RTA Kitchen Cabinet: The Most Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid
So, you’ve found the perfect RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) cabinets to elevate your kitchen’s style and functionality. But to truly transform your space, proper installation is the key. While RTA cabinets offer significant savings on pre-assembled options, skipping key processes can result in a less-than-ideal outcome.
In today’s blog, we provide a guide that will equip you with the knowledge to avoid the most common mistakes during RTA kitchen cabinet installation, ensuring your cabinets look and function flawlessly.
Read more:
Elevate Your Kitchen with Modern Shaker Cabinets
Maximize Your Home’s Value with RTA Kitchen Cabinets
6 Reasons Why 10 Percent Cabinetry is Your Ideal Choice
At 10% Cabinetry, we pride ourselves on providing premium RTA kitchen cabinets, which provide the perfect combination of high-quality craftsmanship and affordability. Our RTA kitchen cabinets come in a wide range of styles, finishes, and configurations, offering homeowners to personalize their space to their exact specifications. Whether you prefer classic elegance or modern flair, 10% Cabinetry is the perfect solution for you.
RTA Kitchen Cabinet: The Most Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Design and Measurement Mistakes
Skipping the Design
For the seasoned do-it-yourselfer, the temptation to pull out the measuring tape, order those elegant RTA kitchen cabinets and go right into assembly may be strong. However, skipping the fundamental design layout step can result in a collection of stunning cabinets randomly organized in an awkward design.
The joy of a DIY project may be appealing, but eliminating the design process can result in cabinets that clash with your overall concept or leave dissatisfying gaps. The good news is that developing a strong design does not have to be a one-man show. Reputable RTA cabinet dealers often offer free design consultations or online tools featuring sample layouts. Use these tools to design a well-organized kitchen that maximizes space and functionality.
Making Inaccurate Measurements or Miscalculations
The proverb “measure twice, cut once” is especially applicable to RTA kitchen cabinet installation. Inaccurate measurements can lead to cabinets that are either too big or too small for their assigned space.
Make sure you take accurate measurements and calculations of your kitchen’s wall lengths, floor-to-ceiling heights, and appliance placements. Double-check your measurements before placing your cabinet order to avoid costly mistakes.
Not Paying Attention to Cabinet Height
It goes without saying that precise measurements are required before purchasing cabinets. After all, those beautiful RTA kitchen cabinets would not look as good with huge holes where they shouldn’t be. However, even the most cautious DIYer might be surprised by poor cabinet height placement.
Here’s why you need to double-check your upper and lower cabinet measurements:
Higher Cabinets: Resist the desire to put higher cabinets directly against the ceiling. You might need room for crown moulding or other finishing touches.
Lower Cabinets: Do not believe that raising lower cabinets somewhat taller is acceptable. Imagine how frustrating it is to realize that your microwave or stove vent does not fit after installation.
Ignoring Appliance
Have you set a budget for brand-new appliances? Modern appliances, unlike earlier models, may have slightly different dimensions. When assessing your cupboard space, take into account the size of any current or planned appliances. This ensures proper clearance and prevents unpleasant surprises during installation.
Remember that traditional appliance sizes change over time. Today’s “standard” may differ from the standard size of your current or older equipment. When assessing your space, base your cabinet selections on the size of the new appliances you plan to install, not the current ones.
Installation Challenges
Confusing Instructions
Let’s face it, RTA kitchen cabinet installation instructions can sometimes look like cryptic codes. Don’t be discouraged! Most reputable RTA cabinet dealers provide video tutorials along with written instructions. These visual aids can be a game-changer, offering a step-by-step walkthrough of the assembly process. Make sure you do your research and gather all the information you need before starting the installation.
Improper Cabinet Placement
Height is an important factor in creating a professional finish. Avoid positioning top cabinets directly against the ceiling or placing lower cabinets too high. Consider the overall appearance and functionality. Standard countertop heights are roughly 36 inches, so keep this in mind when deciding where to place your lower cabinets for optimal comfort.
Uneven Cabinet Alignment
Even the most careful DIYer might end up with slightly misaligned cabinets. Here are a couple of tips to rectify this:
Shims: These thin wedges made from wood or plastic can be strategically placed behind cabinets to achieve perfect alignment.
