When it comes to remodeling kitchens, one of the most crucial elements that has to be considered is the cabinetry as your choice will considerably affect both functionality and interior appeal. Nowadays, the options have extended from the traditional units to ready-to-assemble or RTA cabinets. There are various factors that makes either option a better preference. So if you are looking into replacing your cabinets to spruce up your New York home, land with an informed decision by learning the pros and cons of traditional vs RTA cabinets. Here are some points to consider to land with the right units whether you are in Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, or Brooklyn.
Basics
Traditional cabinets come in its 3 general types: stock, semi-stock and custom-made. When it comes to designs, the most flexible option that guarantees that your every whim is satisfied is custom-made cabinetry but will require the help of a contractor to complete the job in the most efficient manner. RTA cabinets, on the other hand, is a packaged set of parts where all have been cut to size and holes have been drilled where they should be. Hardware to hold things together and make them function efficiently are also included with a comprehensive instruction on how to piece together the various parts.
Price
Compared with pre-assembled and traditional pieces, RTA is a lot cheaper making them a viable choice for budget kitchen remodeling. Ready-to-assemble units are designed for easy construction that even the most unskilled homeowner can put together with just the use of a screwdriver. Being DIY, you can enjoy a good cutback on labor costs. Shipping rates also vary significantly. A fully assembled cabinet or raw materials for stock, semi-stock or custom made pieces will take on much space than that of RTA that is packed flat for easier and cheaper transport. These reasons make RTA a more economical choice.
Quality
When it comes to quality, both choices – traditional and RTA cabinets, offer a full spectrum. The materials used ranges from poor quality particle boards to the most luxurious and durable hardwood choices. With the rise in demand came the manufacturers’ answer to the needs of customers and that is enjoying the benefits that hardwood brings for a good price. Another factor to look into that will affect quality greatly is 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 your kitchen strength and long-lasting beauty by choosing the materials and supplier wisely.
Time
The time you complete the kitchen remodeling project is important to avoid prolonging the disturbances in the household as well as the anticipation to see the results. This is one of the strongest advantages of RTA cabinets over its traditional counterpart. As they are packed flat, they are easier and cheaper to ship so opting for the fastest possible fleet for the items would not pose much of a financial burden. This very same reason also makes them almost always available in your local or online retail shop warehouse as they are easy to store. Even if your choice of design is not in stock, ordering ready to assemble cabinets would take only about two to three weeks where traditional cabinets, in most cases will reach your home in six to eight weeks.
Eugene Makeev uses his skills and expertise to help home owners in Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island avoid the common remodeling New York pitfalls by matching their needs with prescreened contractors. Visit our RTA cabinets store. Feel free to use our kitchen remodeling estimator.