Region Cabinet
Back to Resources
Installation10 min readMarch 2026

RTA Cabinet Assembly Guide: Tools, Tips & Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets save you 30-50% compared to pre-assembled options. This guide, based on our official KCD assembly manual, walks you through everything you need to assemble wall cabinets, base cabinets, corner units, pantries, and more like a pro.

Tools & Materials Needed

  • Staple gun with 1½" staples (½" for base cabinets)
  • Drill with appropriate bits
  • Hammer and mallet (rubber mallet preferred)
  • Wood glue (optional but recommended for stronger joints)
  • Bar clamp for holding pieces during assembly
  • Marking jig for accurate screw placement
  • Utility knife and pencil

Wall Cabinet Assembly

  1. 1Lay the face frame face down and apply glue (optional) to the face frame dado. Insert the cabinet sides into the dado, then secure using the assembly blocks by placing a pair of staples into each leg of the block.
  2. 2Glue and insert the cabinet bottom and top into the dados. Staple the bottom and top at a 45-degree angle into ONLY one side. Using assembly blocks, secure to the face frame and one side.
  3. 3Apply glue to the cabinet back dados and insert the cabinet back. Screw the back using the pocket screws.
  4. 4Staple the side that was left loose in step 2.
  5. 5Using a jig, mark the cabinet back. Then screw the back to the top and bottom.
  6. 6Staple at a 45-degree angle the back to the side panels.
  7. 7Insert shelf clips into the holes on the sides and insert the shelves.

Base Cabinet Assembly

  1. 1Lay the face frame face down and apply glue to the dado. Insert cabinet sides, then secure with assembly blocks.
  2. 2Insert the cabinet bottom into dados. Staple at a 45-degree angle into cabinet sides. Secure with assembly blocks to the face frame and both sides.
  3. 3Attach assembly blocks to the toe kick (one on each end, one in middle). Clamp bottom sides while inserting the toe kick and secure.
  4. 4Screw the drawer slide brackets into the cabinet back and insert the cabinet back into the grooves.
  5. 5Clamp side panels together and screw pocket screws into the back. Using a jig, screw the back into the bottom.
  6. 6Attach drawer slides to the face frame and rear brackets.
  7. 7Assemble dovetail drawer boxes: attach sides to the drawer head, insert bottom, attach back, staple bottom from underneath at 45°.
  8. 8Attach drawer slide clips to front underside and insert drawer box into cabinet.
  9. 9Install shelf clips and shelves. Glue corner brackets and staple to all four corners.
  10. 10Attach hinges to doors and then attach doors to the face frame.

Pantry Cabinet Assembly

  1. 1Lay the face frame face down, apply glue to the dado. Insert pantry sides and secure with assembly blocks.
  2. 2Insert the bottom, top, and middle shelf into dados. Staple at 45° into ONLY one side. Secure with assembly blocks.
  3. 3Attach toe kick with assembly blocks — one on each end, one in the middle.
  4. 4Using a straight edge, mark the back where the middle shelf dado is located.
  5. 5Insert the pantry back and screw using pocket screws. Staple the loose side.
  6. 6Using a jig, screw the back to the top, bottom, and middle shelf. Staple back to side panels at 45°.
  7. 7Insert shelf clips and shelves. Attach hinges and doors to the face frame.

Pro Tips for Best Results

  • Always lay out all pieces before starting — verify you have every component before applying any glue.
  • Wood glue is optional but highly recommended for a stronger, more durable cabinet.
  • Use a rubber mallet (not a regular hammer) to tap dovetail joints into place to avoid damaging the wood.
  • Install soft-close roll out trays BEFORE completing box assembly for easier access.
  • Pre-drill pilot holes when working near edges to prevent wood splitting.
  • Work on a flat, clean surface to ensure square assembly.

Ready to Get Started?

Browse our full selection of wholesale kitchen cabinets and hardware.