DIY KITCHEN REMODEL AND RTA CABINETS

We used RTA (ready-to-assemble) cabinets in our DIY kitchen remodel.  RTA cabinets can provide a 50% savings from big-box store cabinets and turnaround is fairly quick – usually within two weeks!

Oh my goodness.  We are DONE with our DIY kitchen remodel and could not be more thankful.  To see more on the reveal I shared last week (and a funny behind-the-scenes video), go HERE.

Our newly designed kitchen functions much better than our old design, and we are in LOVE with how gorgeous the new space is – mainly thanks to our new cabinets from Custom Service Hardware. Our old kitchen was dark, and we hated the layout (not to mention our really old appliances).

I did the best I could updating the space using paint…

However, we love to host big groups in our home and the layout was so frustrating.  The kitchen was closed off from the living room, and there was only one way in and one way out (resulting it lots of traffic issues). When we remodeled the kitchen, we tore down part of the wall between the kitchen and the family room.  Unfortunately we couldn’t remove as much of the wall as we intended due to some water lines we didn’t know were there.  Due to timing and our budget, we kept the wall a little longer than we had originally planned.  I had already ordered my cabinets from Custom Service Hardware, so we just added another base cabinet to fill the space and make it look more intentional.  My plan for the upper space was to add open shelving, but my husband and I panicked at the last minute about drilling into the tile AND possibly hitting the water lines that we now know are there.  I actually like the relief in the extra space, and it provides a little decorating space…

Our lower cabinets in the original kitchen design connected to the sink area in an “L” design.

We opted for an island this time around and moved the dishwasher next to the sink.

The range and stove were separate in the old design.

We added a new stove/range combo using the same hood from before (only painted to look like wood).

We are in love with the new space, but the entire space was DIYed, so it was a process to get to where we are.

I partnered with Custom Service Hardware on the kitchen cabinets and I cannot say enough good things about this company and their people.  I have worked with them in the past and had such an amazing experience with their rolling library ladder.

RTA (READY-TO-ASSEMBLE) CABINET PROCESS

• Sizes are limited to what is in stock, but the large variety allows for a great layout.
• The cabinets are delivered via a truck shipment.
• There are no instructions in the box, but there are plenty of online video tutorials.
• Assembly takes time, and the first one is always the hardest.  We figured out an assembly groove pretty quickly.
• Use lots of glue and add a few screws for the best solid cabinet assembly.

I was surprised how quickly my cabinets arrived – I had them within a week of ordering them. Once they arrived, I was asked to check for damage with the delivery driver, and we didn’t find any damage.

After the delivery man left, I freaked out a bit looking at all those (very flat) boxes.

However, my husband and I set up a staging area in the garage and spent our evenings working on the cabinets (thanks to Steve’s parents for helping us assemble some).

The first cabinet really is the hardest, and you will create a system that works for you that makes the process go faster.  We spent just under an hour per cabinet on average – which would have been faster if Steve didn’t spend so much time organizing the screws…

Here’s a video showing the assembly process on one of the upper cabinets:

My parents came to help with the actual hanging of the cabinets.  It’s amazing how not level your home is.  It took some time, but the cabinets were hung over a long weekend.  You can see the process in this video:

RTA (READY-TO-ASSEMBLE) CABINET PRODUCT

• The color availability is limited, but you can see the product before you buy by ordering sample doors.
• The finish is very nice, and there are touch-up kits available for any scuffs or dents.
• The quality is amazing!  We were pleasantly surprised with all the features and sturdiness of the cabinets.
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We did find that hardware was necessary for the cabinets in securing the faceplates of the drawers.  However, we prefer the added touch the hardware provides the cabinets. We went with two separate cabinet series for our kitchen (although they are both shaker in style).  The gray cabinets are the NORWICH SERIES and the white cabinets (the island) are the ESSEX SERIES.

The RTA cabinets offer several fun features such as a hidden trash can.

We love the out-of-site microwave shelf.

And pull-out spice rack.

All the hours spent assembling and hanging the cabinets were time well spent because the finished result is absolutely gorgeous!

Custom Service Hardware also provides matching trim and molding pieces with their various cabinets series.

We are in love with our new kitchen and grateful to Custom Service Hardware on their partnership with this DIY kitchen remodel. Custom Service Hardware provides amazing service, and everyone I spoke with was pleasant and helpful.  However, I have to give a special shout-out to James who walked me through every step of this RTA cabinet process.

Go create something!

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

Want to follow the kitchen remodel journey? Start here: Week 1 – Demo

*This post is a sponsored post by Custom Service Hardware.  I take pride in reviewing only products that fit my brand and will be beneficial to my readers. And while this post is sponsored, all the opinions are my own.