Assembling RTA (Ready-To-Assemble) kitchen cabinets may seem tricky, but with the right tools, instructions, and a bit of patience, you can easily build them yourself and save money. Whether you're a first-time DIYer or an experienced renovator, this guide will show you how to assemble RTA kitchen cabinets step by step, with tips to make the process easier.
RTA kitchen cabinets are a type of cabinet that comes flat-packed and requires assembly before installation. These cabinets are popular because they are usually more affordable than pre-assembled cabinets and come in a wide variety of designs, sizes, and materials.
When you purchase RTA cabinets, they come with all the necessary parts like panels, screws, dowels, hinges, and instructions. The assembly process is simple to follow, and with the right guidance, you'll be able to set up your cabinets in no time.
Before you start assembling RTA cabinets, it’s essential to have all the tools and materials ready. Having everything in one place will save you time and frustration. Here's a list of the basic tools you'll need:
- Screwdrivers (both flathead and Phillips)
- Drill with screwdriver bits (optional, but makes the job easier)
- Rubber mallet (for tapping pieces into place without damaging them)
- Measuring tape
- Level (to make sure everything is aligned correctly)
- Clamps (optional, but helpful for holding pieces while you work)
- Wood glue (for extra strength at the joints)
- Safety gear (gloves and safety glasses for protection)
Make sure you have everything in place before starting your project to avoid unnecessary delays.
Ready to get started? Follow these steps to assemble RTA kitchen cabinets and transform your kitchen!
Step 1: Unbox and Organize the Parts
The first thing you need to do is unbox all of the parts for your RTA kitchen cabinets. Lay everything out on a clean, flat surface, such as a workbench or garage floor. Most RTA cabinets come with labels or part numbers that correspond to the assembly instructions. This will help you make sure you have the pieces you need.
Pro Tip: Organize the pieces by type—such as side panels, shelves, back panels, and screws—so everything is easy to find. This will help you stay organized and make the assembly process faster.
Step 2: Assemble the Cabinet Box
The next step in assembling RTA cabinets is to build the main cabinet box. This involves connecting the side panels, top, and bottom pieces.
- Attach the Side Panels to the Bottom: Most RTA cabinets use dowels, screws, or cam-lock fasteners to hold the pieces together. Start by attaching the side panels to the bottom piece. The pre-drilled holes will guide you where to insert the screws or fasteners. You can use a rubber mallet to gently tap the panels into place.
- Attach the Top Piece: Once the side and bottom pieces are secured, it’s time to attach the top panel. Again, use screws or fasteners to connect the pieces. This will form the basic rectangular shape of the cabinet box.
Pro Tip: Double-check the alignment as you go. Use a level to ensure that everything is square and straight. If your cabinet box isn’t aligned properly, it can affect how well the doors or shelves fit later.
Step 3: Attach the Cabinet Doors
Once the box is assembled, it’s time to move on to attaching the doors. Depending on your cabinet design, you may have hinged doors or sliding doors, but the assembly process is similar for both.
- Install the Hinges: Start by attaching the hinges to the cabinet doors using screws provided in the kit. Make sure the hinge placement matches the pre-drilled holes on the cabinet frame.
- Hang the Doors: Now, position the doors on the cabinet box and secure them with the hinges. Make sure the doors are aligned properly—uneven doors can affect the final look of your kitchen.
Pro Tip: If you find that the doors aren’t lining up right, most hinges are adjustable. You can fine-tune the alignment after the doors are hung.
Step 4: Install the Shelves and Drawer Slides
With the doors in place, it's time to add the shelves and drawers. Follow these steps for both:
- Install the Shelves: Most RTA kitchen cabinets have pre-drilled holes for shelf brackets. Insert the brackets into the holes and then place the shelves on top. You may need screws or clips to secure them in place.
- Attach the Drawer Slides: If your cabinet includes drawers, you’ll need to install the drawer slides first. Attach the slides to both the cabinet sides and the sides of the drawer. Once the slides are in place, carefully insert the drawer into the cabinet.
- Pro Tip: Before inserting the shelves or drawers, double-check that the cabinet box is level and square. If the box is slightly off, it could affect how the shelves or drawers fit.
Step 5: Final Assembly and Quality Check
Once the shelves and drawers are in place, it’s time to give the cabinet a final check. Make sure everything is tight and secure.
- Secure the Back Panel: Attach the back panel to the back of the cabinet using screws or nails. This will give the cabinet added strength and stability.
- Clean and Inspect: After assembly, wipe down the cabinet to remove any dust or debris. Check everything once again to make sure it’s properly aligned and secure. Open and close the doors and drawers to make sure they function smoothly.
Here are a few extra tips to make assembling RTA cabinets easier:
- Take Your Time: Don't rush through the process. It may take a few hours to assemble your cabinets, but rushing can lead to mistakes. Take your time, and the results will be worth it.
- Get Some Help: If possible, get a friend or family member to help you. Certain parts of the assembly, like attaching doors or positioning shelves, can be easier with two people.
- Follow the Instructions Carefully: RTA cabinets typically come with detailed instructions. Read through the entire guide before starting so you know what to expect, and follow each step to avoid mistakes.
- Always Check the Level: Throughout the process, use a level to make sure everything is straight and even. This small step will help ensure that your cabinets look professional once finished.
While assembling RTA cabinets, you may come across some common issues. Here are a few problems you might face, and how to solve them:
- Doors Won’t Align Properly: If the doors aren’t lining up, check the hinge adjustments. Most hinges have screws that let you move the door up/down, left/right, or in/out. This can help you adjust the alignment.
- Cabinet Parts Won’t Fit Together: If pieces don’t fit together, double-check that you’re using the right pieces and that all holes are aligned. If necessary, gently tap the parts with a rubber mallet to get them into place.
- Drawer Doesn’t Slide Smoothly: If a drawer isn’t sliding well, check that the drawer slides are correctly aligned. Make sure nothing is blocking the track, and that everything is straight.
Assembling RTA kitchen cabinets is a rewarding DIY project that saves you money and gives you the satisfaction of completing the work yourself. By following these steps on how to assemble RTA kitchen cabinets, you can turn your kitchen into a functional and beautiful space in no time.
Remember, patience and attention to detail are key! As long as you take your time, follow the instructions, and stay organized, assembling RTA cabinets will be a smooth and enjoyable experience. When you're done, you’ll have a stylish kitchen to enjoy for years to come!
Get in touch with J&K Cabinetry to schedule a consultation and explore our wide range of modern RTA kitchen cabinets. While we only sell directly to businesses and do not handle sales to individuals, we’re happy to support homeowners by offering expert design services. We can also connect you with one of our trusted retail partners who can provide quotes and help you with your purchase. Our goal is to help you find the perfect cabinets and make sure your kitchen project goes smoothly.
