How to Assemble RTA Cabinets

We’ve got examples of how to assemble several types of RTA cabinets below, but steps may vary depending on the specific cabinet. Always follow the instructions that come with your cabinets.

• Make sure you have a solid, level work area with plenty of space to move and to maneuver the components.
• Before you begin assembly, lay out and identify all of the parts, making sure everything is in easy reach.
• You may want to lay a drop cloth on the work surface to help prevent scuffs and scratches.
• Enlist a helper for assistance with moving large components or holding them in place while you secure them.
• Wear safety gear appropriate for the tools you’re using, as specified by the tool manufacturers.
• You’ll need to purchase cabinet hardware — door and drawer pulls and knobs — separately.

Base cabinets are the foundation of your cabinet system. This RELIABILT RTA Base Cabinet Assembly video shows you how to complete each step of the build.

To assemble base cabinets, you’ll need:

• A drill/driver
• Phillips head driver bits
• A Phillips head screwdriver
• A mallet

Assembly typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes per cabinet. Key steps include:

1. Assembling the cabinet box with left, right, back and bottom panels
2. Securing the face frame to the box
3. Installing the toe kick panel
4. Attaching the drawer glide and runner assemblies
5. Assembling and installing the drawer
6. Attaching the door
7. Installing the cabinet shelf

As the name suggests, a sink cabinet is a base cabinet with a cutout for the sink. Doors on the cabinet give you access to under-sink storage for your cleaning supplies and other necessities. This RELIABILT RTA Sink Cabinet Assembly video shows you how easy one is to assemble.

To assemble a sink cabinet, you’ll need:

• A drill/driver
• Phillips head driver bits
• A Phillips head screwdriver
• A mallet

Assembly typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes per cabinet. Key steps include:

1. Assembling the cabinet box with left, right, back and bottom panels
2. Securing the face frame to the box
3. Installing the toe kick panel
4. Attaching the left and right doors
5. Installing corner blocks in the top corners of the cabinet box

Drawer cabinets are base cabinets that make it easy to store larger items — such as cookware and even some small appliances — out of sight but within easy reach. This RELIABILT RTA Drawer Cabinet Assembly video shows you how simple it is to put one of these units together.

To assemble drawer cabinets, you’ll need:

• A drill/driver
• Phillips head driver bits
• A Phillips head screwdriver
• A mallet

Assembly typically takes about 40 to 50 minutes per cabinet. Key steps include:

1. Assembling the cabinet box with side, back and bottom panels
2. Securing the face frame to the box
3. Installing the toe kick panel
4. Attaching the drawer glide and runner assemblies
5. Assembling and installing the drawers
6. Installing corner blocks at the top of the box

Corner base cabinets fit between standard base cabinets to give you as much storage space as possible. Base cabinets with lazy Susan trays make it easy to reach all the items in the cabinet. The RELIABILT RTA Lazy Susan Assembly video will show you how to build one.

To assemble this lazy Susan corner base cabinet, you’ll need:

• A drill/driver
• Phillips head driver bits
• A Phillips head screwdriver

Assembly typically takes about 40 to 50 minutes per cabinet. Key steps include:

1. Building the cabinet face frame
2. Assembling the cabinet box
3. Attaching left and right toe kicks
4. Securing the lower lazy Susan tray to the bottom of the cabinet
5. Aligning and securing the top lazy Susan tray
6. Attaching the door assembly
7. Installing corner blocks at the top of the box

Like base cabinets, wall cabinets are a common feature in many kitchens. Adjustable shelves let you customize the space for everything from dishes and drinkware to canned goods and spice racks. Watch this RELIABILT RTA Wall Cabinet Assembly video to learn how to put this cabinet together.

To assemble wall cabinets, you’ll need:

• A drill/driver
• Phillips head driver bits
• A Phillips head screwdriver
• A mallet

Assembly typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Key steps include:

1. Building the cabinet box with left, right and back panels
2. Installing the top and bottom panels
3. Securing the face frame to the box
4. Installing the adjustable shelf clips
5. Inserting the shelves
6. Attaching the left and right doors

A diagonal corner wall cabinet fits between two adjacent standard wall cabinets, turning the corners in your kitchen into extra storage space. This RELIABILT RTA Diagonal Corner Wall Cabinet Assembly video shows you how to put one together.

To assemble diagonal corner wall cabinets, you’ll need:

• A drill/driver
• Phillips head driver bits
• A Phillips head screwdriver

Assembly typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes per cabinet. Key steps include:

1. Securing the front side panels, bottom panel, top panel and left rear side panel to the face frame
2. Installing shelf clips on the front side panels
3. Placing the shelves
4. Inserting shelf clips on the back panel
5. Installing the back panel
6. Securing the right rear side panel
7. Installing the doors

Pantry cabinets are tall cabinets with storage space for food, small appliances and more. With a small footprint, they give you lots of vertical storage but don’t take up much floor space. Learn how to put one together with this RELIABILT RTA Pantry Cabinet Assembly video.

To assemble pantry cabinets, you’ll need:

• A drill/driver
• Phillips head driver bits
• A Phillips head screwdriver
• A mallet

Assembly typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes per cabinet. Key steps include:

1. Assembling the cabinet box with the fixed shelf
2. Attaching the face frame to the front of the box
3. Securing the toe kick
4. Placing the adjustable shelf clips
5. Inserting the shelves
6. Installing the doors

When it’s time to hang your new cabinets, keep these tips in mind:

• You’ll need a helper to install cabinets.
• There may be plumbing, electrical wiring, gas lines and ductwork inside your walls. Make sure to locate those utilities before drilling into a wall. Turn off utilities as necessary for installation.
• Mark the wall studs in the cabinet locations.
  
• Install ledger boards on the walls to support the cabinets.
• Use good ladder safety practices when hanging wall cabinets. See our ladder guide for safety tips.
• Our cabinet installation how-to will give you step-by-step instructions for installing wall and base cabinets.
• If you’re not comfortable installing the cabinets yourself, hire a professional.