Are you looking to renovate your kitchen or bathroom with ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets but you do not know much about RTA cabinet installation? If so, you have come to the right place. With professional assistance from an established company like Canada Cabinets Online, RTA cabinet installation is easy.

In today’s article we will explain what RTA cabinet installation is, how to install RTA cabinets, and what equipment you will need for RTA cabinet installation.

Click on each corresponding link to jump ahead:

1. What Is RTA Cabinet Installation?
2. How Do You Install RTA Cabinets? 
3. What Equipment Is Required for RTA Cabinet Installation?

If you have any questions about anything in this article please do not hesitate to contact us.

1. What Is RTA Cabinet Installation?

RTA cabinet installation refers to the process of assembling and installing ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets in a kitchen, bathroom, or other areas of a home or office.

RTA cabinets are becoming a very popular choice for many homeowners and contractors because they are more affordable than custom-made cabinets and they can be easily shipped and transported in flat-pack boxes. 

If you are interested in RTA cabinet installation continue reading to learn how to install them. We have included helpful how-to videos which you can references throughout the installation process. 

2. How Do You Install RTA Cabinets?

Here is an overview of the steps involved in RTA cabinet installation:

1. Planning:

Before you start the installation process, it’s essential to plan the layout of your cabinets carefully. Measure the space where the cabinets will be installed and ensure that they fit correctly. You should also mark the locations for wall studs, plumbing, and electrical outlets, as this information will be crucial during the installation.

2. Gathering Tools and Materials:

Gather all the necessary tools and materials, including the RTA cabinets, cabinet hardware (such as handles and knobs), a level, a stud finder, screws, a drill, a screwdriver, shims, a pencil, and a measuring tape.

3. Preparation:

Empty the area where the cabinets will be installed and cover the floor to protect it from scratches and damage. If you are replacing old cabinets, remove them first.

4. Assembly:

RTA cabinets come with detailed assembly instructions. Follow these instructions to assemble each cabinet box, including attaching the sides, back, and shelves. This typically involves using screws, cam locks, and wooden dowels. Make sure to double-check that all pieces are securely fastened and that the cabinet is square.

5. Hanging Wall Cabinets:

Begin by installing the upper (wall) cabinets. Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs and mark their positions. Then, attach a ledger board to the wall at the height where you want the cabinets to be installed. This board will provide temporary support while you secure the cabinets to the wall. Hang the cabinets one by one, levelling them and attaching them to the wall studs with screws.

6. Installing Base Cabinets:

Install the lower (base) cabinets next. Start at one end of the run of cabinets and work your way to the other end. Again, use a level to ensure that the cabinets are level and plumb. You may need to use shims to adjust the cabinets’ height and alignment.

7. Attaching Cabinets Together:

If you have multiple cabinets next to each other, use cabinet clamps or screws to join them together securely. This step is crucial to ensure a seamless and stable installation.

8. Adding Cabinet Hardware:

After all the cabinets are installed, attach any cabinet hardware, such as handles and knobs, according to your design preferences.

9. Final Adjustments:

Double-check that all the cabinets are level and secure. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure that doors and drawers open and close smoothly.

10. Finish Work:

Complete any finishing touches, such as filling gaps with trim pieces or moulding, caulking seams, and making sure all cabinet doors and drawers are properly aligned.

Check Out These Installation Videos

If you are worried about RTA cabinet installation don’t be! Below are some helpful videos to walk you through the process. We also have experts you can speak with for advice. Do not let a lack of expertise pull you away from having your dream kitchen or bathroom! We are here to help.

Watch these videos and become an expert at RTA cabinet installation. 

3. What Equipment Is Required for RTA Cabinet Installation?

Once you have received your RTA cabinets and hardware, there are several pieces of equipment you will need to ensure your cabinet installation runs smoothly and safe. Continue reading to discover the equipment you will need:

A) Tools:

• Measuring Tape: Essential for accurately measuring the space and ensuring that the cabinets are aligned correctly.
• Level: Used to ensure that the cabinets are plumb (vertically level) and level (horizontally level).
• Stud Finder: Helps locate wall studs or other structural supports in the walls, which are crucial for securely attaching cabinets.
• Screwdriver and/or Drill: Used for driving screws into the cabinets and walls.
• Pencil: Needed for marking measurements and reference points on the wall and cabinets.
• Saw: Required for cutting trim pieces or making adjustments to the cabinets if they don’t fit perfectly in the space.
• Clamps: Used to temporarily hold cabinets together and keep them aligned during installation.
• Shims: These are small wedges used to level and align cabinets, especially on uneven floors.

B) Safety Gear:

Safety should always be a priority. Consider wearing proper personal protective equipment during your cabinet installation such as safety glasses, gloves and hearing protection when using power tools.

C) Fasteners:

You’ll need screws or other fasteners to secure the cabinets to the wall and to join cabinets together if necessary. Make sure to choose the appropriate type and length of screws for your specific cabinets and wall material.

D) Caulk and Caulking Gun:

Caulk is used to seal gaps between the cabinets and the wall or between seams in the cabinets. It provides a finished look and helps prevent moisture and dirt from getting into gaps. Click here to discover when you should and shouldn’t caulk your cabinets. 

E) Ledger Board:

This is a temporary horizontal board that you attach to the wall to provide support while you hang upper cabinets. It helps ensure that they are level and properly aligned during installation.

F) Drop Cloths or Traps:

These are used to protect the floor from scratches, damage, and debris during the installation process.

Having the right equipment is essential for a successful RTA cabinet installation. It ensures that the cabinets are securely attached, level, and functional, and that the finished result meets your aesthetic and functional requirements.

Trust Canada Cabinets Online for RTA Cabinet Installation 

Canada Cabinets Online offers wholesale direct, solid wood, ready to assemble kitchen cabinets and shelving units. Our high-quality cabinets are finely crafted and are an affordable and convenient way to make any home more beautiful.

In addition to our 10-step finishing process, here are some other great reasons to choose Canada Cabinets Online:

• Order Online: There’s no need to visit a store; you can order your cabinets from home. Simply create a secure, personal design centre account to access our FREE professional designer assistance and FREE 3D kitchen layout. One of our kitchen specialists will begin a conversation with you within 24 hours.
• Free Shipping: We offer free shipping for all our ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinet and bathroom vanity orders and all sample door orders within Ontario (deliveries to remote areas may be subject to some related freight charges).
• Easy Installation: Our cabinets are easy to install. Check out our helpful videos that will step you through the installation process.

Contact us today to get started and we can help you with your online order. Also, to discover some of our kitchen cabinets and their dimensions, click here.