The percent of homeowners investing in kitchen remodels has increased 14% in the past year, and that number isn't dropping any time soon.

People are taking a good hard look at the heart of their homes and are no longer settling for the standard run-of-the-mill finishes, especially in cabinetry. Cabinets are one of the main focal points of the kitchen, and they tie in the accents of the counter as well as the appliances for a cohesive look.

But how do you know which types of cabinets to choose?

The two options, pre-assembled and ready to assemble/RTA cabinets, each come with their own sets of factors that should be considered before you buy.

Here's a guide on everything you need to know about them.

Pre-Assembled Cabinets

Pre-assembled cabinets are cabinetry that's fully assembled upon arrival. They'll arrive at your door via delivery truck in the shape and design you've chosen, which is suitable for those in need of quick installation.

You or your contractor will order the pre-assembled cabinets based on the quantity you need for the space, so it's important to know the correct measurements and amount required. Otherwise, you may come up short. Other risks you may potentially run into include:

Impossible Storage

Pre-assembled cabinets are bulky, and if you have a large order of them, they'll need installation right away to save space. Sometimes the project schedule won't allow an immediate installation, so you'll have to find a safe, dry place to keep them. Unfortunately, this will be impossible for some people unless you have an oversized spacious garage.

Some contractors may opt to bring the cabinets on the day they install the cabinets, but you could be charged extra just to house them in their warehouse for a few days.

High Shipping Costs

Suppose your cabinets are shipped through freight systems, weight and box size matter. Their weight alone can cause higher shipping fees, which add to your already high cabinets cost. Not to mention the headaches that can occur if shipments are either separated or lost while in transit.

You'll need to stay on top of the entire process until they reach your residence.

Wrong Quantities

As mentioned, ordering the right cabinets is key to a smooth installation. Pay attention to costs and invoices. If the amount appears higher than the original order, you may have ordered too many, and depending on the customization, they may not be returnable.

Ready To Assemble Cabinets

RTA cabinets are cabinetry that has a plan or layout of assembly but requires you or a professional to assemble the shape of the cabinets. That includes the doors, the frame, the hinges, and the added features as well. It may seem daunting, but it's easier than it sounds and comes with excellent benefits that include:

Cost Efficiency

RTA cabinets are a much more affordable option with all the same qualities as pre-assembled cabinets. Custom cabinets can cost in the thousands per linear foot, whereas RTA calculates a fraction of that per linear foot.

Plus, all of the extra money in the budget will allow you to customize more areas in the kitchen. Say yes to those countertops you love; they'll complement your new cabinets perfectly!

Flexibility

The best thing about RTA cabinets is that they can be configured to match any sized kitchen. You'll simply choose your components to assemble on-site based on what you want to store and set it up. It's that easy.

In addition, your labor cost savings allow you to buy higher-quality materials that'll last longer and look just as expensive as pre-assembled cabinets.

Faster Delivery

The manufacturing time of these cabinets is quicker due to mass production and is ready for installation as soon as you buy them. Then once they're ready to ship, they're flat-packed, giving you a fast shipping time of 1-2 weeks, or sooner if you expedite.

Not to mention how much smaller the boxes will be compared to pre-assembled cabinets, so they're easier to store for later installation.

The Choice of DIY or Professional Installation

If you're handy, you can assemble the cabinets yourself at your own speed. The tools needed are usually simple, only requiring a hammer, nails, wood glue, a screwdriver, and possibly a drill. With those in hand, going through each step of the instructions will take no time at all.

RTA cabinets are also safer to install because you work piece by piece versus installing a large pre-assembled cabinet to your wall.

You can always hire a professional if you don't want to do the work yourself. This allows for more free time devoted to other kitchen renovation details.

Some Things To Consider

When ordering these cabinets, always remember to re-check the quantity of the components you need. You'll most likely have the option to return or exchange if needed, but this could potentially change any schedules and deadlines.

You should also take the time to check all the boxes as soon as they arrive, even if you're not ready to install them right away. That way, if anything happens to be missing, you can report it and receive replacements quickly.

Invest in RTA Cabinets Today

When choosing your kitchen cabinets, you want a cabinetry system that's flexible enough to fit into your kitchen style without breaking the bank. RTA cabinets can do all of that and more with fewer risks than the pre-assembled option.

NUForm Cabinetry has all the essential components you'll need for cabinet installation, with every material and color option out there.

Invest in the best RTA cabinets today!

For more information on our products and services, check out our direct website