RTA Cabinets: Cost and Trade-Offs
Ready-to-assemble cabinets can save money if you choose carefully and plan for assembly.
Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets ship flat in boxes and are assembled on site, by you or an installer. They are sold mostly online and by some home centers. Because they ship efficiently and skip factory assembly, they can cost less than assembled cabinets of similar materials.
Typical cost
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| RTA cabinets, per linear foot | About $75 to $250 |
| RTA cabinets, medium kitchen | About $1,500 to $6,000 |
| Assembly by an installer | Often added per box; ask for a quote |
Estimates only. Broad typical ranges based on published contractor and industry cost guides; actual prices vary widely by location, materials, and scope. Get written quotes.
Quality varies widely
RTA describes how the cabinet ships, not how well it is built. Some RTA lines use plywood boxes, solid wood face frames, dovetailed drawers, and soft-close hardware. Others use thin particleboard with cam-lock fasteners. Compare:
- Box material and thickness.
- How the box joins: cam locks, dowels and glue, or clips. Glued joints are generally stronger.
- Face frame material, or whether the cabinet is frameless.
- Drawer construction and slide type.
- Door material and finish.
Ordering a sample cabinet or door before committing is a common and sensible step with online sellers.
Assembly time
Assembly time per box depends on the design and your experience. Some systems go together quickly with clips; others take longer. Multiply by the number of boxes in your kitchen and plan for space to work, since a kitchen's worth of flat boxes takes up a room.
Shipping and damage
- Check every box on delivery and note damage on the delivery receipt before signing, if possible.
- Ask about the seller's process and timeline for replacing damaged or missing parts.
- Confirm shipping costs and whether delivery is curbside only.
Installation
Some installers will not install RTA cabinets they did not assemble, or charge extra to assemble them. Others are happy to do both. Ask before you order. The installation itself is the same as any cabinet: level, square, anchored to studs. See installation cost.
When RTA makes sense
- You are comfortable with assembly and have time.
- Your layout uses standard sizes.
- You are doing a rental, basement, garage, or laundry room.
- You have compared the full cost (cabinets plus shipping plus assembly) against local assembled stock lines.
When it may not
- You need many custom sizes or modifications.
- You are paying an installer to assemble, which can erase much of the savings.
- You need cabinets quickly and the seller has long or uncertain lead times.
Frequently asked questions
Are RTA cabinets lower quality?
Not necessarily. RTA is a shipping method. Quality depends on materials and construction, which vary widely between sellers.
Can an installer assemble RTA cabinets?
Many can, usually for an added per-box charge. Some decline. Ask before ordering.
Are RTA cabinets cheaper than stock cabinets from a home center?
Sometimes. Compare the total including shipping, assembly, and any installation, not just the cabinet price.
How do I handle damaged RTA boxes?
Inspect on delivery, document damage with photos, and contact the seller promptly. Policies differ, so read them before ordering.
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