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You’ve selected your RTA cabinet’s color, design, and style to complement your vision. Now, the delivery is on its way. Remember that preparation does not end at checkout. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare for your shipment will help make the process smooth and worry-free when your cabinets arrive. So, how long does RTA take to ship, and how do you get ready for your cabinet shipment?
This blog will walk you through estimated shipping timelines and potential delays, clearing the space for delivery, coordinating with your delivery provider, and dealing with damaged goods. By the end of this piece, you will be confident that your new cabinets will arrive without unnecessary surprises.
What To Expect When Your RTA Cabinets Ship
Once you have placed your order, the next step is to know how and when your RTA kitchen cabinets will be delivered. Understanding how long does RTA take to ship helps you plan your installation timeline and organize labor if you are getting contractors in to assist, and it will reduce stress when waiting for delivery. Here’s what you need to do when expecting your cabinet order.
Estimated Shipping Timeframe
After you order your good-quality RTA kitchen cabinets, they typically ship in 2–4 weeks at most, depending on availability. Processing times vary by retailer, with some offering quicker processing and others taking longer, especially for custom styles. It’s important to distinguish between “processing time” (how long the warehouse needs to prepare your order) and “transit time” (how long the shipping company takes to deliver). Together, these determine your total wait. Checking both before purchase ensures realistic expectations.
Factors That Can Affect Delivery Duration
Multiple factors, such as market demand, personalization, shipping distance, and seasonal sales rushes, can affect delivery times. Supply chain disruptions and weather disruptions may also contribute. By remaining in contact with your retailer and checking the status of your shipping, you know precisely what delay to prepare for. Some ordering restrictions can add days to shipping during the prime home improvement season in the spring or summer. Ready-to-assemble cabinets shipped to other states may also need to be stopped for security checks and handling.
Typical Timelines for Different Cabinet Types
Typically, in-stock RTA cabinets arrive in 1–2 weeks, whereas semi-custom or specialty designs may take 4–6 weeks or longer to ship. Flat-pack designs will ship faster, while bulkier and/or made-to-order cabinets will add more time due to handling. Being aware of these timelines will allow you to set realistic expectations for the progression of your project.
Sometimes, these ship separately, though adding time is required when ordering matching accessories such as moldings, fillers, or trim. Always double-check if your whole order will arrive together or in multiple boxes.
Preparing for Your Shipment
Now that you know what to expect once your cabinet is shipped, it’s time to prepare. Good preparation reduces anxiety and last-minute scrambling on the delivery day. Below, we have covered a few things you must do to prepare for it, from clearing space to coordinating with your delivery provider.
Clearing Space for Your RTA Cabinets
Given the size and weight of cabinet shipments, having a space ready for storage is key. Remove the clutter from your garage, basement, or kitchen area before delivery. Leave the area clean, dry, and free from obstacles to keep your ready-to-assemble cabinets safe until you are ready to assemble cabinets during the installation process. If you live in an apartment or a townhouse, it is better to reserve a portion of the shared storage space or get temporary indoor storage for your shipment so that it does not linger outside for too long.
Coordinating With Your Delivery Provider
Distributors often require timed delivery slots, extensive truck accessibility, and/or the presence of a person upon arrival. You should contact your supplier beforehand to clarify these specifics. This prevents missed deliveries and makes arrival day much easier. Otherwise, have a friend, neighbor, or contractor you trust receive the shipment and do a basic inspection. Extra charges for redelivery are standard in freight operations, and good planning and coordination save time and money when waiting for cabinets to arrive.
Verifying Your Order Details Before Shipment
Reconfirm that what you ordered for size, style, and finish really meets your expectations. Catching mistakes before delivery saves time and effort. If anything seems off, contact your retailer. Confirming the order details prevents returns/replacements after delivery, helping you complete your project on time. This is vital for larger kitchen remodels where several cabinets are ordered. Asking clarification questions about hinge side, drawer orientation, or the finish color can avoid mistakes. Most retailers usually give you 24–48 hours to cancel/modify your purchase, so use that to your advantage.
Receiving Your RTA Cabinets
As you prepare for your shipment to arrive with our tips above, you must also pay attention to what to do when you receive the cabinets. Take the time to check things out first. Proper inspection is the best way to ensure nothing was damaged in transit. Let’s examine what you must look out for when receiving the cabinets.
