When it comes time to remodel your kitchen, choosing new cabinets is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Cabinets set the tone for the whole room and account for a significant portion of the total remodel budget.
Two popular cabinet options on the market today are RTA (ready-to-assemble) cabinets and KraftMaid cabinets. But which is the better choice for your kitchen remodel?
This guide examines the pros, cons, costs and key differences between RTA and KraftMaid cabinets to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| KraftMaid | RTA Cabinets |
| Assembled, ready to install | Shipped flat-packed for assembly |
| Semi-custom | Stock configurations |
| Sold through dealers | Direct order from manufacturer |
| Professionally installed | DIY installation |
| Solid hardwood frames | Plywood or particleboard frames |
| Lifetime limited warranty | 1-5 year limited warranty |
| 6-8 week lead time | 2-4 week lead time |
| $150 – $300+ per linear foot | $50 – $150 per linear foot |
RTA Cabinets Overview
RTA stands for “ready-to-assemble.” RTA cabinets come packed flat in a box along with all the hardware and accessories needed for assembly.
The cabinets must be put together on-site, either by the homeowner or a handyman.
RTA cabinets appeal to many homeowners because they cost a fraction of custom cabinetry.
Prices can range anywhere from $50 per linear foot on the very low end, up to $150 or more per linear foot for higher quality RTAs.
Even at the premium end of the spectrum, RTA cabinets are generally 50-75% less expensive than custom or semi-custom cabinets.
There are a few reasons why RTA cabinets are so affordable:
- Mass manufacturing: RTA manufacturers make cabinets in high volume using automated processes. This keeps production costs very low.
- Ship flat-packed: Shipping cabinets disassembled in a box cuts down on shipping expenses.
- DIY installation: You save on labor costs by assembling cabinets yourself. No need to hire a carpenter.
While the DIY factor allows for big cost savings, it can be a pro or con depending on your skill level and desire to take on a cabinetry project. The assembly process for RTA cabinets is not overly complex, but it does require diligence to get everything level and aligned properly. Poor assembly could affect the structural integrity or aesthetic look of your new kitchen.
Leading RTA Cabinet Brands
Popular RTA brands include:
- IKEA – Very budget-friendly flat pack cabinets but not the best quality.
- Barker Cabinets – Good balance of affordable price and solid craftsmanship.
- KerryWood Kitchens – Offers high quality all-plywood box construction at reasonable prices.
- CliqStudios – Contemporary styling and lots of customization options. Good for modern kitchens.
- Kabinet Pro – Affordable prices with great warranties and excellent customer service.
No matter which brand you choose, be sure to inspect the joinery, materials, warranties and any independent quality ratings before purchase. High quality hardware, soft-close hinges and drawer glides should be standard. Plywood box construction is preferred over particleboard.
Pros of RTA Cabinets
- Cost savings – The number one advantage of RTA cabinets is the lower cost versus custom cabinetry. Budget-conscious homeowners can save 50% or more.
- Convenience – Cabinets ship quickly, usually within 2-4 weeks of ordering. Shipping is directly to your home so you don’t need to arrange delivery.
- DIY installation – Assembling cabinets yourself means big savings on labor. Simple instructions and numbered parts make the process fairly straightforward.
- Variety of styles – From modern to traditional, you can find an RTA cabinet line to suit your preferred kitchen aesthetic. Lots of customizable options too.
- Easy to replace – If you need to replace damaged cabinets down the road, you can conveniently re-order just what you need rather than having totally custom cabinets recreated.
Cons of RTA Cabinets
- No custom sizing – You are limited to standard cabinet sizes and configurations. Any adjustments on site are more challenging.
- Assembly challenges – Putting cabinets together on your own takes time and patience. Misalignments and mistakes in assembly are not uncommon.
- Quality concerns – Lowest priced RTA lines often use thinner materials and cheaper hardware prone to breakage. Lifespan may be shorter.
- Can’t see in person first – Since cabinets ship sight unseen, you must carefully vet brands and read reviews to get a sense of true quality outside of photos.
