RTA vs. Assembled vs. Installed Cabinets: What You're Really Paying For
Published •6 min read
RTA (ready-to-assemble) cabinets arrive flat-packed and you build each box. Pre-assembled cabinets arrive built and ready to hang. Installed means a crew sets, levels, fastens and trims them. RTA has the lowest sticker price, but the real comparison includes your time, tools, mistakes and the finish quality of the install.
What Each Option Includes
| RTA | Pre-assembled | Professionally installed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box assembly | You | Factory | Factory or installer |
| Leveling, shimming, fastening | You | You | Installer |
| Fillers, panels, crown, toe kick | You | You | Installer |
| Hardware drilling and mounting | You | You | Installer |
| Fixing damaged or missing parts | You reorder | You reorder | Installer coordinates |
| Ready for stone templating | If installed level | If installed level | Checked by installer |
The Hidden Costs of RTA
- Time: every box is a small furniture project, multiplied by the number of cabinets.
- Tools and space: clamps, drivers, a level, a place to build and store boxes.
- Mistakes: a box built out of square makes doors misalign and stone hard to fit.
- Install still to come: assembled boxes still need leveling, fastening, fillers and trim.
- Countertops: stone needs level, secured cabinets. See cabinet requirements for stone countertops.
When Each Makes Sense
- RTA: a small project, a laundry room or garage, or a skilled DIYer with time.
- Pre-assembled, self-installed: you're confident leveling and scribing cabinets but don't want to build boxes.
- Installed: full kitchens, stone countertops, tight schedules, or when the finish quality matters most.
Quality Is About the Cabinet, Not the Box Type
RTA and assembled lines both range from basic to high quality. Compare box material, drawer construction, hinges and slides and finish, not just how the cabinet arrives. See how to choose quality cabinets and plywood vs. particleboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are RTA cabinets cheaper than assembled cabinets?
The sticker price is usually lower, but you supply the assembly time, tools and any rework, and the cabinets still need to be installed.
Are RTA cabinets lower quality?
Not necessarily. Quality depends on materials and hardware. Check the box, drawers, hinges, slides and finish of the specific line.
Can you install RTA cabinets I already bought?
Yes. Mega Solutions installs customer-supplied cabinets, including ones bought elsewhere.
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