Move aside custom, it’s time for RTA to rule. No matter how unbelievable that may sound, the RTA (ready-to-assemble) cabinet concept has become more and more pronounced in the interior design industry.
For kitchens and baths, RTA cabinets are fast becoming the standard over of the exclusive custom cabinets that held center stage for so long. Those who had difficulty matching their budgets with pricey custom cabinets often had to make do with inferior built-ins and run-of-the-mill products that did nothing to help their décor. But developments in recent years have shown a definite change in this trend with RTA cabinets slowly taking over the industry.
Previously, the term RTA conjured up images of cheap materials and substandard workmanship. The idea was affordability over quality. On the other end of the spectrum were the high-spec custom cabinets that had everything from looks to superior-built great designs. But they are expensive, so many homeowners can’t afford them.
It has taken a few years, but some enterprising and innovative RTA manufacturers have worked hard to change the rather unfortunate perception of RTA cabinets by creating superior products. 2013 saw tremendous growth and recognition for this industry segment with media, industry and consumers taking notice of the many benefits that quality RTA cabinets can offer.
One of the most important benefit is, of course, cost. Now one does not have to sacrifice looks and style to stay within budget. With prices ranging from extremely affordable to moderately priced, RTA cabinets come in a wide variety of styles that promise to match all kinds of home décor. From the classic to the contemporary, from simple Shaker lines to ornate baroque style, from California styling to New York chic, the choices are abundant.
In a recent release, CabinetDIY outlined how easily one can create a dream kitchen with the affordable RTA ensemble. Contrary to common perception, RTA does not necessarily mean using a rigid off-the-shelf product. You can work with manufacturers to choose more customized versions by selecting options from the wide range of designs they have, and still at a fraction of the cost.
In fact, RTA manufacturers have made it even easier for people to save money by including simple installation instructions with every kit, allowing do-it-yourself consumers to save further by installing the units themselves.
The industry has seen faster growth in recent years, which is evident in how RTA has quickly captured online markets. This excellent leverage of technology is amply demonstrated in how easy it is to choose and buy RTA products online, how quickly the units are shipped and, of course, the complete instructions that ease installation. Latest developments show that one can now go online to play around with virtual designs and templates to create the best look for the bathroom and kitchen before purchasing.
Indeed, these efforts are paying off — RTA cabinet-makers are receiving increasing interest from customers and industry experts. In February 2013, Houzz.com, the leading home remodeling and design website, awarded its coveted Best of 2013 award to RTA Cabinet Store for its excellent customer service. It is official recognition for a growing segment that has risen to the interior design challenge of delivering superior style at affordable prices.
Archita Datta Majumdar has been writing for various industries for more than 14 years. She has contributed articles to The Economic Times, the leading financial daily of India, and she loves research, business analysis and knowledge management, which paves the way for a steep learning curve.
