If you're thinking about going with RTA cabinets but can't quite decide, read this RTA cabinet pros and cons list to help nudge you in the right direction.

Are you looking to do a kitchen remodel? New or updated cabinets are a sure way to give a fresh look to your home's most popular room. If new cabinets are in your future, it may be worth considering RTA, or Ready to Assemble cabinets. 

The question is, what are RTA cabinet pros and cons? Are they worth installing? 

We've got all your questions answered with this complete list of the positives and negatives regarding RTA cabinets. 

1.Pro- Cost-Efficient

If you're doing your home remodel on a budget, RTA cabinets are an excellent way to cut costs. One of the top ways to save money on home improvements is to do as much of the labor yourself as you can.

One of the many perks about opting for RTA cabinets is that they come in many varieties. You can choose how much you want to spend on them. 

You are also responsible for the entire installation yourself. If you're handling with a hammer, this will save you hundreds on costs to pay a contractor to do the installation for you.

2.Con- Unforeseen Expenses

Generally speaking, RTA cabinets are always going to be a less expensive route compared to pre-assembled cabinets or hiring a contractor.

However, in the unfortunate case that you make some serious errors when installing them, you may have to spend more for repairs. This is one of the top reasons projects go over budget.

It can be frustrating trying to save money on renovations by doing work yourself, only to have to pay a professional to repair things. Just be sure that if you opt for RTA cabinets, you know what you're getting yourself into.

When in doubt, always read and re-read the instructions.

3.Pro- Ease of Installation

Are video tutorials and simple, step-by-step instructions your forte? If so, RTA cabinets are the perfect solution for easy to install cabinets that look like a professional did them.

Most RTA cabinets come either with online video instructions or a simple, printed guide.

Often, the manufacturer or supplier will also provide excellent customer service as well. Manufacturers realize that you may not be an expert carpenter so they often have customer service phone numbers to answer your installation questions any time you need extra guidance.

When it comes to home improvements, it's hard to find an easier job than installing RTA cabinets.

4.Con- You're the One Installing Them

For some homeowners, this may not be a con. But, for those who know little or nothing about home improvements, installing your own RTA cabinets may feel a bit daunting. 

If you're prone to making mistakes or struggling with the toolset, RTA cabinets may seem like more of a hassle than simply hiring a professional to install them.

Plus, if you make a mistake or damage something during the installation, the faults all on you--as are the repairs.

5.Pro- Quicker Shipping 

If you're in a hurry to finish kitchen updates, RTA cabinets typically ship quicker than any other kind. This is because RTA cabinets are smaller than pre-assembled cabinets. They take up less space in a truck than other cabinets.

Not to mention, as soon as your order is placed, manufacturers can load your RTA cabinets right into the truck. Basically, they are ready to ship to you almost immediately after your order is placed.

No more waiting for weeks or months for your cabinets to arrive. You can have your remodel done in record time and get down to the business of enjoying your new kitchen.

6.Con- They Take Time to Install

RTA cabinet pros and cons really depend on the homeowner's experience. For example, if you've installed RTA cabinets before, they may be very fast and easy to install.

However, if you're new to RTA installation, there are many steps involved to doing them correctly.

For example, you first have to read the instructions. You may even need to watch instructional videos once or twice. Many RTA manufacturers will say installation takes around 30 minutes per cabinet. This is true if you've become an expert at installation already.

On average, most homeowners can take upwards of one hour per cabinet to install. If your kitchen has 20+ cabinets, you're looking at a pretty large investment of time.

7.Pro- Customization

Another benefit of choosing RTA cabinets is that you can get surprisingly creative in their design. They may not be 100% custom, but if you're serious about saving money, they are a great in-between alternative.

RTA cabinets often let you customize as far as trim, style, and color. You're not so locked into one look that you can't get something you really like.

8.Con- No Guarantees

Because you are doing the installation yourself, most RTA cabinets do not come with any kind of guarantees. If you find an excellent manufacturer to purchase from, this may not be as big of a problem.

Some manufacturers will work with you or offer some degree of money-back if you have serious problems with the cabinets.

However, because you are solely responsible for installing them, it's hard to fix problems or get money back from the manufacturer. After all, they just sent the items to you. 

If however, you find that there are defects or damage to the cabinets when they arrive, you can often request a refund or replacement before installing.

9.Pro- Quality Construction

Homeowners often connect inexpensive with "cheap," and rightly so. Usually, when it comes to home improvements or renovations, you get what you pay for.

However, RTA cabinets are a surprisingly great value. You can purchase real, quality wood cabinets, ready to assemble.

Most come constructed with dove-tail drawers. You can also get RTA cabinets with soft-close drawers. If you purchase your cabinets from a quality RTA manufacturer, you'll get quality cabinets. 

There doesn't need to be any difference in quality when it comes to deciding between RTA and pre-assembled kitchen cabinets.

RTA Cabinet Pros and Cons

Now that you have the low-down on RTA cabinet pros and cons, let our team of professionals help you make the right choice for your kitchen.

Our team is happy to answer all your questions about RTA and re-assembled cabinets to you can feel confident in your choice. Get a free 3D kitchen design today and start envisioning what your dream kitchen could be.