We’re always looking for ways to get through renovations without breaking the bank. A kitchen remodel can be pricey, especially when it comes to new cabinets. So when the kitchen update turned into a full-scale renovation, we were a bit overwhelmed at first and not sure what to do. We had gotten a few quotes for cabinets before starting the project, which is what ultimately led us to decide to use the existing ones. But, one thing led to another, and that ended up not working out (read more about it here). Fortunately, we found a solution with ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets. Thank goodness. Let’s dive into how RTA cabinets can save you money and still give you the kitchen of your dreams!
Why RTA Cabinets Are a Budget-Friendly Choice
RTA cabinets arrive at your doorstep in flat-pack boxes, ready for you to assemble at home. Here’s why they’re such a great option:
- Cost Savings: Because they ship unassembled, manufacturers save on labor and shipping costs, passing those savings on to you.
- DIY Assembly: By assembling the cabinets yourself, you save on labor costs that would otherwise go to a professional installer.
- Customizable Options: RTA cabinets come in a variety of styles, finishes, and materials, allowing you to customize your kitchen without the high price tag of custom cabinetry.
Tips for Saving Money with RTA Cabinets
1. Plan Your Layout Carefully
Before purchasing RTA cabinets, take the time to plan your kitchen layout. Measure your space accurately and decide on the placement of each cabinet. This ensures you order the correct sizes and quantities, avoiding costly mistakes.
Most RTA cabinet stores have designers on staff that can help you with your layout. We kept pretty much the same layout during our kitchen remodel, besides the cabinets on both ends. So I just did the design myself and ordered almost exactly what was already in the kitchen, plus a few more. But I would highly recommend talking with one of the designers if you’re doing a complete overhaul and changing lots of things!
2. Shop Around for the Best Deals
Prices for RTA cabinets can vary widely between suppliers. Take the time to compare prices, read reviews, and look for sales or discounts. Many online retailers offer competitive pricing and free shipping, which can further reduce costs.
We went with the unfinished Versa Shaker cabinets from Kitchen Cabinet Kings. I didn’t like their assembly process for the upper cabinets, so we kinda made our own way with those. But, otherwise, the quality was phenomenal. We ended up with one incorrect cabinet, and they were quick to ship the replacement at no extra charge.
In hindsight, the finishing process was more tedious and intense than assembly. I would 100% do RTA cabinets again, but I don’t think I’d ever want to finish them all ourselves again. I’d even consider buying a color we didn’t want and repainting them. Repainting the kitchen cabinets in our last house was so much easier than finishing all these RTA cabinets. We finished the RTA cabinets before assembly to prevent drips and the swirly paint from spraying the interiors as a box. There were SO MANY pieces to keep straight so all the cabinets had the correct pieces when we were ready to assemble them. And all those interior faces add a LOT of time and paint (or clear coat, in our case).
That said, it is doable. So if you want/need to save the extra money, by all means, go for it! Honestly, these are probably my famous last words and I’ll end up doing this again and again and again. 😅
3. Opt for Standard Sizes
Custom-sized cabinets can significantly increase your costs. Stick to standard sizes whenever possible, as they are typically more affordable and readily available.
Most RTA cabinet stores have tons of sizes available. We didn’t have any issues finding the sizes we needed, and we even ordered an extra tall countertop cabinet for one end of the kitchen. They had almost every size imaginable.
4. Flat-Pack Shipping
Flat-pack shipping reduces transportation costs, which can be a significant portion of the overall expense. All RTA cabinets are packed and shipped in flat boxes.
It’s a bit intimidating when they arrive, but just take it one box at a time. Before you know it, you’ll have your whole kitchen built!
5. DIY Installation
Of course, one of the most significant ways to save money with RTA cabinets is by installing them yourself. There are tons of great tutorials online on how to install cabinets. We researched as much as possible before starting, and it actually went pretty smoothly! The most intimidating part was looking at the pile of cabinets at the beginning. But, once you get to work, it’s not too bad!
Benefits of RTA Cabinets
Affordable
RTA cabinets are generally more affordable than pre-assembled or custom cabinets, making them an excellent choice for a budget-friendly kitchen remodel. By cutting down on manufacturing and shipping costs, RTA cabinets offer substantial savings without compromising on quality.
Quality Materials
Despite their lower price point, many RTA cabinets are made from high-quality materials such as solid wood or plywood. When properly assembled and installed, RTA cabinets can be just as durable and long-lasting as their more expensive counterparts.
Customizable
RTA cabinets offer a range of styles, finishes, and configurations, allowing you to create a custom look for your kitchen. Whether you prefer modern, farmhouse, or a more traditional style, there are RTA options to suit your taste.
Kitchen Remodel on a Budget
Completing a kitchen remodel on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or quality. Our cabinets are 1/2″ plywood boxes, solid wood face frames, solid wood shaker doors and drawers, and all soft-close. The quotes we got at the home improvement stores were SIGNIFICANTLY higher for particleboard cabinet boxes and composite doors and drawer fronts, without soft close. I mean, I’m seriously impressed with RTA cabinets and would do it again in a heartbeat. You save so much money and end up with higher quality cabinets!
We’re so happy with how ours turned out. Now that they’re installed, we’re going to extend them to the ceiling with crown molding for a nice, finished look.
Here’s a progress shot of what they look like so far:
It’s so exciting to see it starting to come together! Don’t worry about the yellow backsplash – that’s been a hot topic on Instagram. We’ll get to it! Just taking this whole process one step at a time.
If you’re looking to save money on your kitchen remodel, RTA cabinets are the way to go. With a bit of planning and some extra work, you can tackle your kitchen remodel without breaking the bank!
| Tylynn |
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