Custom Cabinets vs RTA Cabinets: Ready-to-Assemble, Flat Pack Cabinets Explained
When planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation, choosing the right cabinets is one of the most important decisions. Two popular options are custom made cabinets and RTA cabinets, also known as ready-to-assemble cabinets or flat pack cabinets. While RTA cabinets can appear highly customizable with the right design and filler pieces, they are not the same as fully custom cabinets. Here’s what you need to know.
What Are RTA Cabinets?

RTA cabinets are premade, flat-packed cabinets shipped directly to the customer. This method of delivery decreases the risk of damage to the cabinets during transport. Once received, RTA cabinets can be assembled on-site by the customer or a professional installer.
It is important to note, that while some customers have requested their installers to modify RTA cabinets on-site, any such modifications are performed at the installer’s discretion and responsibility, relying on their professional experience and skill. Lanae does not provide or recommend on site custom alterations.
Because they are premade, RTA cabinets come in standard sizes and finishes and cannot be custom built or custom painted to order.
RTA Cabinets vs Custom Made Cabinets
Custom cabinets are built from scratch for each individual space. They are usually made entirely of hardwood, which allows for full customization, including unique cabinet depths and dimensions. This flexibility comes at a higher cost and longer production times. Custom cabinetry often requires multiple home visits to ensure precise measurements and a perfect fit.
RTA cabinets, on the other hand, offer:
Faster delivery – premade and flat-packed for quicker arrival
Cost savings – high-quality cabinets at a fraction of the price of custom cabinets
Design flexibility – a custom apperance can be achieved with the right layout and filler pieces
RTA cabinets allow homeowners to achieve a functional and beautiful kitchen or bathroom while keeping costs lower and timelines shorter.
Cabinet Depth Options for RTA Cabinets
Lanae RTA cabinets come in the following standard depths:
Wall cabinets: 12 inches or 24 inches deep
Base cabinets: 21 inches deep for vanity cabinets, 24 inches deep for standard base cabinets
Important: Lanae does not offer custom depths for RTA cabinets. The ability to create cabinets in any depth is one of the main benefits of custom cabinets. While custom cabinets offer flexibility, their higher cost can quickly impact the overall renovation budget.
Why Choose RTA Cabinets Over Custom Cabinets?
RTA cabinets are ideal for homeowners who want quality, speed, and cost efficiency. Lanae RTA cabinets feature:

Durable construction – plywood boxes, hardwood face frames and front with HDF center panels
Variety of color and style options – including standard shaker pure white, soft sage and midnight black as well as slim shaker rift white oak, midnight black and off-white/cream.
Faster delivery and installation – premade and flat-packed, ready to assemble
Choosing RTA cabinets allows you to save on costs without sacrificing quality. This makes it easier to allocate your budget to other design elements, such as countertops, flooring, or lighting, while still achieving a stylish and functional space.
Bottom line: If you want a fast, affordable, and high-quality solution, RTA cabinets are a smart choice.