Introduction
Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets provide a cost-effective and customizable way to remodel your kitchen or bathroom. With RTA cabinets, you purchase cabinets in a flat pack, then assemble them yourself. While this requires some handy skills, with proper preparation, patience, and the right tools, assembling RTA cabinets is an achievable DIY project for most homeowners.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully assemble RTA cabinets like a pro. We’ll cover how to:
- Prepare for installation
- Understand the components
- Set up an efficient workspace
- Follow safety best practices
- Interpret the instructions accurately
- Use the right tools and hardware
- Level and secure the cabinets
- Install doors, drawers, and accessories
- Apply molding and trim
- Complete final touches for a flawless finish
With these steps, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to tackle your own RTA cabinet installation and enjoy the satisfaction of completing your kitchen or bath remodel. So let’s get started!
How to Assemble RTA Cabinets
Step 1: Preparation
Proper preparation is crucial for a smooth RTA cabinet assembly process. Here are some tips to get set up for success:
Clear the Space
Completely clear out the area where you will be installing the cabinets prior to delivery. This includes removing existing cabinets, appliances, countertops, and flooring as needed. This will allow you to maneuver and provide a clean slate for installation.
Gather Supplies
Before assembly, take inventory of all the components, hardware, tools, and building supplies you will require. These may include:
- Cabinet boxes, doors, drawers, panels, molding
- Mounting rails, fasteners, screws, nails
- Drill, driver bits, hammer, screwdriver, wrench, level, stud finder
- Wood glue, silicone caulk, wood putty
- Drop cloths, rags, safety gear
Group similar parts together and have everything you need on hand. This prevents delaying progress to search for missing items mid-project.
Read Instructions Thoroughly
Study the manufacturer’s instructions in detail 2-3 times before starting. This will give you an overview of the process. Clarify any unclear points and check that you have all listed materials. Understand the sequence thoroughly to avoid mistakes.
Watch Tutorial Videos
Supplementary to the written instructions, watch any available installation videos from the manufacturer or YouTube to see assembly in action. Visual demonstration along with the manuals will solidify your understanding.
Inventory and Organize Parts
Unpack all materials from their boxes/crates and confirm you have each labeled component for your specific cabinet order. Organize panels, hardware, and tools into separate areas to allow for efficient access when needed during build.
Schedule Smart
Make sure to block off ample time in your schedule for the complete install process. Most basic kitchen RTA cabinet sets require 16-24 hours of assembly time. Be mentally prepared for a multi-day process to avoid fatigue or frustration.
Step 2: Understanding the Components
Familiarizing yourself with the various RTA cabinet parts and hardware is key for smooth assembly. Here’s an overview of the main elements:
Cabinet Boxes
The cabinet box forms the main storage structure of the cabinet. Sides, tops, bottoms, backs, and shelves will need to be screwed together to form a box frame. The material is typically plywood or medium density fiberboard.
Doors and Drawer Fronts
Doors attached to cabinet boxes provide access to stored items. Drawer fronts attach to slides to form moveable pull-out storage. The recessed panel style is common.
Drawer Boxes
The drawer box consists of four sides that hold the drawer bottom/guide tracks. This slides into the cabinet on runners.
Face Frame
The face frame is the rim that surrounds the front of the cabinet box. It provides stability and a mounting point for hinges/drawer guides.
End Panels
End panels or “gables” cover the exposed sides of cabinet stacks for a built-in look.
Molding/Trim
Trim pieces such as crown molding, light rail, and valance boost style. Fillers and scribes hide gaps between cabinets and walls.
Hardware
Screws, nails, brackets, hinges, drawer slides all join components. Also includes knobs, pulls for functionality and style.
Understanding the terminology and function of each piece will make the instructions more intuitive when assembly begins.
Step 3: Workspace Setup
Your workspace setup can greatly impact the ease and flow of assembling RTA cabinets. Here are some cabinet assembly workspace tips:
Check the Floor
Ensure the subflooring is clean and level. Any uneven spots exceeding 1/8” across 10 feet should be remedied. Use shims to compensate for minor discrepancies.
