Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets are one of the latest trends in home renovating. A primary reason for this is the cost. For less than the cost of prefabricated units commonly found in the big-box home outlets, a property owner can easily transform their kitchen area, bathroom or pantry with RTA cabinets. One more reason for their increasing popularity is the better quality materials utilized in their construction. However, not all RTA cabinets are made equally. Depending on the manufacturer, the quality of the materials used and hardware supplied in the package, pricing and quality can and will differ.
In general, ready-to-assemble cabinets are made with real wood as opposed to MDF or particle board. The doors and visible frames are made from hardwoods, while the boxes are made out of plywood with veneers laid over the top. Pre-fab varieties are all too often manufactured with cheaper composite materials. Also, since they are already put together, and the consumer must pay the cost of assembly, pre-fabs often cost more than RTA cabinets even though the materials are of lesser quality. By putting together the components yourself, the price is considerably less ? offering as much as a 50% cost savings in some cases.
DIY kitchen cabinets are delivered directly to a homeowner?s home in flat boxes, usually within days of placing your order. Each of the components together with all of the necessary hardware is included and clearly labeled. Step-by-step assembly directions mean that anyone can put the units together providing they have some basic tools. For those with little woodworking and assembly experience, the first cabinet will take the longest, however each succeeding unit gets a little easier.
While cost is important, you will want your cabinets to last for years, so quality of materials, especially hardware, should also be researched well before purchase. Look for models that come with all or mostly metal hardware. If some of the hardware components are plastic material, be sure this will not affect the life span of the units. A few parts that you should insist are metal include the hinges, and drawer glides. Drawer glides can be found in various styles with differing types of roller mechanisms. Most people prefer a metal ball-bearing roller mechanism because it is smoother than nylon rollers and can bear more weight. Soft-closing, undermount glides are standard with some packages, while others feature side-mounted glides. Progressive or telescoping glides are the smoothest, as all parts move simultaneously. If there is a choice, go with metal, side-mounted ball-bearing drawer glides with progressive movement, as they provide the greatest load rating and the smoothest action. With hinges, almost everyone prefers the European concealed cabinet hinges, and of course these really should be metal. A lot of low cost ready to assemble furniture is put together with plastic screws, but because of the amount of use and wear that kitchen cabinets get, metal screws should be included, rather than plastic, that may break much more easily.
RTA cabinet parts are pre-drilled for convenience and quicker assembly. The hardware needed to put the boxes together including support brackets, assembly screws, drawer glide components and stops should be included in the pricing. Optional accessories such as organizers, roll-out shelves, storage baskets, towel racks, sink trays, decorative moldings and finishing touches, and more commonly need to be purchased separately. However, if some of these extras are important to you, be sure that they are available at the time of purchase. While you might not opt to purchase them right away, it is good to know that you have a ready supplier that will fit your RTA units when you?re ready to upgrade.
Just like any DIY undertaking, the right tools for the job are needed. Some ready-to-assemble cabinets require nothing more than a screwdriver. However, most sets call for that plus a hammer, wood glue, bar-type clamps, a utility knife and pneumatic, air compressor-powered staple gun. A power screw driver would be helpful as well.
DIY cabinets are ideal for the kitchen, bathroom or even as freestanding furniture pieces. There will be a learning curve, but if the guidelines are put into practice, anyone can assemble them. Before deciding on a particular manufacturer, be sure to ask about warranties and the return policy in case anything is damaged upon delivery. Bear in mind, though, that warranties won?t cover damage you might cause during assembly, so proceed slowly and carefully as you begin your kitchen or bath transformation. Once completed, sit back and enjoy the beautiful new look that you have created.
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