One of the easiest ways to date a house is by its cabinet style and color. As tastes and preferences change, it's easy to want to update the look of your cabinetry as well. Not only does this give you a fresh, new look, but it can breathe new life into the feel of your home.

But if painting cupboards is too time-consuming, the style too dated, or a new layout is needed, then you may need to buy new cabinets instead. If so, consider looking into ready to assemble cabinets (RTA) for a more affordable facelift.

If you're unfamiliar with RTA kitchen cabinets, you're not alone! Keep reading to learn more about how these DIY kitchen cabinets may be the answer to your renovation needs.

What Are RTA Kitchen Cabinets?

RTA kitchen cabinets are cabinet boxes and doors that are shipped to you in pieces. It's then your task to assemble the pieces and install them in your bathroom or kitchen.

Not only is it still possible to customize the sizes of your cabinets, but many times ordering RTA cabinets is quicker than pre-assembled ones.

The Benefits of RTA Kitchen Cabinets

There are many reasons that ordering ready-to-assemble cabinets is your best option. Primarily, they can save you a lot of money when compared to custom or pre-assembled cabinets. This is due not only to the time and work that those more expensive options take, but also the shipping costs and space needed.

Instead, with some basic do-it-yourself skills and tools, as well as with time and attention to detail, you can put the cabinets together yourself. And contrary to popular belief, these are not lower quality options.

The best DIY kitchen cabinets will not be one-size-fits-all. In fact, there are many styles and color choices to choose from to help you create a customized kitchen or bathroom. No matter if you prefer wood or stone, gray, white, or black, there is an option to fit your taste.

Don't believe us? Then check out our ready to assemble cabinets reviews to make sure you're getting the best product for your money!

What Are Some Common Mistakes?

Doing improvement projects yourself is always a learning opportunity. Mistakes will happen and you'll learn new skills and techniques as you go.

But you can also avoid some of the bigger, and more costly, accidents by learning what to look out for. Pre-planning will always pay off in the long run!

1. Measuring Incorrectly

There is a reason that the saying, "measure once and cut twice" is often repeated. Starting with an accurate measurement is more important than many homeowners realize.

It's important that you take time and care, as well as write down numbers clearly when measuring your existing cabinetry. In fact, measure a few times over the course of several days to make sure you're coming up with the same numbers each time. Or ask a partner or friend to measure as well to check for accuracy.

Only once you're completely confident should you place your order. This will help you avoid delays in assembling and installing your new cabinets.

2. Ignoring The Extras

When you're ordering your new cabinets, don't ignore the additional features and hardware you want and need. While these smaller accessories certainly won't keep you from completing your installation, they can add time and expense down the road.

Instead, plan ahead for how you want to incorporate items like kitchen sinks and cabinet pulls and handles. The sooner you order them, the sooner you're cabinet revamp is completed!

You'll also need to make sure you're accounting for your plumbing and lighting. If you don't, then you can make rookie mistakes like blocking pipes. This can be costly to deal with later if you were to have a burst pipe that's blocked by improperly installed cabinets.

3. Neglecting The Layout

If you're keeping the same layout of your kitchen or bathroom, then removing and installing the best ready to assemble cabinets is pretty simple.

But if you're investing in a whole new layout, then don't fall prey to the worst kitchen design mistakes. Not only can this make your home difficult to resell when the time comes, but can be a waste of time and money as well.

Instead, make sure you enlist the help of a professional. Or use our free 3D visualizer tool to help you get the specifics right. It can help with cabinet placement and measurement, as well as making sure you're accounting for the correct height of your ceilings and countertops.

It truly can mean the difference between a haphazard, sloppy renovation and something that is professional-grade.

4. Forgetting About Appliances

If you're also investing in new appliances for your kitchen, don't forget to input the correct and accurate measurements for each piece. Don't rely on your old appliance to be the same dimensions, because oftentimes they're not.

Instead, plan for your appliances first and order your ready-to-assemble cabinets to accommodate your stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher.

5. Uneven Installation

The best RTA cabinets are easy to assemble and install, but there is always room for user error. In fact, if you're not more experienced at home improvement projects, it may be worth hiring a contractor to help with installation.

Especially if you have an older house or uneven floors, you may have to shim the base cabinets to get them level. And installing upper cabinets is heavy, hard work that you should not take on by yourself.

Are RTA Cabinets for You?

Renovating and redesigning a kitchen or bathroom is a priority for many homeowners at some point. And while the price and amount of work can be intimidating, RTA kitchen cabinets can help make it a more manageable project.

Don't be intimated by DIY kitchen cabinets! We're here to help you succeed. Contact us today to answer any questions you have or guide you towards your dream kitchen.