The majority of kitchen renovation projects involve replacing old and outdated cabinets. Replacing kitchen cabinets can instantly transform the entire look of the space. It is one of the best home improvement projects but always make sure to invest in the right type of kitchen cabinet. Choosing kitchen cabinets is not just about selecting the best material and picking the most attractive design. When you start looking for cabinets, it is important to understand the types of cabinets available in the market. So, before you choose between traditional cabinetry and contemporary cabinets, you need to first get familiar with the types of cabinets.
If you’re building a new house or renovating your old one, you need to install cabinets in the kitchen, bathroom, and other rooms to easily store your belongings. Cabinets come in different types- stock (RTA) cabinets, semi-custom cabinets (modified RTA), and custom cabinets. Each type of cabinet has certain pros and cons which mean you need to carefully evaluate your specific needs to make the right choice. All these cabinets differ from each other on the basis of production methods employed to manufacture them. Now, let’s check out the difference between these types of cabinets to help you choose the right one.
Stock (RTA) Cabinets
RTA cabinets, known as RTA cabinets, are ready to assemble cabinets that are pre-manufactured and flat packaged. These are available in most common sizes. This is the most economical type of cabinet because manufacturers can mass produce the cabinets, benefiting from economy of scale. RTA stands for “ready to assemble” which means you don’t have to wait for a long time to get your new cabinets manufactured. They are typically available in various sizes and shapes to be suitable for use in most kitchens. In some circles, RTA cabinets are considered lower end and low quality, however that is quite far from the truth. Depending on a manufacturer, RTA kitchen cabinets could be made of low quality materials or high grade materials. It is important to look for quality manufacturer and supplier or RTA cabinets for your kitchen.
Semi-Custom Cabinets
The second type is Semi-Custom Cabinets that come between a stock cabinet and a custom cabinet. It is similar to stock cabinets but with more detailing options. Like stock cabinetry, these are also available in basic sizes still apply but you may find an option to change certain dimensions. It is possible to adjust the size of cabinet in order to fit it in a certain space. Usually, semi-custom kitchen cabinets are installed as part of the RTA kitchen.
Custom Cabinets
The third type of kitchen cabinets are fully custom cabinetry – typically the most expensive option. Although being expensive, it does not necessarily mean high quality. Depending on who builds the kitchen, the box material choice and door material and finish, RTA cabinets could offer a superior construction and durability compared to custom kitchen cabinets. One obvious advantage, is that custom kitchen cabinets can be fitted into irregular sized kitchens or create an architectural composition for an ultra-modern look that may not be achievable with RTA cabinetry.
