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Story behind RTA Cabinets
RTA cabinets, which stands for "Ready to Assemble" cabinets, were introduced to offer homeowners a choice in their kitchen cabinet options. Instead of paying a premium for fully assembled cabinets delivered to their homes, RTA cabinets provide an opportunity to save a significant amount of money. These cabinets are delivered unassembled in heavy flat packs. While experienced individuals who are skilled in woodworking often choose this option, even novices and budding do-it-yourselfers take on these projects. In fact, for many, it becomes a hobby, although the primary motivation for opting for RTA cabinets is usually driven by the desire to save money.
Naturally, everyone wants to save money, but it's important to exercise caution to avoid unnecessary headaches. Before embarking on such a project, it is crucial to educate yourself and understand what you are getting into. When you select RTA cabinets, you receive all the necessary cabinet parts, precut to size, with pre-drilled holes, and finished in your desired color or stain. These parts are tightly stacked, well-wrapped, and shipped to your home. From that point forward, the responsibility falls entirely on you. You are required to assemble and install the cabinets yourself. However, it's essential to note that this task may not be suitable for everyone. You need to have the right tools on hand, be prepared for heavy lifting, and most importantly, possess a firm understanding of the process.
If you have concerns about the quality of RTA cabinets compared to fully assembled ones, let me assure you that RTA cabinets can often match or even surpass the quality of pre-built cabinets. The overall quality depends on factors such as design, materials used, and construction methods. Naturally, if you are working within a limited budget, your choices may be restricted to lower or mid-level quality cabinet options. However, if you have sufficient funds, you can purchase high-quality RTA cabinets that offer all the features and excellence of fully assembled cabinets. It is crucial, though, to ensure that the cabinets are assembled by someone who has the necessary skills and expertise. Otherwise, even the best cabinets would be wasted on an inexperienced builder. Finding the right balance between common sense and economics is key. For inexperienced builders, cost savings are a priority, and they must ensure they get it right. Sometimes it is wise to give someone the benefit of the doubt, especially considering their motivation to save money.
There are substantial savings to be gained by choosing RTA cabinets. By shipping them in flat bundles, the delivery costs are significantly reduced compared to fully assembled cabinets, which would require larger shipping costs due to their size. Additionally, labor costs associated with hiring a professional to install the cabinets are eliminated, further contributing to the savings.
