RTA vs Custom Cabinet Doors: What’s the Best Option for Your Cabinets?
When investing in new cabinet doors for your home, you'll find there are two popular options: RTA and custom-made. Both solutions are popular for different reasons. In this article, we'll explore the differences and similarities between RTA vs. custom cabinet doors, so you can decide which option is best for your home.
Here's everything you need to know.
What Are RTA Cabinet Doors?
RTA stands for ready-to-assemble. These are stock doors that come flat-packed and ready to install. The doors also come pre-finished, making them a DIY-friendly investment for homeowners wanting to install new doors themselves.
Benefits of RTA Cabinet Doors
RTA cabinet door replacements are a low-cost alternative to custom-made solutions, often sold by big box retailers. Since no customization is necessary, RTA cabinet doors ship relatively quickly and are easy to install.
Limitations of RTA
Even though RTA doors are more budget-friendly, there are a few limitations to this investment. For example, these doors only come in a variety of pre-set sizes, colors, and materials. So you can't fully customize your window treatments to complement your personal preferences. Also, if your cabinet doors are a unique size, the doors might be misaligned or uneven. RTAs are also not a good solution for unique sizes or big creative ideas, which means what you see is what you get with this investment.
What Are Custom Cabinet Doors?
Custom cabinet doors are custom-made to fit the exact measurements of your current cabinets. These doors are custom-crafted with premium materials and are available in various colors, styles, and wood types.
Made-to-Order Advantages
Choosing a custom solution over a ready-made door guarantees a perfect fit for your existing cabinets. It also ensures you can choose a cabinet door style in a wood type or paint color that expertly fits your aesthetic goals for the space.
Common Uses
Investing in custom cabinet doors is a cost-effective way to enhance your space without committing to a home remodel. If your current cabinets are still in good shape and structurally sound, you can elevate the visual appeal of your space with a custom-made door in a style of your choice.
RTA vs Custom Cabinets Comparison
Can't decide between RTA and custom cabinets? Here's how the two options compare:
Price Comparison
RTA cabinets tend to be cheaper than custom-made cabinets. While custom-made solutions may have higher upfront costs, these doors are custom-made to fit your current cabinets, so you don't need to worry about an uneven fit. These doors are also made using durable materials and will likely last longer than stock cabinets you get from a retailer, so you’ll likely get more from your investment.
Design & Material Quality
RTA cabinet door replacements come in standard sizes and aren't customizable. If your cabinets are slightly off in size, the doors might not fit exactly as you want. Custom-made cabinet doors offer an expert fit, so you don't need to worry about misalignment or an uneven fit impacting the look of your space.
Installation & Timeframe
RTA is a fast, ready-to-go option for individuals with a tight budget. The day the doors arrive, they are ready to be installed on your cabinets. Since custom-made cabinet doors are made to fit the measurements you provide, you'll need to prepare for a lead time.
Why Custom Cabinet Doors Are a Smart Upgrade for RTA Cabinets
If your RTA cabinet boxes in your kitchen or bathroom are still in good shape, investing in custom cabinet doors is a great option. Custom-made cabinet doors also allow you to personalize your space to complement your style. When you choose custom-made over RTA cabinet doors, you can also:
- Increase your overall home value
- Get the look and feel of a home remodel, for a fraction of the cost
- Find a solution that fits oddly-shaped cabinets
- Personalize your space to complement your unique style
- Hand-pick the style, material, finish, and paint color
How to Order Custom Doors for RTA Cabinets
If you want a long-lasting solution that offers a perfect fit, you can't go wrong with custom-made cabinet doors. Custom-crafted cabinet doors tend to last longer than traditional RTA doors you find at popular retail stores and provide a more personalized touch to match. At Cabinet Door Factory, we strive to make the ordering process as simple as possible for our customers. Here's how the ordering process works:
- Measure the height and width of your existing cabinets
- Determine the style, material, and finish you want for the replacements
- Decide between finished and unfinished doors
- Provide the measurements and place your order
- Explore matching drawer fronts and upgrade the hardware
At Cabinet Door Factory, we prioritize superior craftsmanship and specialize in custom-made solutions. Whether it's the kitchen, bathroom, or office, we're here to help you enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space with high-quality custom-made cabinet doors.
Explore our custom cabinet doors today.
Frequently Asked Questions About RTA vs. Custom Cabinet Doors
Can I install custom doors on RTA cabinets myself?
Yes, custom cabinet doors are relatively easy to DIY install without professional help.
Will my existing RTA hinges and hardware work with custom doors?
Yes, your existing RTA hinges and hardware can work with your custom cabinet doors. However, you may want to consider upgrading the hardware at the same time as your cabinet doors.
Are custom RTA kitchen cabinets the same as fully custom cabinets?
No, fully custom cabinet doors are designed to fit the exact measurements of your cabinets, while RTA kitchen cabinets are pre-made options only available in pre-set sizes.
