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RTA cabinets

11 years ago

Does anyone have experience with RTA cabinets (Scherr's, Barkers, etc)? I'm considering replacing cabinets in a rental home we own (it's a beautiful home with old cabinets). I need to update the kitchen and want nice cabinets at affordable prices. Any advantages/disadvantages to using RTA cabinets? What about quality vs Kraftmaid, etc.

Thanks to any and all!

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Comments (11)

deedles
11 years ago
There are several threads on here about RTA cabs. If you use a search engine type "scherrs gardenweb" or whatever maker +gardenweb. You should be able to find lots of info and pics already posted.

I did get and estimate from Scherr's and found them to be very helpful thus far. Haven't decided which way we're going for cabs yet, though.

Good luck!
angie_diy
11 years ago
I did get all my cabs from Scherr's. I had a really good experience, and I think the cabs look great. Excellent workmanship and detail. It is not a lot cheaper than pre-assembled cabs, but they are fully custom.
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We're in the middle of assembling a Scherr's kitchen now. We had planned on an IKEA/Scherr's combo for a long time, but in the end felt that our tiny kitchen would be best served by going the all-Scherr's route, so we could customize things as needed (and because the closest IKEA is almost 5 hours away). We ordered sample doors (unpainted and two wood types) and went back and forth with Leon, the owner, over the details. When we were finally ready to place an order in late October, the lead time was 10-12 weeks. However, there was a last minute cancellation/delay of an east coast Scherr's project due to Hurricane Sandy, so Leon pushed us up and we got our cabinets in 4 weeks. Cost for our 10x10ish kitchen was a couple thousand more than IKEA and a couple thousand less than a local cabinetmaker (also frameless cabs). As I said, we're still sorting through all of the boxes and assembling cabinets, but communication and customer service have been great so far.
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I know this thread is old, but for those that find it looking for direction, I'll give my experiences. I did Conestoga for my own remodel. It was an extensive and very very customized order. $22k, from Home Depot it was $32k. Lowes wouldn't even quote it, the plan was so custom. Every cabinet was individually designed to look like a piece of furniture with legs. I have no run of cabinets anywhere, each section is separate with finished sides. I couldn't have been happier with the value, quality, look, and cost. I LOVE my kitchen. The finish on these are impeccable, smooth as silk and the maple stained and glaze is absolutely beautiful. A couple years later I remodeled my daughter's kitchen and used them again. We ordered cherry wood and I regret it. The look was good, but the wood was not quality and I had 2 pieces snap in half during install. Also, several issues with the ordering process. If you go Conestoga with lots of customizing, be prepared to spend quite a bit of time making sure the order is correct. Recently I did a rental house with RTA cabs from a place I found online. I didn't expect much for $2500, but was impressed! They were nicely done and while not very customized, the quality was on par with Conestoga! I think it was rtaonline.com
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Michey312, sorry for the rude comments, they are no help at all. I think you did a fabulous job. I too was beaten up by this forum when we did our own plumbing for a bathroom remodel. It was mid pandemic and the "pros" were just not available. Well it's been over three years and the bathroom plumbing is working just fine. We fixed issues with previous plumbing that was done 30 years ago by a licenced plumber as well as the required modifications for the new fixtures. We installed new lighting, tile, toilet, vanity and soaking tub. Granted we decided not to change the layout to simplify the plumbing and electrical, but in the end we were very pleased with our handy work. I am in the middle of working a quote for Conestoga cabinets for a new kitchen (new construction). I like the inset cabinets and want to use the extended leg (face frame) option. How did you decide where to place the extended legs? It is clear that they would not be appropriate on all of the cabinets in my design. Also on your island (which I love), it looks like the extended leg is wider than the extended legs in your other base cabinets. Can you confirm? was that an option? It looks like you might have used a panel on the side of your island. How much did the trim details extend the size of your island? Hopefully you are still monitoring Houzz. Thanks in advance for any information you are willing to share. Again, great job!
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I’m not the OP but have used USA made RTA cabinets from Conestoga and Barker both of which are very well made and easy to put together.
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bichonlover
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for all the input! Even though it's a rental property, I want something quality that will last through renters being not so gentle with them. I like Barker Cabs website. EASY to use and understand. I guess I'll order the sample cabinet and check out the quality.
bosdiyer
11 years ago
I bought RTA cabinets for my son's kitchen remodel from domaincabinetsdirect.com. It was a first RTA / online experience and I can recommend the company quite highly. The trucking company trashed the pallet and Domain came through and replaced nearly the entire order without making us wait for the insurance company to settle. Just make sure you take lots of photos of the delivery and each piece as you unpack it. If you call them, ask for Michael. He's a good designer, not just a salesperson. I think they get $50 to do an accurate layout for you. Like most of the RTA units they are made in China. Hope this helps
herbflavor
11 years ago
I don't think Barkers is made inChina..listen to their video on the web page-so that's the question-are the components coming in from China? I venture there are some RTA that are not sourcing from China...why does one think most RTA comes from China?? Just because of lower pricing? Or has someone searched this and knows for a fact...
gregincal
11 years ago
I'll just point out that the two statements:

Most RTA cabinets are made in China

and

Some RTA manufactures are not sourcing from China

are not mutually contradictory and probably both statements are true. The general rule would be that if it doesn't specifically say it was manufactured in the US, assume it comes from China.
ae2ga
11 years ago
I don't know about other RTA cabinets, but Barker cabinets are made in the US as are the parts. Not sure about the screws though.
angie_diy
11 years ago
Scherr's is made in Minot, ND. I actually visited the factory and can attest to this!
krabbypatty
11 years ago
We used Conestoga RTA cabinets (made in PA) from Cabinetmaker's Choice (Google it)). The cabinets are beautiful and VERY well made. Customer service from Chad was great. You do need to be handy to do this assembly, and it was a lot of work, but worth it for the quality we got and money we saved. We got a 13 x 20 kitchen full of cherry cabinets, lots of drawers, crown molding, all plywood construction, full extension Blum glides, etc., etc., for just under $9,000.
herbflavor
11 years ago
ikea carcasses[akurum] are made in USA/ blum hardware for Ikea is made in Austria/ door/drawer fronts come from China/Asia/Europe...various locations depending on market and selection.
D Ahn
11 years ago
Just a warning, Scherr's has a great reputation but be prepared to wait until November if you order now. I tried to order last month and was told late October (granted, it was a very large job, about 120 boxes).

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