5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Assembling RTA Kitchen Cabinets

Every homeowner dreams of having a high-end kitchen with a luxurious feel, but the expensive price tags prevent many from achieving it. However, you can breathe a new lease of life into these dreams and turn them into reality through a DIY project.

The market offers plenty of RTA kitchen cabinets that can be easily assembled by following the attached instructions. These cabinets are affordable and durable and exude a similar finish as that of premium kitchen cabinets.

The only catch is assembling them correctly. While the assembly process is relatively straightforward, people undertaking such DIY initiatives for the first time may face challenges.

This article aims to help everyone create the perfect cabinet with minimal to no hassles.

How Can You Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes When Building RTA Kitchen Cabinets?

It lists common mistakes people make while assembling RTA cabinets with suggestions on how to avoid them. So, let’s explore the five common mistakes shared below and start assembling your cabinets.

1. Measurement Mishaps

The golden rule for all DIY projects, especially RTA cabinets, is meticulous measurement. If you don’t pay attention, even the slightest measurement gap can render your cabinet useless and affect its overall appearance and finish.

Before we proceed with assembly, grab a tape to measure. Instead of only measuring the total wall length, measure the dimensions of windows, crannies, nooks, doorways, etc. Don’t forget to factor in the appliance clearance because your fridge may be wider than you think.

Another vital aspect is accounting for the countertop overhang because those extra inches can make a significant difference aesthetically. To ensure your RTA kitchen cabinets are properly installed, sketch a detailed kitchen plan with all the measurements marked for precision. You can use online kitchen tools/platforms to visualize the dream layout.

2. Misassembled Mayhem

Once you’ve ordered RTA cabinets with precise measurements, start with the assembly process. One of the most common mistakes many people make is assembling the wrong parts because of the misidentification of certain cabinet parts. The best way to avoid this mistake is to start with a well-lit and organized workspace. Sort and label all cabinet parts before you begin, else even a stray screw can cause major confusion.

Now start reading and understanding the assembling instructions carefully. Double-check the instruction manual to identify left and right side components correctly. Also, pay close attention to the glue application and secure fastener placement. These small details can save you from getting misaligned cabinets that aren’t fit for usage.

3. Mounting Misadventures

Before mounting the cabinets on the kitchen walls, keep wall studs handy. They will offer the best support to your cabinets and ensure they are securely placed in the desired space. Use a stud finder to precisely locate and mark the positions on the wall and not rely solely on drywall. Once you’ve identified the studs, use a lever to properly hang the cabinets in a straight position.

To exercise more caution, turn to a ledger board and a horizontal board mounted on the wall along cabinet lines to prevent any mishaps. This tip can distribute the cabinet’s weights evenly across multiple studs, adding stability to the entire set-up. It is a tedious process but offers unmatched benefits.

4. Door Disasters

If you don’t want uneven RTA kitchen cabinets or cabinets with functional gaps between the doors, use shims to achieve the perfect look and functionality. Shims are thin wedges of materials that can be appropriately placed at the required spaces to overcome alignment issues. Before proceeding with the cabinet assembly process, keep some shims handy and place them strategically between the cabinet frame and the door to achieve a seamless alignment.

Then, proceed with the hinge installation. Double-check hinge placements and ensure the screws are tightened securely. The screws shouldn’t be overly tight or loose to avoid any sudden door disasters. Loose hinges will result in sagging doors and frustration down the line, while over-tight screws or hinges will make it difficult to use the cabinets properly.

5. Fastener Faux Pass

The perfect assembly job demands the right tools, and it includes fasteners. It is why most instruction manuals specify the type and size of screw you need to assemble the cabinets with ease and perfection. Using short screws may leave the cabinets wobbly, while larger screws may potentially damage the cabinet’s material. So, get a variety of screws with varying lengths and types for a sturdy and frustration-free assembly.

If the instruction manual doesn’t specify the screw length, get some drywall and wood screws of varying lengths. If you feel confused, you can get help from a professional carpenter or seek guidance. It will enable you to finalize the right screw for every cabinet component and wall type.

Assembling the Perfect RTA Kitchen Cabinets for Greater Functionality

Investing in RTA kitchen cabinets is the best and most budget-friendly way to add a luxurious touch to the kitchen. Since these cabinets are available in various styles, shades, configurations, designs, etc., it becomes easier to achieve the desired kitchen aesthetics that align with your personality.

While they serve the purpose of adding an awe-inspiring feel and impressive functionality to the kitchen, they also generate immense feelings of satisfaction after successful assembly. Whether you’ve made DIY projects before or are a complete beginner, making mistakes is a normal part of the process.

However, you can eliminate all the common mistakes by avoiding the mistakes the article discusses and sticking to the provided solutions. Assembling the cabinets will still take time, but will increase your chances of creating the perfect cabinets on the first attempt. So, implement the suggestions and see the difference.