Designate Areas
If possible, section off separate zones for unpacking, assembly, installing, and trash/recycling. This streamlines finding components and cleanup.
Large, Well-Lit Space
Choose a large, open garage, basement, or living area for ample room to work. Ensure sufficient lighting to easily see detail work. Supplement with portable work lights as needed.
Stable Work Surface
Use saw horses, tables, or assemble directly on top of cabinet bottom panels to provide a flat surface at a comfortable working height.
Electrical Outlets
Have grounded outlets available to plug in tools nearby. Avoid tripping hazards with extension cords.
Hardware Organization
Use muffin tins, ice cube trays, or empty egg cartons to separate and identify hardware. Labeling helps avoid mix ups. Store at your workspace.
Water and Refreshments
Stay hydrated and fueled with bottled water and quick snacks on hand. Breaks refresh mental focus.
Proper Attire
Wear clothes that allow free movement. Closed toe shoes protect from dropped tools. Safety glasses guard eyes from flying debris.
An efficient, comfortable, and hazard-free workspace allows for smooth progress assembling cabinets properly.
Step 4: Safety Best Practices
While RTA cabinet assembly does not require advanced carpentry skills, caution should still be exercised. Follow these safety tips:
Use Proper Safety Gear
Wear safety glasses to shield eyes from flying sawdust or hardware. A dust mask protects airways from breathing particles. Closed toe shoes and gloves reduce injury risk.
Follow Tool Safety
Keep drill bits, drivers, and saw blades sharp. Disconnect tools when changing bits or blades. Unplug when not in use. Maintain control and awareness of cords.
Lift Properly
Use legs to lift heavy panels. Keep back straight and brace core. Get help moving very large cabinets.
Mind Wire Placement
Take care not to drive screws through electrical wires hidden behind walls. Use a stud finder to identify their paths.
Establish Stable Assemblies
Fully secure each cabinet assembly before moving on. Temporarily tack components until permanently reinforced to prevent collapse.
Maintain A Clean Workspace
Keep floor clear of debris that could cause slips or punctures. Return tools to proper storage when not actively in use.
Take Breaks
Work in manageable chunks of 1-3 hours. Stop for food/water breaks to maintain mental focus. Getting fatigued leads to potential mistakes.
Exercising sound judgment goes a long way towards staying safe throughout the cabinet install process. Make sensible precautions a priority.
Step 5: Interpreting Instructions
Reading and following the RTA cabinet instructions precisely is imperative for proper assembly. Here’s how to interpret them effectively:
Read Thoroughly First
Review all instructions 2-3 times from start to finish before physical assembly. Understand the full sequence of steps.
Gather Needed Parts/Tools
The instructions will list all required components, hardware, and tools for each assembly stage. Have these ready before beginning each section.
Visualize Process Mentally
Form a mental picture of how parts fit and fasten together. Imagine inserting screws in correct holes before doing it physically.
Understand All Terminology
Look up any unfamiliar terms. Know exactly what components and hardware the directions reference.
Note Left vs Right
Cabinet diagrams are typically shown from the front perspective. Left and right can seem reversed from the assembly point of view.
Double Check Measurements
Confirm listed sizes of panels and spacing distances. Compare to your specific cabinet to avoid mix ups.
Follow Sequence
Perform assembly steps in the order shown. Improper order can impede subsequent steps.
Don’t Force Parts
If alignment or fit seems off, re-read relevant steps. Forcing can damage cabintes or hardware.
Meticulously adhering to the assembly manuals helps avoid mistakes that could ruin cabinets. Take it slow, double check details, and refer back regularly.
Step 6: Using Proper Tools
Having the right tools for the job makes assembling RTA cabinets much simpler. Here are some essentials:
Electric Drill/Driver
A cordless drill/driver allows driving screws efficiently. Bring charged batteries or corded model. Have drill bits and driver heads.