- No professional installation – Mistakes made during installation as a DIYer may affect the final look and function of your new kitchen.
KraftMaid Cabinets Overview
Unlike RTA cabinets, KraftMaid manufactures assembled cabinets that are ready for installation right out of the box.
As one of the largest cabinet brands in the U.S., KraftMaid has been producing kitchen and bath cabinets for over 50 years.
KraftMaid earns high marks for quality construction and materials.
Their cabinets are typically considered semi-custom.
This means cabinets are built to standardized dimensions, but you get to customize finishes, accessories, drawer configurations and more.
KraftMaid offers hundreds of cabinet styles catering to both traditional and contemporary aesthetics. Their products are sold through a network of authorized dealers who can provide design expertise.
As a well-known premium brand, KraftMaid does command higher prices ranging from $150 to $300+ per linear foot installed.
Pros of KraftMaid Cabinets
- Pre-assembled – Cabinets arrive ready to install with no assembly required. Experienced installers will handle thiscorrectly.
- Wide variety of styles – Choose from a huge selection of door styles, finishes, storage solutions and decorative enhancements to create your ideal kitchen.
- Pro installation – KraftMaid cabinets should be installed by professionals for proper alignment and performance. No DIY frustrations.
- High quality materials – KraftMaid uses solid hardwood frames, furniture-grade plywood boxes, and soft-close doors and drawers. Designed to last 20+ years.
- Excellent warranties – Generous lifetime limited warranties on most products provide peace of mind. KraftMaid stands behind their craftsmanship.
- Great customization – Work with kitchen designers to customize cabinet configurations, trim, inserts, and more during ordering for a semi-custom look.
Cons of KraftMaid Cabinets
- Higher cost – Expect to pay at least 50% more for KraftMaid versus economy to mid-priced RTA cabinets. The quality comes at a price.
- Longer lead times – From design finalization to installation, the entire process generally takes 6-8 weeks. RTA cabinets ship faster.
- Limited sizes – Although you get some customization, sizes are still based on standard KraftMaid dimensions and cannot be fully customized.
- Professional installation required – DIY installation voids the warranty so you must pay for contractor installation.
- Difficult to modify after install – Any later changes are hard to make without experiencing seams or misalignments. RTAs offer more flexibility.
Which Is Better: RTA Or KraftMaid?
So when considering new kitchen cabinets, should you go with ready-to-assemble or KraftMaid? There are good reasons to choose either option depending on your kitchen plans, budget and needs.
Here are a few key factors to help determine which cabinet solution makes more sense for your project:
- Budget – For cost-conscious homeowners, RTA cabinets are the clear choice. KraftMaid is the better option if investing in quality is more important than getting the lowest price.
- Project Scope – Smaller kitchen remodels or DIY projects lend themselves better to RTA cabinets given the assembly factor. For expansive renovations or whole home builds, KraftMaid offers more design flexibility and customization.
- Installation – If you’re comfortable with basic construction skills, don’t mind putting in elbow grease, and want to save on installation fees, RTA is your best bet. KraftMaid makes more sense for homeowners who prefer professional turnkey installation.
- Quality and Lifespan – Those looking for extremely durable cabinets with robust materials and craftsmanship are better off choosing KraftMaid over most RTA brands. But some high end RTA lines can still offer 20+ years of life.
- Lead Time – Because KraftMaid cabinets are custom built to order, the entire process takes about 6-8 weeks from design to delivery. RTA cabinets ship within 1-2 weeks. Faster project timelines favor RTA.
Cost Comparison
Here is an example cost breakdown for a 10×10 kitchen to illustrate pricing differences between RTA and KraftMaid cabinets:
- RTA Cabinets
- Cabinets: $2,000
- Hardware/Accessories: $500
- Delivery: $300
- Installation (if hiring out): $1,500
- Total: $4,300
- KraftMaid Cabinets
- Cabinets: $5,000
- Hardware/Accessories: $750
- Delivery: $500
- Installation: $2,000
- Total: $8,250
This shows how a high quality RTA cabinetry package can be 50% or more cheaper for a kitchen remodel compared to semi-custom KraftMaid cabinets purchased through a kitchen dealer.
