Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets get a bad rap when it comes to kitchen innovation. Many people think that these cabinets are only useful when you are in a real pinch and don’t want to go for a very specific design or budget.
But are RTA cabinets only limited to cheap stuff that you buy because you have no other option?
In reality, these cabinets are much more different and flexible. You can always go for custom cabinets if you are looking for specific designs, but that does not mean that ready-to-assemble cabinets do not offer you the same versatility. Besides, there are many other advantages like flat shipping charges and better discount options.
If you are trying to renovate your home, read this to make the best choice on your ready-to-assemble cabinet. This is the only way to make sure you not only get the best value for your money but it also lasts for a very long time and can be easily put together.
What Are The Key Things To Look For In A Ready-To-Assemble Cabinet?
Just like custom cabinets, these cabinets are reliable and durable. They can be extremely aesthetic as well. There are, however, a few factors you need to consider before you decide on the perfect design.
Check Every Available Online Catalog
The best thing about a ready-to-assemble cabinet is that you get plenty of catalogs to choose from. Don’t limit your options to the first thing you see. There are thousands of choices from many retailers in very close range. You can check these catalogs for designs and go into the details and find about the design specifications, material, etc. Here are the things you need to look out for when choosing the perfect ready-to-assemble cabinet:
- Look for furniture-grade plywood or natural hardwood for both aesthetics and duration.
- The shelves of the cabinets should be at least 0.75 inches thick.
- Do not buy shelves that have plastic clips. Go for metal.
- Lastly, natural finish unbought outside and inside looks best.
These are some of the most vital tips when looking for ready-to-assemble cabinets of good quality. Whether you want a lifetime warranty on them or certifications of guarantee, ensure that the quality you are buying is excellent. Nowadays, many ready-to-assemble cabinets are also available with a soft close technology for a better experience. Do not go for parts assembled out of particleboard because it is merely ground-up wood glued together. Also, do not go for drawers that are stapled or use a lot of adhesive to stick together because, over time, it will come undone.
Whatever you do, do not merely go to the store and buy the first ready-to-assemble cabinet that you see. There are plenty of catalogs available online. Go to your favorite retailer or even the competitors and search from thousands of available options in your price range.
Shortlist Your Cabinet
By definition, ready-to-assemble cabinets cannot be customized to your requirement. That does not mean you have to compromise on flexibility and design. You can go through online catalogs to see the cabinet that matches your requirement. Shortlist your choices. You will find some variants of these cabinets available in the market. From wood to laminate and stainless steel – there is no limit to what options you can get. Once you have selected the price point and the type of cabinet, depending on your kitchen space, you can go to the retailer and check them out in person.
Choose The Material
You know your kitchen the best. This is why the material matters. This is the essential part of finalizing your cabinet purchase. Most cabinets are usually made of bamboo, pine, or oak. But you can also get plenty of other options in the market, including metal. If you are looking for some offbeat choices, thermofoil and laminate sheets cabinets are starting to gain momentum because they are incredibly durable and give you the best of your money. The problem is that these cabinets can be quite heavy, so if you move around a lot, they might not be the right choice.
Measure Your Kitchen
Before you sit down to buying your cabinet, measure your kitchen for the size of the cabinet. Ready-to-assemble cabinets come in standard sizes that might not perfectly fit the position you are looking for. Get at least an approximate dimension of the cabinet to understand which measures will look good in your space. If you have an open space in your kitchen, you can go for broader designs, but it’s best to know your specifications if you have limited space.
Inquire Installation Price
Different retailers will charge differently for installation. You can speak to the cabinet dealer to get varying quotes and choose the one that fits your price point.
Customer Care
Dealing with customer care can be quite a different experience than only going to the retailer. If you are buying from someone, make sure that the customer care department is easily reachable for your queries or issues. Even the most liberated retailers can have a bad reputation with customer service. And the best product can also come up with some problems which could require you to spend hours chasing customer support reps over the phone.
Finishing And Features
Whether you are going for a country-style kitchen cabinet or a sleek and modern look, look at the product’s features and the finishing before you select a design. It depends mainly on your interior decoration what will look good in your home. For example, if the rest of your decor is comprised of natural wood, metal, or plastic cabinet can become quite an eyesore. Remember that the kitchen cabinet is not just for functionality, it will play an essential role in the overall aesthetic of your home.
