details and accessories in your design. We are talking about a turntable on the counters, pull-out trash cans, and many other items that will make your cooking more enjoyable and comfortable. Also, you can choose to have more storage space or at least plan it according to your needs.
On the other note, there are also some downsides of these cabinets, and depending on your requirements, they may prove to be quite significant. Firstly, there is the matter of cost. As it is to be expected, these can be quite costly since they are completely manufactured and constructed by professionals. Therefore, if you are working on a tight budget, you should probably go with the RTA ones. Similarly, the shipping on these is much longer and usually more expensive. This is natural since you will get a finished product delivered to your home.
Should you choose RTA cabinets?
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Now, let’s discuss some pros and cons of this option. The very first benefit of these is that if you choose the right company, you may have a say in the overall design of the products. What’s more, a manufacturer may provide you with a 3D concept created based on the measurements and preferences you have. All you have to do is send them this information.
Moreover, these cabinets are very affordable. The truth is that it is usually the main reason why people opt for them. These do not require manpower in the factory since the buyers will assemble them, and hence, their price is significantly lower. Clearly, this is a great benefit for you to enjoy since you will be able to save a lot of money. Even if you are not on a tight budget, you can use this extra money to invest in better appliances or some other aspect of kitchen remodeling. Let’s be honest. You can never have too much money, and opting for RTA cabinets is a great way to boost your budget.
Next, you can have these delivered to your home very fast. The thing is that manufacturers usually have all the cabinet pieces in stock at all times, meaning that they can send them to you almost as soon as you place your order. Generally speaking, you should get them in a week or two, but keep in mind that this can greatly depend on the company you choose. This is another great way to boost your project, especially if you need to follow a schedule and have everything done quickly.
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Finally, what are the downsides of RTA cabinets? Yes, you guessed correctly. The biggest downside of these is that you have to invest time and effort into assembling them. If you are a handy person and enjoy DIY projects, this may not be a challenge for you. However, if this is not the case, you may find yourself in a completely new problem. Another option you have is to hire professionals to construct these for you, but this would be an additional expense that you may not have in your budget. As you can see, this is the most important thing you have to consider when deciding between assembled and RTA cabinets.
Additionally, if you decide to tackle this project on your own, you will have to invest not only effort but a lot of time as well. Keep in mind that these will be delivered in numerous boxes and that there will be many accessories such as hinges, and these small items can cause a lot of mess and confusion. Obviously, you will get detailed instructions on how to construct these correctly, and you should be okay as long as you meticulously follow the manual. However, remember that this task will require a lot of patience, especially if you have never done this before. Also, make sure to check if you have enough time to complete it without jeopardizing the schedule of the entire project.