Clamps: Once you’ve positioned the cabinets correctly, use clamps to hold them in place while you secure them together.
Flimsy Hardware
Some budget-conscious RTA kitchen cabinet options may include hardware that seems a little flimsy. While this may be an issue, it is not necessarily a deal-breaker. Upgrading the hardware to something more durable and aesthetically pleasing is a low-cost option to improve the overall quality and appearance of your cabinets.
Door Attachment Woes
Attaching cabinet doors can be tricky, and even slight misalignments can lead to doors that won’t close Attaching cabinet doors can be difficult, and even minor misalignments might result in doors that will not close properly. Here’s how to avoid being frustrated:
Pre-drill: Don’t skip this step! Pre-drilling holes for the hinges ensures a smoother installation and helps prevent the wood from splitting.
Level Check: Before attaching the doors, double-check that the cabinet itself is perfectly level. This will minimize the likelihood of doors hanging crooked.
Overlooking Power Outlets
Don’t let a strategic oversight hinder your kitchen’s efficiency. Before your RTA kitchen cabinet installation, plan the placement of your power outlets. Ensure cabinets are tall enough to accommodate outlets while providing sufficient access for appliance plugging.
Lighting Afterthought
Proper lighting is vital for a well-functioning kitchen. During the design phase, consider the placement of task lighting above countertops and ambient lighting throughout the space. Ensure there’s enough clearance between cabinets and planned light fixtures to avoid casting shadows or blocking functionality.
Pro Tips for a Flawless RTA Kitchen Cabinet Installation
Gather the Right Tools: Having the right tools on hand simplifies the assembly and installation process. A drill, screwdriver, level, hammer, tape measure, and stud finder are required for a proper RTA cabinet installation.
Read and Follow Instructions: Although RTA kitchen cabinets are designed for ease of assembly, each manufacturer may have small differences. Before beginning the assembly process, carefully read the instructions provided by the manufacturer. This ensures appropriate construction and prevents potential problems down the line.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Even the most experienced DIYer can face unexpected obstacles. Many RTA cabinet retailers provide great customer service. Don’t hesitate to contact them if you have any problems or need clarification during the assembly or installation process.
High-Quality Hardware Makes a Difference: Invest in high-quality cabinet hardware, including knobs, pulls, and hinges. This improves the overall appearance and feel of your cabinets and ensures a smooth user experience.
Hardware Magic: As previously stated, consider replacing ordinary hardware with something more solid and attractive. Knobs, pulls, and even hinges can greatly improve the appearance and feel of your cabinets.
Finishing Touches: Once the cabinets are installed, address any minor imperfections with caulk and touch-up paint. This creates a professional finish and adds a final touch of polish to your RTA cabinet project.
By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes during RTA kitchen cabinet installation, you can successfully install your RTA kitchen cabinets and achieve a stunning, functional kitchen that will be the heart of your home for years to come. All you need to do is just a little planning, attention to detail, and the willingness to learn can transform your RTA kitchen cabinet project from a potential headache into a rewarding DIY accomplishment.
Read more:
Elevate Your Kitchen with Modern Shaker Cabinets
Maximize Your Home’s Value with RTA Kitchen Cabinets
6 Reasons Why 10 Percent Cabinetry is Your Ideal Choice
While RTA cabinets are known for their affordability, quality is never compromised. At 10% Cabinetry, we use only the finest materials, including hardwood and plywood, to ensure durability and longevity. With our commitment to excellence, you can trust that your ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets from 10% Cabinetry will withstand the test of time.
At 10% Cabinetry, we pride ourselves on providing premium ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets, which provide the perfect combination of high-quality craftsmanship and affordability. Our ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets come in a wide range of styles, finishes, and configurations, offering homeowners to personalize their space to their exact specifications. Whether you prefer classic elegance or modern flair, 10% Cabinetry is the perfect solution for you.
The days of hard and complex installation procedures are long gone. Because ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets are made to be easily assembled, homeowners may confidently take on the installation procedure. With ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets from 10% Cabinetry, our team of professionals is available to help with installation, guaranteeing a smooth process from beginning to end.