Hammer
A claw hammer with 16-20 oz head weight drives nails into studs for anchoring.
Screwdrivers
Have standard and Phillips head screwdrivers in various sizes to tighten or loosen hardware.
Wrenches
Wrenches are useful for tightening and adjusting drawer slides, levelers, and specialty hardware.
Stud Finder
A stud finder locates wood studs behind drywall for secure installation. This helps avoid hitting pipes or wires.
Levels
A standard 2ft level ensures cabinets are plumb and flush. A 6in level is useful for drawers and doors.
Safety Gear
Safety glasses, work gloves, dust mask, and ear protection make assembly safer.
Clamps
Bar clamps hold pieces tightly in place hands-free while fastening. Quick clamps also help align parts.
Utility Knife / Saw
A sharp utility knife slices packing straps. A small saw cuts filler strips.
Having the proper selection of hand and power tools at your workspace makes cabinet assembly much easier. Invest in quality tools.
Step 7: Cabinet Hardware
Cabinet hardware connects all the components securely. Ensure you have enough and avoid mixing up types and lengths.
Screws
The most common fasteners. Use designated lengths in pre-drilled holes. Pilot holes prevent splitting.
Cam Locks
Cam style fasteners clamp parts together. Tighten with screwdriver rather than drilling.
Nails
Nails provide quick, permanent enforcement in wood. Pre-drill to avoid splitting.
Brackets
Corner gussets and metal plates strengthen joints. Simplistic installation.
Hinges
Door hinges attach doors and allow swing. Several types and adjustments available.
Drawer Slides
Ball bearing slides smoothly extend drawers. Measure and align precisely.
Shelf Pins
Adjustable supports placed in pre-drilled holes hold shelving at desired heights.
Having sufficient hardware, understanding their usage, and keeping organized speeds assembly with no missing pieces or incorrect installations. Check quantities.
Step 8: Leveling and Securing
Proper leveling and securing is crucial for functionality and aesthetics. Follow these guidelines:
Use Shims Liberally
Shim under the cabinet bottom or against the wall studs to make level and plumb during installation.
Work Incorporating Levels
Use a 4ft level vertically and 2ft level horizontally to check alignment as you build. Adjust shims until level.
Secure To Studs
Use a stud finder to locate and drive long screws into studs behind the wall to anchor firmly.
Reinforce Face Frame
Drive screws through side of face frame into cabinet sides or through adjacent stiles.
Install Corner Gussets
Adhere metal corner brackets on inside of cabinet for shear strength.
Follow Drawer Slide Instructions
Carefully measure and drill drawer slide mounting holes per specs so drawers operate smoothly.
Double Check Doors
Align hinge mounting plates perfectly so doors hang straight with consistent reveals.
Test Travel on Slides
Pull drawers in and out to confirm full travel without rubbing on slides or cabinet sides prior to loading.
Frequent level checks and utilizing shims, studs, brackets, and hardware correctly results in sturdy, properly functioning cabinetry.
Step 9: Hanging Doors and Drawers
Installing doors and drawers requires special attention to achieve proper clearances.
Review Door Styles
overlay doors have hinges mounted to face frame rather than cabinet side. This impacts spacing.
Follow Hinge Instructions
Iincorrect placement of hinge plates on door versus cabinet leads to misalignment.
Allow Proper Reveals
Leave consistent gap between doors and drawers for aesthetics and clearance.
Adjust Hinges
Use hinge adjustment screws to fine tune horizontal, vertical, and depth positioning.
Install Drawer Slides Properly
Mounting slides level and parallel keeps drawers tracking straight. Use shims if needed.
Avoid Diagonal Slides
Side-to-side motion when opening or closing means slides are askew. Realign.
Adjust Tightness
Loosen slide screws for easier motion if too tight or tighten if too loose.
Use Spacers
Plastic or wood spacers position multiple drawers evenly so spacing remains constant top to bottom.
Hanging doors and installing drawers may take some trial and error. Have patience and adjust until perfect.
