Short answer: RTA (ready to assemble) cabinets ship flat in boxes and you put them together. Assembled cabinets arrive already built. With our cabinets the box, doors, hinges and finish are the same either way. What changes is the price, the work on your end and how fast it ships.
The differences that matter
| Ready to assemble (RTA) | Assembled | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower | A little more. For example, our 12″ × 84″ pantry is $848 RTA or $873 assembled (November 2026). |
| Your time | You assemble each cabinet | None, it arrives built |
| Ships in | 3–7 business days | 7–15 business days |
| Delivery | Flat boxes by freight to your curb | Built cabinets by freight to your curb |
| Returns | Made to order, so no returns unless damaged or defective | |
Is RTA lower quality?
Not with ours. It's the same cabinet in a box. Our RTA cabinets go together with wood dowels, screws and pocket holes, not the cam locks and plastic clips used in flat-pack furniture. The parts are the same: 5/8″ plywood sides, a 3/4″ plywood back, a solid hardwood face frame and soft-close hinges.
That isn't true of every brand. When you compare RTA cabinets, check what holds the box together and what the sides are made of.
How hard is assembly?
If you're comfortable with a drill, you can do it. You'll want a drill, a screwdriver, a rubber mallet and a few clamps. Each cabinet comes with printed instructions, and our assembly videos show every step.
Which should you choose?
- Choose RTA if you or your contractor are handy, you want the lowest price, or the cabinets have to go up narrow stairs or through tight doorways (flat boxes are easier to carry).
- Choose assembled if you'd rather not spend evenings building boxes, or your installer prefers cabinets ready to hang. Most of our customers choose assembled.
- Mixing is fine. You can order some cabinets assembled and some RTA.
One thing either way
Everything ships by freight truck with curbside delivery. The driver won't carry boxes inside, so have help ready, and check every box against the packing list before the driver leaves. Write any damage on the delivery receipt before you sign.
Get a straight answer for your space
Text a photo of the space and your measurements to 508-419-4276. One of our designers will tell you exactly which cabinet fits, free. Planning a whole kitchen? Start a free design and we'll draw it up in 3D.
Questions people ask
What does RTA mean for cabinets?
Ready to assemble. The cabinet ships flat in a box and you put it together, usually with a drill and a few hand tools.
Are RTA cabinets lower quality than assembled?
Not with ours. RTA and assembled versions use the same plywood box, doors and soft-close hinges. Ours go together with dowels, screws and pocket holes, not cam locks or plastic clips.
Can I return RTA or assembled cabinets?
Only if they arrive damaged or defective. Every cabinet is made to order, RTA or assembled, so it can't be returned if you change your mind.