DIY Cabinet Install? Here Are the Top Tips for a Smooth RTA Installation in 2025

RTA Cabinets Are DIY-Friendly, If You Follow a Few Key Steps

Installing RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) cabinets yourself is a smart way to save on your kitchen remodel but getting great results comes down to preparation, tools, and technique. Whether you're a first-time homeowner, seasoned DIYer, or flipping a property, these tips will help you avoid costly mistakes and get a professional-looking finish.

Tip #1: Precision Makes the Difference

Before you pick up a drill, start with accurate measurements.

Pro Tip: Measure Twice...Then Measure Again

• Use a laser level or long carpenter’s level

• Double-check wall corners for square

• Measure the space where each cabinet will sit, not just total width

• Dry-fit corner cabinets and fillers first

Even ⅛” of error can throw off your upper and base cabinet alignment. Taking the time to get it right upfront will save you from headaches later.

Tip #2: Prep the Space Like a Contractor

RTA cabinets are easy to assemble but your walls and floors need to be ready before you install them.

Before You Begin Your DIY Cabinet Installation:

• Check that floors are level and walls are plumb

• Mark all stud locations in advance

• Remove baseboards or trim if needed

• Clean and clear the workspace completely

Proper prep prevents gaps, crooked installs, and wobbly cabinets.

Tip #3: Assemble All Your Cabinets Before You Install

Don’t try to install cabinets as you build them, do all the assembly first.

Best Practices For A Seamless DIY Cabinet Instal:

• Build your cabinets in a clean, flat workspace

• Use wood glue (where applicable) to reinforce joints

• Lay out each cabinet in installation order for easy access

• Check each unit with a square before moving it into place

Gulf Coast Cabinetry RTA cabinets come with clear instructions and soft-close hardware pre-fitted, so you can build with confidence.

Tip #4: Use the Right Tools When Working With Your Cabinets

You don’t need a full contractor tool belt, but a few key tools make all the difference.

Our Recommended Cabinet Installation Tools:

• Cordless drill + driver bits

• Stud finder

• Cabinet jack or ledger board (for hanging uppers)

• Laser level or 4’ level

• Clamps for tight-fitting seams

• Shims to adjust for floor/wall irregularities

Bonus: Blue painter’s tape is your friend for temporary labels and alignment guides.

Tip #5: Always Start in the Right Spot For Your Cabinet Project

The most common mistake? Starting in the wrong place.

How to Get It Right With The First Cabinet:

• Install uppers before base cabinets for easier access

• Begin with the largest or most awkward cabinet

• Always work outward

• Use spacers or fillers as needed and don’t force tight fits

If you start in the right place, everything else falls into line.

Tip #6: Prioritize Soft-Close Features

In 2025, soft-close doors and drawers are the new standard and they’re often included with your cabinets from the start.

Make Sure You Do This Before Your Cabinets Are Installed:

• Align soft-close drawer glides before screwing them in

• Adjust hinges using their built-in fine-tuning screws

• Test each close for smooth, silent function

Gulf Coast Cabinetry includes soft-close hardware as a standard feature in all our framed cabinets, no extra upgrade required.

Tip #7: Go Slow and Double-Check as You Go

There’s no rush. A thoughtful install avoids the need for repairs or do-overs.

What to Watch For When Installing Your New Kitchen:

• Cabinet faces should align evenly across runs

• Doors and drawers should sit flush and open smoothly

• Gaps between walls and cabinets should be filled evenly with trim or filler panels

Remember: You’re saving thousands by doing this yourself, taking a little extra time pays off big.

Final Thoughts: Your RTA Install Doesn’t Have to Be Intimidating

With the right preparation and tools, installing RTA cabinets can be a rewarding project that saves money without sacrificing quality. Whether you're remodeling your own kitchen or flipping a home, these steps will help you get professional-looking results.

Need Kitchen Cabinet Help Along the Way? We’ve Got You.

At Gulf Coast Cabinetry, we work with homeowners, DIYers, and real estate pros across Tampa Bay. Our cabinet lines are built for easy assembly and smooth installs, with solid wood, plywood construction, and soft-close features built in.

✅ Free 3D kitchen design support

✅ Fast shipping across Florida

✅ No particle board EVER

Have a question mid-project? Just give us a call. We’re here to help.