Planning a kitchen or bath remodel? One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to buy assembled cabinets or Ready-To-Assemble (RTA) cabinets. Knowing the difference can help you save time, money, and headaches—especially if you’re trying to stick to a budget or a tight timeline.  Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Are Assembled Cabinets?

Assembled cabinets are delivered to you already put together. Think of them like buying a finished product—you just unbox and install. This is a good option if you want a plug-and-play solution or if you’re short on time and want to skip the assembly process.

Pros:

• Arrive pre-built and ready to install
• Great for customers who want a hands-off process
• Can offer built-in accessories (like lazy susans or pull-out trash bins)

Cons:

• Usually more expensive due to labor and shipping costs
• Bulkier to ship, which can cause delays or damage
• Less flexibility in terms of delivery timelines and availability

What Are RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) Cabinets?

Ready-to-assemble cabinets come flat-packed with all the parts you need to put them together. Don’t worry—it’s not complicated. Many homeowners assemble them with basic tools, or they hire a contractor to do it.

Because RTA cabinets are more efficient to ship and store, they often cost much less than assembled ones—without sacrificing quality.

Pros:

• More affordable than assembled cabinets
• Faster shipping—ideal for time-sensitive projects
• High-quality construction with features like soft-close doors, dovetail drawers, and adjustable shelves
• Great for DIYers or homeowners working with contractors

Cons:

• Some assembly required (but it’s straightforward)
• Fewer customization options compared to custom-built cabinetry

So, Which Should You Choose?

If you want a budget-friendly, fast, and flexible option for your renovation, RTA cabinets are an excellent choice. Today’s RTA lines—like our Carolina Pride or Prestige collections—offer beautiful, durable styles that look custom-built, at a fraction of the cost. Plus, many include high-end features that used to only come with expensive, fully assembled lines.

On the other hand, if you prefer a no-assembly option and have room in your budget for extra shipping and handling, assembled cabinets can be a convenient solution.

Why Choose Discount Kitchen Direct?

At Discount Kitchen Direct, we proudly offer both assembled and RTA cabinets, so you can pick what works best for your timeline, budget, and skill level. Need help deciding? Our team is here to guide you with expert advice and free kitchen design services.