RTA / Assembly
RTA cabinet assembly guide
RTA cabinets ship flat and assemble on site. Most cabinets go together with basic hand tools in well under an hour once you have a rhythm. Assemble on a clean flat surface, check the box is square before fixing the back, and mount hardware last.
Assembly is the part people worry about most and struggle with least. The sequence below is what keeps a box square, which is the only thing that really matters.
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What tools do you need to assemble RTA cabinets?
A rubber mallet, a screwdriver or drill with the right bit, a carpenter's square, a tape measure and clamps. No specialist tooling is required. A clean flat work surface matters more than any tool on the list.
- Rubber mallet
- Drill or screwdriver with the correct bit
- Carpenter's square
- Tape measure
- Clamps
- A clean, flat work surface
How do you assemble an RTA cabinet?
Lay out and identify every part first, join the sides to the base, square the assembly with a carpenter's square, then fix the back panel — which is what locks the box square. Fit drawers and doors afterwards, and adjust the hinges last.
- Unpack and identify every panel and fitting against the parts list.
- Work on a clean flat surface so nothing racks under its own weight.
- Join the side panels to the base and any stretchers.
- Check the diagonals with a carpenter's square — they must match.
- Fix the back panel while the box is square; the back is what holds it.
- Install drawer boxes and check the glides run freely.
- Hang the doors and adjust the six-way hinges for even reveals.
What is the most common assembly mistake?
Fixing the back panel before checking the box is square. The back is the component that locks the geometry, so if the box is racked when the back goes on, that error is permanent — and it shows up later as doors that will not align.
Do I have to assemble them myself?
No. Our remodeling team installs cabinetry as part of a managed project. Self-assembly is an option for those who want it, not a requirement of buying RTA from IQ+.
Frequently asked
RTA cabinet assembly guide — your questions answered
How long does one cabinet take to assemble?
Most people find a rhythm after the first two or three. Time per cabinet drops sharply once the sequence is familiar.
Are hinges and glides included?
Yes. All lines include six-way adjustable soft-close hinges and concealed undermount full-extension soft-close glides.
Can IQ+ install the cabinets instead?
Yes. Our remodeling team handles installation as part of a managed project.
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