RTA furniture, also known as flat-pack furniture, is furniture delivered in a disassembled form for the buyer to assemble. Think of it as a set of puzzle pieces that come with detailed instructions, making them easy to put together.
What is RTA Furniture?
Also known as flat-pack furniture, RTA furniture is designed for DIY enthusiasts. They come in multiple parts and pieces that you have to put back together. They are shipped out in compact and flat boxes, hence the name ‘flat-pack furniture.’
Ready-to-assemble furniture has a compact design that saves space and allows for easier and cheaper transportation. What’s more, setting up the pieces does not require any special expertise or mastery. All you need are the assembly instructions, basic tools, and your hands.
A typical example of RTA furniture is IKEA. IKEA ships out furniture parts in flat-pack boxes, which can be reassembled by the buyer.
Kinds of Furniture Included In the RTA Category
RTA furniture encompasses a wide range of items. You’ll find what it includes in the table below.
| RTA Furniture Type | Examples |
| Bedroom Furniture | – Platform beds – Wardrobes – Nightstands – Dressers – Headboards |
| Living Room Furniture | – Loveseats and Small Sofas – Console tables – Coffee tables – Bookshelves – TV stands |
| Office Furniture | – Corner desks – Standing desks – Filing cabinets – Office chairs – Hutch desks |
| Kitchen & Dining Furniture | – Expandable dining tables – Bar stools – Buffets/Sideboards – Kitchen islands – Dining chairs |
| Outdoor Furniture | – Patio dining sets – Outdoor lounge chairs – Garden benches – Storage sheds – Patio umbrellas |
| Storage Furniture | – Cube storage units – Shoe racks – Wardrobe organizers – Pantry cabinets – Under-bed storage |
Note: While there’s probably an RTA version of any household item you may be looking for, not all furniture items have flat-pack options. These include fully assembled or factory-assembled furniture like large dining sets, solid wood pieces, luxury sofas, and high-end cabinetry.
Instead of being disassembled so they can be reassembled by the buyer, they come in a ready-to-use form. This is because of their complex and usually intricate craftsmanship.
What is RTA Furniture Made From?
Flat-pack furniture is usually made from lightweight and cost-effective materials. This is to make shipping and assembly easy for the buyer.
I’ve seen RTA furniture made from particle board, medium-density fiberboard, plywood, and several other cost-effective materials. Higher-end RTA furniture may also be constructed from solid pine or hardwood.
Differences Between RTA and Fully-Assembled Furniture.
Put simply, RTA and Fully-assembled furniture are opposing terms.
As the name implies, fully-assembled furniture is “fully assembled” in the factory and is ready for immediate use by the buyer. On the other hand, RTA furniture is disassembled furniture put in a ‘ready-to-assemble’ state for the buyer.
Let’s take a look at some of the key differences between these two furniture types.
| Feature | RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) Furniture | Fully Assembled Furniture |
| Assembly | They require some assembly using the provided tools and instructions | They are pre-assembled and are ready for immediate use |
| Cost | Cheaper due to lower manufacturing and shipping costs | Usually more expensive because of labor and shipping costs |
| Transportability | Easier to transport, can fit through narrow spaces and doorways | Difficult to move, since they are already assembled and thus bulkier |
| Durability | Varies based on materials used, usually not as sturdy as fully assembled furniture | More durable due to professional assembly at factory, features stronger and heavier components |
| DIY | Requires basic DIY skills and tools to set up | No DIY skills needed |
| Part Replacement | Easier to replace individual parts in case of damage | More difficult to repair and may require professional help |
| Space efficiency | Saves storage space due to the compact packaging | Requires more storage and shipping space |
FAQs About RTA Furniture
What are the Benefits of RTA Furniture?
Flat-pack furniture offers numerous benefits including affordability, convenience, space efficiency, and customization. To learn more about the advantages of RTA furniture, check out our article on the benefits of ready-to-assemble furniture.
Is it Difficult to Assemble RTA Furniture?
No, assembling RTA furniture is not difficult. Flat-pack furniture is designed to be assembled by the average customer. As long as you follow the included instructions and have the needed tools, you should have no problem setting them up.
Learn how these types of furniture are assembled in our guide that provides tips for assembling flat-pack furniture.
Should I Buy RTA Furniture or Fully Assembled Furniture?
It depends on your use case and preferences.
If you have narrow doorways or prefer fast delivery, DIY projects, and affordable furniture options, then you should consider RTA furniture. On the other hand, if you prefer the convenience of not having to reassemble your furniture, then you can opt for more durable and high-quality fully assembled furniture.
How Long Does It Take to Assemble RTA Furniture?
The time it takes to assemble ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture varies based on the complexity of the piece and the experience level of the assembler. Usually, smaller items like chairs or nightstands can be assembled in around 15 minutes to 1 hour.
Mid-range furniture like bookcases or tables can take around 1 to 3 hours while larger or more complicated RTA furniture like wardrobes can take around 3 to 6 hours, or even longer.
When to Hire a Pro
Furniture assembly can be tricky and time-consuming. A local furniture assembly pro from Home Gnome can take some of the hassle off your hands, especially if you’ve got several pieces to put together.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Main Image Credit: Prostock-studio / Adobe Stock Free / License
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