Shoppers should also considerFactors like existing kitchen layout, cabinet quality, accessory upgrades, and contractor rates can alter these estimates. But the cost advantage of RTA cabinets is clear.
Which is Better for Resale Value?
Will spending more on KraftMaid cabinets give you a better return on investment versus cheaper RTA cabinets when it comes time to sell your home?
The answer is: it depends.
There are a few factors to keep in mind:
- Overall Remodel Quality – The workmanship of the full remodel often matters more than cabinet brand alone. A thoughtfully executed remodel using quality RTA cabinets can still boost home value.
- Cabinet Construction – Top tier RTA cabinets made with furniture-grade plywood and solid frames can command comps close to KraftMaid. Particleboard RTAs may get discounted more.
- Current Housing Market – In hot seller’s markets, even modest kitchen updates yield good ROI. Cabinet brand matters less than refresh factor.
- Buyer Preferences – Some buyers are happy with nice looking RTA cabinets. Brand snobs may view KraftMaid as higher end. But most buyers just want cabinets in good shape. Talk to a local realtor get a better idea of how your specific market views RTA cabinets versus KraftMaid.
While KraftMaid cabinets may help add slightly more value, the difference is unlikely to justify the additional 50-100% upcharge compared to many RTA options. Spend the savings on other impactful upgrades like stone countertops or high-end finishes. This can give you the most bang for your buck come resale.
How To Choose What’s Best For You?
Ultimately, deciding between ready-to-assemble and KraftMaid comes down to your project scope, budget, skillset and style preferences. Here are some final tips for choosing the right cabinet option:
- Set your total budget and cost per linear foot target. This will rule out options on either end of the spectrum.
- Assess your DIY comfort level. Are you up for the assembly and installation process of RTA? If not, scratch that option.
- Browse cabinet styles and finishes to find door designs you love. Compare offerings across top brands.
- Read third party reviews and talk to past customers. This gives the best insight on real-world quality and service.
- Determine how much customization you require. Semi-custom KraftMaid wins if you need specialized storage solutions.
- Ask your contractor for an honest opinion on the best cabinet brands and prices for your project.
- Inspect display models in person and open doors, drawers, hinges etc. to assess craftsmanship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
RTA cabinet quality can range widely. Lower priced brands use thinner materials like particle board and economy hardware meaning shorter lifespan and higher failure rates. But premium RTA cabinet lines from reputable companies can be quite durable and are constructed from solid wood and plywood like custom cabinets. Carefully inspecting construction and features is key for identifying high quality RTA cabinets.
Yes, KraftMaid has an excellent reputation for making durable, quality cabinets. Their cabinets feature furniture-grade plywood boxes, solid wood frames, soft-close mechanisms, high-end finishes and hardware. KraftMaid products are generally expected to last 20 years or longer with proper care and maintenance. Their generous warranties also provide peace of mind.
Potential drawbacks of RTA cabinets include the need for DIY assembly which can be challenging, limitations in sizing/customization options, and quality control issues with some budget-priced brands. Particleboard construction found in cheaper RTA cabinets also won’t hold up as well long-term compared to plywood box construction.
RTA cabinets are much cheaper than custom cabinetry primarily for three reasons: 1) They are mass produced with automation to save on labor 2) Shipping disassembled keeps delivery costs low 3) DIY assembly removes the expense of professional installation. The trade-off is you get limited customization and lower quality compared to solid wood custom cabinets. But some RTA brands focus on high quality construction at an affordable price point.
Final Thoughts
No matter which direction you decide, choosing the right cabinets for your kitchen remodel or new build is a big choice. Take your time evaluating all the pros, cons and costs.
Investing in quality, durable cabinets – whether RTA or KraftMaid – that suit your needs and style will help you enjoy the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen for many years to come.