RTA Cabinets: Are They Difficult to Assemble?
Published Sep 24, 2026
You started the renovation. You worked with our designers to create the ideal layout. You picked out the style, the color. You purchased the ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets and they arrived, exactly what you ordered and faster than you expected. Now, it’s time to put them together.
It might not seem so at first, but assembly is as easy as everything that leads up to it. You just need a few tools and time. We already made sure everything’s engineered to fit together by pre-cutting cabinet doors and sides, pre-drilling holes, and packing boxes efficiently. Instead of building them from scratch (and painting them yourself), you’re putting precision pieces together, assembling components that were always meant to become finished cabinetry.
Here are helpful resources, responses to frequently asked questions, and reasons to believe that the assembly process for RTA cabinetry is much less difficult than it’s perceived.
Are RTA cabinets difficult to assemble?
There’s nothing overly complicated about it! You don’t need a full workshop, woodworking experience, or specialized equipment to assemble RTA cabinets. With the following resources, it’s a no-stress project that can be done by pro DIYers and first-time builders alike. Here’s what you need:
- Common tools – While the exact assembly process can vary slightly by cabinet line, most RTA cabinets from Discount Kitchen Direct require wood glue, nails, and general tools, in addition to what comes in the boxes.
- Clear steps – Our assembly instructions are organized by collection — available in video formats or as downloadable PDFs, depending on your components.
Our recommendation is to organize and inspect your pieces first, then build the cabinet box, attach the face frame if applicable, install drawers next, and install doors and hardware last. Simple wall cabinets can be assembled faster; large base cabinets with drawers take a little longer.
Are RTA cabinets expensive?
Cabinets are a decades-long commitment that require an upfront investment — and the bigger your space, the more cabinets you need, the larger the expenditure. Ready-to-assemble cabinetry removes unnecessary costs, especially when compared to custom or semi-custom options:
- You’re not paying for the cabinet to be built before it arrives
- You’re not paying to ship empty space
- You’re not risking potential damage during transit (and replacement costs)
- You’re not funding warehouse storage overhead
A small amount of hands-on work can create big savings (and a bigger feeling of accomplishment).
Can RTA cabinets be customized?
Yes! Two of the biggest misconceptions about RTA cabinets are that your options are limited and unique spaces have a hard time finding right-sized cabinets unless they’re custom-made.
“RTA” refers to how cabinets are delivered, not how they’re designed.
- You can customize by layout – Spaces can have endless combinations of base, wall, specialty cabinets, and accessories. For example, some base cabinets have almost 100 sizing options.
- You can customize by style and color – Our RTA cabinet portfolio allows you to choose from 80+ colors and many different styles and finishes. If you’re looking for something extra special, we can further customize your cabinets with paint if you’re in our service area.
- You can customize by room and purpose – From decorative legs to wall pantries to bathroom vanities with drawers on the left or the right, we offer an array of main configurations, pull-out accessories, and organizational inserts.
The choices are yours, both in how you want your cabinets to look and in how you want them to function.
Do RTA cabinets hold up over time?
RTA cabinet quality has less to do with assembly and more to do with how the cabinets are made. Our cabinets are always constructed with all-wood boxes and frames instead of cheaper, lower-quality materials like medium-density fiberboard and particleboard. This helps ensure structural integrity and moisture resistance for long-term durability.
Not all RTA cabinets are the same
At Discount Kitchen Direct, RTA cabinets arrive fast, to spec, protected, and ready to become a finished room. When you start with a free consultation and custom design, you’ll receive full 3D renderings, a complete items list for easy ordering, and support at each step. We take care of everything, so you can take on assembly with ease and confidence.
But if assembly still feels a little outside of your wheelhouse, there are other avenues that lead to completed cabinetry. Local handymen can often handle the construction. Finish carpenters know how, too. Or if you’re in our service area, we offer full cabinet assembly and installation. Just ask our local design team if you qualify. When you’re ready for RTA cabinets, we’re ready.
