If you're shopping for new kitchen cabinets online, you'll quickly hit one fork in the road: RTA (ready-to-assemble) or fully assembled. Both ship factory-direct, both use the same plywood boxes and soft-close hardware on our lines — the difference comes down to price, your timeline, and how handy you are. Here's the honest breakdown.
The short answer
Choose RTA cabinets if you want the lowest price and don't mind 15–30 minutes of assembly per cabinet. Choose assembled cabinets if you'd rather pay a bit more to have them arrive built and ready to hang. The cabinet box, doors, and hardware are identical — you're only deciding who does the assembly.
| Factor | RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) | Assembled |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lowest — you assemble | Higher — built at the factory |
| Assembly | 15–30 min per cabinet, basic tools | None — arrives built |
| Shipping | Flat-packed, lower freight cost | Bulkier, higher freight |
| Box & hardware | Plywood box, soft-close — same | Plywood box, soft-close — same |
| Best for | Budget projects, DIYers, tight access | Speed, contractors, minimal hassle |
What "RTA" actually means
RTA cabinets ship flat in a box with the sides, back, shelves, and hardware pre-drilled and ready to lock together. Most cabinets use a cam-and-dowel or clip system — no glue, no measuring, just a screwdriver or drill and 15–30 minutes per box. Because they pack flat, freight is cheaper and there's far less risk of shipping damage. If you're remodeling on a budget or have a tight stairwell or elevator, RTA is the practical pick. Browse the full lineup on our cabinet collections.
What you get with assembled cabinets
Assembled cabinets arrive fully built — glued, clamped, and squared at the factory with the doors and soft-close hinges already mounted. You unbox them and hang them. For contractors working on the clock, or anyone who simply doesn't want to spend a weekend with a drill, the time savings are worth the premium. The finished product is identical to the RTA version of the same door style.
Not sure how many cabinets you need? Send us your measurements and our team will build the correct cabinet list — including fillers, panels, and toe kicks — before you order. It's part of our free 3D kitchen design.
Cost: how much do you actually save with RTA?
Across most door styles, RTA runs meaningfully less than the assembled version of the same cabinet because you're supplying the labor. On a full kitchen of 12–18 cabinets, that adds up. The trade-off is your time: budget roughly 20 minutes per box, so a typical kitchen is an afternoon of assembly. If your time is worth more than the spread, assembled wins; if you're watching every dollar, RTA does.
Quality: is one more durable?
No. On our Fabuwood and Jarlin lines, RTA and assembled cabinets use the same all-plywood box construction, the same solid-wood doors, and the same soft-close hinges and undermount drawer glides. A correctly assembled RTA cabinet is every bit as sturdy as a factory-assembled one — the joints are engineered to lock tight. The only variable is assembly care, and the instructions are straightforward.
Which should you buy?
- Pick RTA if you're comfortable with basic tools, want the lowest cost, or have tight delivery access.
- Pick assembled if you want them ready to hang, you're on a contractor timeline, or you'd simply rather skip the build.
Either way, start with a door sample so you can see and feel the finish in your own kitchen light before committing to a full order.
Get a free 3D design of your new kitchen
Send your measurements and we'll map your layout, match a door style, and build the cabinet list — no cost, no obligation.
Start Free 3D Design →Frequently asked questions
Are RTA cabinets hard to assemble?
No. Most boxes use a cam-and-dowel or clip system and take 15–30 minutes each with a screwdriver or cordless drill. No glue or measuring is required — the holes are pre-drilled at the factory.
Do assembled and RTA cabinets use the same materials?
Yes. On our Fabuwood and Jarlin lines, both use the same plywood box, solid-wood doors, and soft-close hardware. The only difference is who assembles the box.
Will RTA cabinets ship damaged?
RTA cabinets pack flat, which actually lowers the risk of shipping damage compared to bulky assembled boxes. Components are protected in the carton.
Can I mix RTA and assembled in one kitchen?
Yes — they're the same finish and dimensions, so you can combine them. Many shoppers order assembled for visible runs and RTA for utility areas to save.
How do I know how many cabinets I need?
Use our free 3D design service — send measurements and our team returns a complete cabinet list before you buy.