The Not-So-Wonderful Side of Ready-to-Assemble Cabinetry

A kitchen renovation is sometimes a long awaited project, the culmination of years of saving, dreaming and planning. When the time comes to finally bring life to those plans, it can be tempting to look for ways to cut costs so money can be put elsewhere. When it comes to kitchen remodels, one common place that people try to save a few bucks is on the cabinets. Instead of setting aside a large portion of the reno budget for custom cabinets, too many people settle for low cost Ready-to-Assemble cabinets and attempt the install themselves.Many people think they’re getting a great deal on RTA cabinets because they cost less and are often available much more quickly than custom cabinets.  The thought is, “same great options at a great bargain price.”What’s the problem with this? Well, the answer is simple. There isn’t A singular problem with RTA cabinets, but rather many. Here are just a few of the cons of Ready-to-Assemble cabinets.Poor Quality: Everything about pre-made, RTA cabinets is lower quality, from the wood itself to the screws that hold it all together. Pieces are often stapled or screwed together at joints, which can separate or shift over time. Cabinets are typically made from particle board instead of high-density wood, and mounting hardware is often awkwardly visible as opposed to conveniently hidden like on custom designs.Cookie-Cutter Style: Mass produced, pre-made cabinets mean that your personal style and tastes will most likely be found in hundreds of other kitchens across your community, city, or region. If you’re hoping for a one-of-a-kind look when your kitchen remodel is complete, your options will be somewhat limited compared to what could be with a custom cabinet design. The dimensions of your cabinets will be predetermined and the structural designs and limitations of your kitchen will impact which pieces you’ll be able to incorporate. Custom cabinetry options allow you to create exactly the unique that you want for your personal kitchen.Installation faux pas: Unless you have experience at hanging cabinetry, you’ll find that the installation process isn’t as easy as you’d think. Hanging and installing cabinets requires specific tools and extensive experience to help guarantee that your cabinets are level and hung correctly, and that the seams aren’t showing. Mistakes can be costly, both in time and money, and can bring more headaches to your kitchen remodel. Plus, warrantees on RTA cabinets are often limited, if they exist at all, since you are responsible for the assembly and installation yourself, rather than a professional company.Local Economy Busters: Many RTA cabinets are manufactured overseas at a very inexpensive rate, allowing you to be able to get such a “great deal” when you buy them. The problem is, your hard earned money is allowing this companies to financially benefit from cheap labor while you get an inferior product. Yes, there are some companies located here in the US that manufacture these types of cabinets, but if supporting the local economy is important to you, you’ll have to seek them out. By opting to invest a little more money into custom cabinets, you’ll most likely support a local manufacturer within your city, region, or state. With custom cabinetry options, everybody wins.At Kurtis Kitchen & Bath, we specialize in custom cabinetry options for the kitchen, bath and other rooms of your home. Our experts can help you select the perfect designs and styles to showcase your home’s personality while providing you with highly functional solutions you can enjoy day in and day out. Come and visit one of our conveniently located showrooms and see the possibilities that await your next renovation project. Just call 1-888-KURTIS-1 to get started.