Do RTA Cabinets Come with Hardware? What to Expect in Your Package

RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) cabinets offer cost-effective flexibility for any commercial and residential projects, making them a popular choice for designers, contractors, and developers alike. But one question often creates confusion during planning: do RTA cabinets come with the necessary hardware?

Overlooking what’s actually included in the package can delay timelines, create unexpected costs, and complicate coordination with installers. For busy professionals managing multiple moving parts, those small details can quickly become big issues.

Knowing exactly what to expect—what’s in the box and what still needs sourcing—helps avoid setbacks and keeps your project running smoothly. This guide breaks down what hardware typically comes with RTA cabinets, what’s usually left out, and how that impacts your installation workflow. If you’re specifying cabinets for a job site or sourcing for a build, this is the clarity you need to stay ahead.

What Are RTA Cabinets?

RTA cabinets (Ready-to-assemble cabinets) are designed to arrive flat-packed in boxes and ready for quick on-site assembly. Instead of delivering fully built units like pre-assembled kitchen cabinets, RTA cabinets include all necessary parts—panels, doors, and hinges—along with screws and other assembly hardware. They balance durability, affordability, and style and are typically crafted from quality materials like solid wood or MDF.

You’ll often see these cabinets featured in large-scale projects such as commercial kitchen remodeling jobs or new housing developments. Professionals increasingly purchase RTA cabinets wholesale (learn more), attracted by lower costs, shorter shipping times, and flexibility. Unlike custom cabinets or those from big box stores, you save money because you’re not paying extra labor costs for pre-assembly. For contractors and designers handling multiple projects, RTA kitchen cabinets provide efficiency without compromising quality.

Do RTA Cabinets Come with Hardware?

Yes, most RTA cabinets come with the basic hardware needed to assemble RTA cabinets on-site. For builders, designers, and contractors managing project timelines, having those essentials in the box—like screws, hinges, cam locks, and brackets—makes a big difference. These are used to secure panels, drawers, and base cabinets during assembly.

However, not all hardware is created equal. It’s important to understand what’s included and what you may need to supply. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Depending on the provider, some RTA kitchen cabinets may also include installation rails, toe kicks, or mounting brackets to simplify placement. Since offerings vary, it pays to ask what’s included before purchasing—especially when buying wholesale RTA cabinets or working with custom full overlay doors.

What’s Typically Included in the Box

Once you confirm that RTA cabinets include basic hardware, the next step is knowing exactly what to expect when those flat-packed boxes arrive. Most of what’s included is meant for structural assembly, allowing you to safely and efficiently assemble RTA kitchen cabinets on-site. These parts are essential to keep the cabinets standing and functional.

You won’t find decorative pulls or handles, but you will get the core pieces needed to build the frame, attach the doors, and ensure smooth drawer movement. Here’s a breakdown of what typically comes inside:

• Hinges – These are used to attach the cabinet doors securely to the frame.
• Screws and fasteners – Required to connect panels, rails, and sidewalls during assembly.
• Drawer glides/tracks – Support the drawers so they slide in and out smoothly.
• Cam locks and brackets – Help lock pieces together quickly and keep the structure tight.

These items are specifically included to assemble RTA cabinets correctly and safely. While they cover the basics, always double-check the parts list before installation begins to avoid last-minute runs to the hardware store. Proper planning helps projects stay on schedule and within budget.

What’s Often NOT Included

While RTA cabinets are packaged with the basics for structural assembly, there are a few key items that are commonly left out. These exclusions can catch you off guard if you’re planning to assemble RTA kitchen cabinets and start the installation right away. Understanding what’s missing helps you prep better and avoid job site delays.

In most cases, what’s excluded is tied to project customization or final installation steps. These components vary widely depending on kitchen layout and personal design choices, so manufacturers often leave them out.

Here’s what you’ll typically need to source separately:

• Decorative hardware – Knobs and pulls are typically left out, giving you the flexibility to choose styles that best fit your project’s design.
• Wall mounting hardware – Screws, brackets, and anchors for hanging wall cabinets are usually excluded.
• Specialized tools – You’ll need basic tools like a screwdriver, drill, and level for proper installation.

Always check the product specs before purchasing RTA cabinets—especially when coordinating multiple trades or working under a tight schedule. Not all flat-packed cabinet kits are packaged the same, and knowing what’s missing upfront gives you time to plan and order exactly what you need.

How This Affects Project Planning

When working with RTA cabinets, knowing what’s included—or missing—can make or break your project schedule. If critical hardware like mounting brackets or toe kicks isn’t in the box, extra time is spent sourcing parts, delaying delivery and installation. These gaps affect more than just timing—they impact your bottom line.

Missing pieces can throw off your budget, especially if you need to order specialty hardware or tools last minute. That’s money not accounted for in the initial scope. Your timeline may also stretch as installers wait on parts or adjust their schedules.

And when multiple trades are involved, poor planning can cause unnecessary friction. Coordinating with contractors becomes harder when everyone’s waiting on missing items to these cabinets. The best move? Confirm everything upfront. Whether you’re specifying RTA kitchen cabinets for a single unit or an entire development, clear expectations help avoid costly surprises.

Final Checklist Before You Buy RTA Cabinets

RTA cabinets usually come with the hardware needed for basic assembly—hinges, screws, and brackets—but that doesn’t always cover installation or finishing touches. Some brands include more, some less. That’s why it’s important to double-check every product spec before ordering, especially when managing multiple units or working with tight timelines.

A little planning upfront saves time, money, and back-and-forth with your crew. If you’re sourcing RTA kitchen cabinets for a remodel or development, partner with suppliers who are clear and consistent.

At Ellie Cabinetry and More, we work closely with contractors, designers, and developers to deliver the right ready-to-assemble cabinets—on time and with the details you need to move fast. Let’s build smarter, together.