Is It Cheaper to Build Kitchen Cabinets or Buy RTA Cabinets?
If you’re dreaming of a new kitchen, chances are you’re weighing every cost—and rightfully so. Cabinets are one of the biggest investments in a kitchen remodel. So naturally, you’re asking:
“Is it cheaper to build kitchen cabinets myself, or should I just buy RTA cabinets and have them installed?”
At Regal Home Center, we specialize in installing RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) cabinets for homeowners who want affordability, convenience, and great style—without paying custom cabinet prices. In this guide, we’ll help you weigh the pros and cons of building from scratch versus buying RTA cabinets, so you can decide which is right for your project.
Cost Comparison: DIY Build vs. Buying RTA Cabinets
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to spend depending on your route:
DIY Cabinet Building Costs
| Component | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Wood (plywood/hardwood) | $50 – $150 per sheet |
| Cabinet hardware | $50 – $200 |
| Finishing supplies | $30 – $100 |
| Screws, brackets, glue | $20 – $50 |
| Tools (if not already owned) | $500 – $1500+ |
| Total per linear foot | $80 – $200+ |
RTA Cabinets from Regal Home Center
| Cabinet Type | Average Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| RTA Cabinets (installed) | $150 – $350+ |
👉 Regal Tip: For most homeowners, RTA cabinets offer a perfect middle ground between budget and quality. You’ll get the look and function you want—without the weeks of labor or risk of costly DIY mistakes.
What Are RTA Cabinets, Anyway?
RTA stands for Ready-to-Assemble. These cabinets come pre-cut, pre-drilled, and flat-packed for easy assembly and installation. At Regal Home Center, we help homeowners select the right RTA cabinet style, and then our expert installers handle the rest—no measuring errors, no tool headaches, no stress.
RTA cabinets are built for:
- Affordability
- Fast delivery
- Quality construction (many with soft-close hardware & solid wood frames)
- DIY-friendly if you choose to assemble yourself—or hassle-free if you hire pros like us
Time: DIY Takes A Lot Longer Than You Think
If you’re considering building from scratch, here’s a rough estimate of time:
- Measuring and planning: 5–10 hours
- Cutting and prep: 10–15 hours
- Assembly: 15–25 hours
- Finishing: 10–20 hours
- Installation: 10–15 hours
That’s 50+ hours minimum—if everything goes smoothly.
By contrast, RTA cabinets can be delivered, assembled, and installed by our team in just a few days, depending on the size of your kitchen.
Tools You’ll Need to Build From Scratch
If you go the DIY route, expect to need:
- Table saw or circular saw
- Power drill
- Pocket hole jig
- Sander
- Clamps (you’ll need a lot!)
- Measuring tape, level, square
- Wood glue, screws, filler, finish
Don’t already own them? Expect to spend $500 to $1,500+ on tools alone.
With RTA cabinets, most of that is handled for you. They’re already cut to size and pre-drilled. Plus, Regal Home Center can assemble and install everything for a polished, professional finish.
Quality Considerations: DIY vs. RTA
Here’s where RTA cabinets really shine:
- Modern RTA cabinets are built with durable plywood boxes and solid wood face frames, depending on the brand.
- Soft-close doors, adjustable shelves, and sleek finishes are often included.
- Many RTA cabinet lines come with warranties—something you don’t get with DIY.
At Regal Home Center, we only install RTA cabinets that meet our high standards for long-term performance, style, and homeowner satisfaction.
Hidden Costs to Keep in Mind
Even if building sounds cheaper up front, there are hidden costs that can tip the scale:
DIY Hidden Costs:
- Wasted materials from errors
- Tool replacements
- Rework if measurements are off
- Potential damage to walls or floors during install
Buying RTA Cabinets:
- Delivery fees (often bundled or free with us!)
- Assembly (if you’re not hiring our team)
- Minor trim or fit adjustments (Regal handles this during install)
Real-Life Comparison: 10×10 Kitchen
For a standard 10×10 kitchen (about 20 linear feet of cabinets):
DIY Build:
- Materials + hardware: $2,000–$3,000
- Finishing supplies: $100
- Tools (if needed): $500–$1,000
- Total: $2,600–$4,100+
RTA Cabinets from Regal Home Center:
- Cabinets: $3,000–$6,000
- Installation by our team: Included or quoted upfront
- Total: $3,000–$6,000 (depending on style, size, and finish)
👉 When you factor in your time, tool costs, and risk of mistakes, most homeowners find that buying RTA cabinets and hiring pros like Regal Home Center saves money in the long run—and delivers a better finish.
✅ Pros & Cons of Each Option
DIY Build
Pros:
- Lower material cost (if done perfectly)
- Custom sizing (if you’re very skilled)
- Personal satisfaction of building it yourself
Cons:
- Very time-consuming
- Requires expensive tools
- No warranty or guarantees
- Higher risk of errors or delays
Buying RTA Cabinets from Regal
Pros:
- Affordable and stylish
- Faster turnaround
- Installed by professionals
- Warranty-backed
- No tools or DIY skills needed
Cons:
- Less customization than fully custom cabinets (but way more affordable!)
Regal Home Center’s Expert Opinion
After helping hundreds of homeowners transform their kitchens, our advice is simple:
If you’re not a seasoned carpenter with a full workshop, buying RTA cabinets is almost always the smarter and more cost-effective choice.
RTA gives you the perfect balance between quality and budget, and when you partner with Regal Home Center, you’ll get the added bonus of professional installation, expert guidance, and long-term peace of mind.
FAQs: RTA vs. DIY Kitchen Cabinets
Q: Are RTA cabinets durable?
A: Absolutely! Many of our RTA lines use plywood boxes, solid wood doors, and soft-close hardware—and are designed to last 15–25 years with proper care.
Q: Can I install RTA cabinets myself?
A: You can—but if you want it done right and fast, our team at Regal Home Center offers full installation services.
Q: Are RTA cabinets customizable?
A: They come in various styles, finishes, and configurations, but they’re not as customizable as full custom builds. However, for most homeowners, RTA offers plenty of options to get the look they want.
Q: How long does RTA cabinet installation take?
A: From delivery to finished install, most projects are completed within 3–5 days.
Instead of a Conclusion… Here’s Your Next Step:
If you’re serious about upgrading your kitchen but want to stick to a budget, RTA cabinets from Regal Home Center are the way to go.
Forget the sawdust and stress—we’ll help you choose the right style, deliver your cabinets, and install them to perfection.
👉 Contact us today to schedule a free estimate or visit our showroom to explore our most popular RTA cabinet styles.