Step 10: Installing Trim and Molding
Trim and molding conceal gaps for a seamless appearance. Here are some tips:
Allowance for Scribes
Leave 1/8 – 1/4in gap between cabinet and walls for scribe molding. Caulk the gap before installing scribe.
Measure Carefully
Precisely measure required filler strip lengths to fill odd spaces. Cut strips to fit gaps exactly.
Use Adhesive
Run a bead of construction adhesive along trim before nailing for extra bonding strength.
Mitre Joints
Cut and join trim ends at 45 degree angles for clean professional appearance.
Cope Joints for Molding
Shaping ends to interlock creates flawless runs around corners. Use a cope saw or router.
Check Levels
Verify level and plumb as you work. Shim to adjust between cabinets and ceiling/walls.
Cut Holes for Pipes
Trace and cut holes in trim strips and back panels to allow water/gas pipes to pass through.
Conceal Edges
Quarter round hides bottom edges of trim against floors. Caulk for seamless transitions.
Trim installation requires careful measuring, cutting, leveling, and fitting. Take time to do this well for optimal aesthetics.
Step 11: Applying Finishing Touches
Completing final details gives a refined finished appearance to assembled RTA cabinets:
Secure To Wall Studs
Purchase blind cabinet fasteners to screw through cabinet backs into studs. This prevents tipping when loaded.
Conceal Holes
Dab wood filler into screw holes and gaps prior to painting or staining for a smooth finish.
Fill Gaps
Run bead of silicone caulk between cabinets, along wall edges, and around pipes/fixtures. Tool smooth.
Install Knobs and Pulls
Follow centered or aligned patterns when installing knobs/pulls on doors and drawers.
Clean Surfaces
Remove fingerprints, dust, dirt, adhesive, or debris. Tack cloth works well.
Install Lighting
Affix under/inside cabinet lighting using provided hardware and instructions. Make wiring connections.
Stage Accessories
Style with kitchen canisters, dishware, pots and pans. Bathrooms can hold baskets, towels, bath mats.
Remove Protective Film
Peel off plastic film or paper covering doors, panels, and trim once installation complete.
These finishing touches help tie everything together for a cohesive assembled look. Enjoy your handiwork!
How to Assemble Specific RTA Cabinet Types
Beyond the general process, techniques vary slightly depending on the specific cabinet type being assembled:
Base Cabinets
Base cabinets form the foundation of the kitchen or bathroom layout. Their assembly must be solid and level.
- Assemble carcass box first then attach toe kick last to allow flexibility shimming under cabinets.
- Use corner gussets in bottom corners for lateral stability.
- Fully shim between cabinet bottoms and floor so cabinets sit flush when weighted down.
- Anchor to wall studs through back panel for anti-tip protection once positioned.
- Follow drawer slide instructions carefully keeping left/right orientation correct.
As the supportive base structure, properly assembling base cabinets is imperative.
Wall Cabinets
Wall cabinets hang above countertops to maximize vertical storage space. Their installation has some unique considerations:
- Ensure mounting rails are screwed into wall studs to bear cabinet weight. Mark stud locations.
- Pre-drill holes for mounting screws in rails to prevent splitting wood.
- Mount rails level and spaced properly based on cabinet depth.
- Use cleats or ledgers below rails for added support if needed.
- Install cabinets by screwing through back panels into mounting rails.
- If multiple cabinets, start with corner unit and work outward. Maintain reveals.
- Use filler strips, trim, and caulk for clean transitions to ceiling and walls.
Follow wall stud best practices and the manufacturer’s instructions to safely hang wall cabinets.
Drawers
Drawers allow convenient access to stored contents in base and wall cabinets. Smooth operation requires care:
- Assemble drawer box taking care to keep sides perpendicular and square.
- Attach slides to drawer sides first, then into cabinet according to instructions.
- Mount slides level and straight. Shim cabinet fronts if necessary.
- Confirm specified overhang is allowed for drawer front attachment.
- Use plastic spacers to evenly separate stacked drawers before attaching fronts.
- Make final