Video Guide: Watch a Pro Assemble an RTA Cabinet

Introduction

"Ready-to-Assemble" might sound a little intimidating if you've never tackled a project like this before. You might be wondering, "How hard is it, really? Am I going to need a workshop full of tools?" We're here to tell you: assembling high-quality RTA cabinets is surprisingly simple and straightforward, designed for homeowners just like you. But don't just take our word for it! We filmed a professional putting together one of our standard base cabinets so you can see the process firsthand. Watch how quickly and easily it comes together in just a few minutes.

The Video: Assembling a Base Cabinet

Tools You'll Need (As Seen in the Video)

As you saw, you don't need a complicated set of tools. For most RTA cabinet assembly, these are the basics:

• Rubber Mallet: Essential for gently tapping joints together snugly without damaging the finish. Never use a metal hammer!
• Screwdriver (Phillips Head): For securing any screws or cam locks. You can use a cordless drill, but make sure it's set to a very low torque (clutch) setting to avoid overtightening or stripping.
• Wood Glue (Optional, but Recommended): Applying a small bead of wood glue to dowel joints before assembly adds extra strength for a rock-solid, long-lasting cabinet.

The Basic Steps We Followed

While different cabinet types might have slight variations, the core assembly process shown in the video generally follows these steps:

• Unpack & Inspect: Carefully lay out all the cabinet components on a protected surface (like a blanket or cardboard) and check that everything is included and undamaged.
• Build the Box: Connect the side panels to the bottom and top panels using the provided hardware (often cam locks and screws or pre-inserted dowels). Use the rubber mallet to ensure panels are fully seated and flush.
• Slide in the Back Panel: Once the box sides are connected, slide the thin back panel into the grooves on the back edges. This step is crucial as it helps square up the cabinet box and adds significant rigidity.
• Assemble the Drawer Box (if applicable): Connect the four sides of the drawer box (often using strong dovetail joints) and slide the drawer bottom into its grooves.
• Install Glides & Hinges: Attach the drawer glides to the drawer box and inside the cabinet box, and attach the hinges to the door according to the instructions.