The Advantages of RTA Cabinets vs. Pre-Assembled Cabinets

Introduction

When homeowners start a kitchen remodel, one of the biggest questions is: Should I choose RTA cabinets or pre-assembled cabinets? The answer depends on your budget, timeline, and design goals. In this guide, we’ll explain the advantages of RTA cabinets vs. pre-assembled cabinets, and why Like Cabinets offers some of the best factory-direct RTA kitchen cabinets for modern homes.

Cost Savings with RTA Cabinets

RTA cabinets (Ready-to-Assemble) are shipped flat-packed, which significantly reduces labor and shipping costs. Pre-assembled cabinets often cost 30–50% more because you’re paying for assembly and bulkier freight charges.

According to a National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) report, homeowners who choose RTA cabinets save an average of $1,500–$3,000 on mid-sized kitchen projects (NKBA).

Faster Shipping and Availability

Pre-assembled cabinets are bulky, making them harder to stock and ship quickly. By contrast, RTA kitchen cabinets are stored flat-packed and can be shipped in just a few business days.

At Like Cabinets, orders ship within 3–5 business days from nine U.S. warehouses, ensuring you don’t wait weeks for delivery. This speed is a major advantage for contractors and homeowners on tight remodeling schedules.

Flexibility in Assembly and Installation

RTA cabinets allow homeowners and contractors to assemble cabinets on-site, making it easier to navigate tight spaces, doorways, or remodels with unusual layouts.

In contrast, pre-assembled cabinets are rigid, which can cause logistical challenges during installation. Industry experts recommend RTA kitchen cabinets for remodels where flexibility matters (Home Innovation Research Labs).

Style Variety and Customization

Modern RTA kitchen cabinets come in a wide range of finishes, including white shaker cabinets, espresso shaker cabinets, and frameless European-style cabinets. This variety often exceeds what’s available with pre-assembled lines, giving homeowners more design freedom.

Check out Like Cabinets’ bestsellers:

● White Shaker Cabinets

● Espresso Shaker Cabinets

● Modern Frameless Cabinets

Durability and Quality Standards

A common misconception is that RTA cabinets are lower quality than pre-assembled cabinets. In reality, reputable suppliers like Like Cabinets manufacture both with solid wood doors, dovetail drawers, and soft-close hardware.

According to the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA), cabinet durability depends on material and construction—not on whether it’s shipped assembled (Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association).

Better for Contractors and DIY Homeowners

Contractors prefer RTA cabinets for bulk orders because they’re easier to transport, store, and assemble on-site. DIY homeowners love them because they can cut costs by assembling cabinets themselves, following simple step-by-step instructions.

This makes RTA cabinets the perfect choice for cost-conscious kitchen remodels.

Quick Comparison Table: RTA vs. Pre-Assembled 

Conclusion 

Both RTA cabinets and pre-assembled cabinets have their strengths, but for homeowners seeking affordability, faster shipping, and more style options, RTA kitchen cabinets from Like Cabinets are the smarter choice.

Browse our RTA cabinet collections and discover factory-direct quality with nationwide fast shipping.