Doing a kitchen remodel on your own can seem like an overwhelming project with all of the choices that are available. Custom versus semi-custom, stock versus custom; the choices are endless. But realistically, if you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen by yourself than you are probably on a fixed budget and want to get the highest quality cabinets you can without breaking the bank.
Thanks largely in part to the DIY Network and HGTV, RTA cabinets have become a popular choice for contractors and homeowners alike. While they tell you how great they are on the shows, and how easy to assemble, they don't tell you how to shop for them and what to look for. Even within the RTA cabinet industry, there are a wide range of qualities, assembly mechanisms, and materials. If you are just shopping based off of door styles, you may be buying an inferior product and not know it.
Let's start with the most important feature of any cabinet; the cabinet box. With most cabinets these days, there are really only three different materials that are used for the cabinet box itself- plywood, particleboard, or fiberboard. Plywood by far is the strongest and most durable. The issue with particleboard and fiberboard is that if moisture is applied to either one, they will swell and warp. Also, due to the grain of the material, fasteners tend to loosen and the cabinet structure will become weaker. A higher quality cabinet (whether RTA or pre-assembled) will have plywood cabinet boxes. You would be surprised if you really looked at the cabinets you find at the big box stores (even some of the most popular name brands).
Aside from the cabinet box, the other feature you should pay attention to in RTA cabinets is how it is fastened together. You will probably see everything from wooden dowels to staples, to metal clips, to cam locks. Cam locks are by far the strongest of all the methods. A good camlock will literally "lock" the cabinet together and will not loosen over time like staples or wooden dowels might.
When it comes to the face frames and doors, most RTA kitchen cabinets are going to feature solid wood, but the choice of wood may vary and the stain quality will certainly vary. Steer away from any RTA cabinet that is using a veneer wrapped plywood for the door itself (this should only be used in the cabinet box itself). When it comes to staining, make sure you always ask for a sample door to ensure that there is a consistent stain throughout the sample.
So if you are on a limited budget like most people, RTA kitchen cabinets can be a great alternative to high priced semi-custom and custom cabinets. Just make sure you do your research, and find a high quality cabinet line that has a plywood box, cam lock assembly, and solid wood face frames and doors.
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When you are searching for Cabinets for kitchen, RTA Cabinet Store has what you are looking for. Whether you are homeowner or contractor, the DIY aspect of RTA cabinets makes them a great alternative to high priced cabinets. Go to RTA Cabinet Store.com to save 30-40% on cabinets for kitchen.
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