When it comes to kitchen remodeling, one of the most crucial items to consider is cabinets, as your choice will greatly affect both functionality and interior appeal. Today, the options have stretched from traditional drives to RTA or ready-to-build cabinets. There are several factors that make either option a better preference. So if you’re looking to replace your cabinets to spruce up your New York home, land with an informed decision by learning the pros and cons of traditional cabinets vs. RTAs. Here are some points to consider to land you with the right units, whether you are in Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, or Brooklyn.
The essential
Traditional cabinets come in their 3 general types: stock, semi-stock, and custom-built. When it comes to designs, the most flexible option that ensures your every whim is catered for is custom-built cabinetry, but it will require the help of a contractor to complete the job in the most efficient manner. RTA cabinets, on the other hand, are a packaged set of parts where they have all been cut to size and holes have been drilled where they should be. Hardware to hold things together and make them work efficiently is also included with full instructions on how to put the pieces together.
Price
Compared to traditional, pre-assembled pieces, RTAs are much more affordable, making them a viable option for inexpensive kitchen remodeling. Ready-to-assemble units are designed for easy construction that even the most inexperienced homeowner can put together with just a screwdriver. Being a DIYer, you can enjoy a nice cut on labor costs. Shipping rates also vary significantly. A fully assembled cabinet or raw materials for stock, semi-stock, or custom-made parts will take up a lot more space than an RTA that packs flat for easier and cheaper transportation. These reasons make RTA a cheaper option.
Quality
When it comes to quality, both traditional and RTA cabinet options offer a full spectrum. Materials used range from low quality particle board to the most luxurious and durable hardwood options. With the increase in demand came manufacturers’ response to customer needs and that is to enjoy the benefits that hardwood brings at a good price. Another factor to consider that will greatly affect quality is the craftsmanship, so whether you choose to hire a contractor or buy from a supplier, do your homework well and compare services and shops. Either way, you can afford the strength and lasting beauty of your kitchen by choosing your materials and supplier wisely.
Time
The timing of your kitchen remodeling project is important to avoid prolonging disturbances in the home, as well as anticipation to see the results. This is one of the biggest advantages of RTA cabinets over their traditional counterpart. Because they are flat packed, they are easier and cheaper to ship, so going with the fastest possible fleet for items would not be a huge financial burden. This same reason also makes them almost always available at your local retail store or online, as they are easy to store. Even if the design of your choice is not in stock, ordering ready-to-assemble cabinets would take only two to three weeks, while traditional cabinets will, in most cases, arrive at your home in six to eight weeks.