Understanding Your Delivery Packaging
Ready-to-assemble cabinets are typically packaged in a flat-pack format, which is well-packed for shipping. Depending on how much you order, expect to receive multiple boxes. Labels should clearly identify contents. Knowing about packaging is also helpful, as you can determine whether your complete order has arrived before assembly. Typically, each cabinet is packed individually with its hardware inside, including drawers and all necessary components. Keeping a copy of your list around makes it easy to double-check each item.
Inspecting Cabinets for Damage or Missing Parts
Inspect each box upon delivery for signs of damage, such as dents, tears, or watermarks. When you open the package, ensure all the pieces, hardware, and instructions are included. This allows you to check for problems, ask for replacements, and not waste time getting started with your installation. Take all parts out and organize them by cabinet type. This ensures that the item is correct and makes it easier to assemble cabinets later.
Steps to Take If Items Are Damaged
If you find any damage, take pictures and retain all packing materials. Contact the retailer instantly and provide details on how to claim a substitute or restoration. A refund allows you to solve issues fast without compromising your project timeline. Reputable sellers should have a specific policy for handling damages. Claims must be filed within 24–72 hours of delivery with most suppliers, so do so without delay. Leaving your packaging intact until the problem is solved allows the carrier and supplier to check the cause of the damage.
Signing and Documentation
Lastly, when you sign for your shipment, you acknowledge that you have received your order in good condition. Having documentation will keep you safe if any issues arise later on. At this stage, being thorough only saves you from possible disputes later if anything is found missing or damaged. This is also the most important part of the delivery process.
Here’s what you must follow to get this step right.
How to Properly Sign for Your Delivery
Ensure you have the same number of boxes on your shipping receipt and inspect each box for visible damage before signing. Write all your concerns directly on the delivery slip. Make sure your shipment is to your liking before signing anything. Your signature is confirmation that you received your order in good condition. If you see any signs of damage, write “received with damage” on the slip before signing it. Doing so helps your argument down the line for replacements or claims when dealing with the shipping company.
Keeping Your Shipment Documentation Safe
Store receipts, invoices, tracking, and delivery slips in one location. It is essential for warranty claims, replacements, or installation assistance. Keeping these papers safely stored will help when you need to refer to them if you have questions about your order. Some homeowners prefer to keep scanned copies in a digital folder, accessible whenever required. If paper records get lost, at least you have your purchase and delivery record written down somewhere.
How to File a Claim for Damaged Cabinets
If you notice damage, file a claim with your retailer immediately. Send some pictures, a brief explanation of the problem, and shipping documents. Timely and accurate filing expedites the resolution process. Most companies also require that you report the problem within a specific period, so act fast, or you might lose your right to make a claim. You should also contact your supplier and your shipping company, since their liability may vary depending on when the damage happened. Taking the time to go through the supplier’s claim policy step-by-step will assist with a quicker resolution.
RTA Cabinet Shipping FAQs
How long does it typically take for RTA cabinets to arrive?
Depending on availability and customization, RTA dealers typically ship your base cabinets within a 2–4-week window after your order. Shipping designs off the shelf is usually quicker, whereas cabinets made to order sometimes take longer. Be mindful of how long a shipping window could take at checkout so you can plan your remodel accordingly and avoid prolonging your project for no reason.
Can shipping times vary based on cabinet size or style?
Typically, custom or large sizes usually take longer to produce and ship. Flat-pack cabinets are ready for shipping and have a quick prep time, so they generally will ship faster than bigger cabinets. As each style can take different delivery times, always check with your supplier before you order to ensure your preferred style works for your project.
Is expedited shipping available for RTA cabinets?
While some suppliers can ship some products on an express basis at an extra cost, stock and warehouse availability determine the availability. If you need a cabinet for a kitchen fast, check with your retailer ahead of time and see if they can check to see if express shipping is possible for the cabinet style you are considering. Please check with customer service before purchasing if you’re in a hurry, as rush delivery does not apply to all cabinet designs.
What should I do if my RTA shipment is delayed?
Please contact your retailer or shipping service provider if your shipment is delayed. Most companies give you tracking details and can provide you with revised timelines. Sometimes the delays are just weather or supply chain delays. Being proactive means adjusting your project calendar accordingly without running into costly delays.
How can I track my RTA cabinet delivery?
Almost every retailer sends you tracking information by email once your order ships. Track your shipment via the carrier website to know the exact location and the estimated day when your ready to assemble cabinets will arrive. Contact customer service for shipment tracking help; they will help you track your shipment and confirm its status if unavailable.
