Top Mistakes to Avoid When Installing RTA Kitchen Cabinets

Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) kitchen cabinets have become a popular choice for homeowners due to their affordability and ease of installation. However, like any home improvement project, installing RTA kitchen cabinets comes with its own set of challenges. To ensure a successful installation and a smooth kitchen renovation, it’s crucial to avoid some common mistakes that can lead to unnecessary frustration, delays, or even damage to your new cabinets.

In this guide, we’ll go over the top mistakes to avoid when installing RTA kitchen cabinets, ensuring that your kitchen renovation in Ottawa or elsewhere stays on track and your cabinets look perfect.

1. Skipping the Instructions

One of the biggest mistakes DIYers make when installing RTA kitchen cabinets is neglecting to thoroughly read the instructions. While these cabinets are designed for easy assembly, each manufacturer may have unique assembly steps or hardware components. Skipping or skimming through the instructions can result in misaligned parts or structural instability.

Pro Tip: Before starting, lay out all the pieces and hardware, and carefully review the instruction manual. This extra step will save you time and prevent costly mistakes down the road.

2. Not Prepping the Area Properly

Before diving into the installation process, it’s essential to prepare the area where the cabinets will be installed. Failing to measure and level the installation site can result in misaligned or uneven cabinets, which will be difficult to correct later.

Make sure the walls and floors are level, and if they aren’t, make the necessary adjustments before beginning. Also, double-check that you have all the required tools and materials on hand to avoid stopping midway through the installation.

Pro Tip: Measure the walls and spaces multiple times to ensure the dimensions are correct. A good rule of thumb is to measure twice, cut once.

3. Over-Tightening Screws and Hardware

Another common mistake when assembling RTA cabinets is over-tightening screws and other hardware components. Doing this can damage the cabinet material, particularly if the cabinets are made of wood veneer or particleboard, and may cause splitting or cracking.

Pro Tip: Use a screwdriver or a drill with a clutch setting to avoid over-tightening screws. When in doubt, leave the screw slightly loose and then tighten it further once everything is in place.

4. Not Labeling Parts

During assembly, you may have several similar-looking parts, and it can be easy to confuse one piece with another. Failing to label parts as you unpack them from the box can lead to misplacements or misassemblies, which will complicate the installation process.

Pro Tip: Label each part as you unpack it, or lay everything out in an organized manner. This will help ensure that each piece is used in the right place.

5. Not Using a Level

When installing cabinets, especially upper cabinets, not using a level is a big mistake. Even a slight tilt can become glaringly obvious once all the cabinets are installed and can affect the alignment of doors and drawers.

Pro Tip: Use a bubble level or laser level to ensure each cabinet is installed perfectly straight. This is particularly important for upper cabinets where any unevenness will be more noticeable.

6. Installing Cabinets Out of Order

The order in which you install your RTA kitchen cabinets matters. Installing upper cabinets first will give you more room to move and work freely without base cabinets getting in the way. This will also prevent any damage to base cabinets as you install the upper ones.

Pro Tip: Always start with the upper cabinets before moving on to the base cabinets to ensure you have enough space to work efficiently.

7. Neglecting to Secure Cabinets Properly

After assembling and positioning the cabinets, failing to secure them properly to the wall can result in them shifting over time, which could lead to structural damage. This is particularly important for heavy upper cabinets that hold a lot of weight.

Pro Tip: Use the proper anchors and screws when securing cabinets to the wall. Make sure to hit the wall studs to ensure maximum support and stability.

Why Choose Terzetto Homes for Your Kitchen Remodel?

At Terzetto Homes, we specialize in providing high-quality RTA kitchen cabinets and expert design-build services for homeowners. Whether you’re embarking on a kitchen renovation in Ottawa or anywhere else, our team is here to support you every step of the way. From offering assembly tips to providing high-quality materials, we ensure that your kitchen renovation is seamless and successful.

Book a Consultation Today

Planning to install RTA kitchen cabinets? Contact Terzetto Homes today for a free consultation and explore our wide range of high-quality cabinets designed for DIY homeowners. Let’s bring your dream kitchen to life with ease and style.