The question of whether or not you can install an RTA outdoor kitchen yourself can feel like a weighty one.
The videos you’ve seen online of an RTA assembly might make it seem simple and easy… but you find yourself doubting your capabilities.
“Can I really do this myself?”
Since we pioneered ready-to-assemble outdoor kitchens (hence the name RTA!)… we know the ins and outs of what it takes to properly assemble an RTA outdoor kitchen.
So, in this article, we’ll cover what you need to know about assembling an RTA kitchen yourself. And by the time you’re done, you’ll be able to decide with confidence if you should complete an RTA outdoor kitchen assembly alone, or if you’re better off hiring a professional.
What Kind of Skills are Required to Install an RTA Outdoor Kitchen?
You don’t need any professional experience… but there is some technical experience required.
Although RTA outdoor kitchens have a simple assembly of bolting together panels, it is more complicated than your everyday IKEA furniture installation. (You’ll need to do a little more than fumble through cryptic, crumbled instructions!)
For an RTA outdoor kitchen assembly, general handyman-type knowledge is valuable. If you know your way around a drill and basic home improvement projects (like building a shelf)… you’re on the right track for handling a DIY installation.
Step-By-Step of How RTA Outdoor Kitchens are Installed
If you’re unsure about your skills being up to snuff… here is a brief overview of the steps involved with assembling an RTA outdoor kitchen.
- Unpack crates and appliance boxes
- Carry panels to your install location
- Ensure panels are properly leveled
- Bolt together panels using L-brackets (these are included with your kit)
- Place countertops
- Slide in appliances
Hook up utilities (if applicable)
Reasons Why You Might Not Want to Assemble Yourself
That said, even if you do know your way around a power drill and feel comfortable with a medium-tier difficulty level… there are still reasons why you may not want to DIY an RTA outdoor kitchen install.
The Panels are Too Heavy for You to Lift
There’s no way around it… if you’re not strong enough to lift an RTA panel with a helper, assembling an RTA island just won’t be possible for you.
The weight of each panel varies greatly depending on the length… but many panels on the larger side can weigh in excess of 200lbs.
If this sounds out of reach with your current abilities, you’ll likely want to consider hiring a professional to install.
You Simply Don’t Have the Time
Although the assembly process of an RTA outdoor kitchen is often less than a day… even then, you might find yourself strapped for time.
If taking a day to figure out how to install an RTA kitchen island feels overwhelming, it may be best to outsource this task to an installer.
You Don’t Want the Pressure
Perhaps strength-level and time availability isn’t a concern for you.
Perhaps, more than anything, you just don’t want to deal with the pressure of performing a successful install.
If you’re continually asking yourself “What if I do something wrong?” or “If I mess something up, I’ll be responsible for fixing it, and I’ll get myself into a huge mess”… well, perhaps it’s best to take the pressure off yourself and let an expert handle the job.
Lack of Confidence with Site Prep & Utilities
An often forgotten aspect of an outdoor kitchen build is making sure your patio has the proper pitch and getting utilities hooked up.
You won’t really know what you’re dealing with on the pitch of your patio until assembly day. So if you’re not confident about properly shimming panels to get the pitch right… a DIY install may not be for you.
Same goes for utility hook-up. If you don’t feel 100% confident with hooking up your gas and electric appliances… leave it in the hands of your contractor!
FAQ
How Does Assembling an RTA Outdoor Kitchen Compare to Other DIY Kitchen Options?
When it comes to ease of installation, RTA runs in the middle of the pack. It won’t be the easiest BBQ island to install… but it won’t be the hardest by a long shot, either!
Off-the-shelf modular outdoor kitchens often come as pre-assembled units. And if they’re not already assembled… they will be flat-packed and installed just like indoor furniture. In this regard, modular islands are easier to install than RTA.
On the other hand, more DIY heavy concrete block outdoor kitchens or ready to finish outdoor kitchens will be significantly more difficult than RTA. These options will require you to construct a multi-layer structure, create your own appliance cutouts, and painstakingly apply a professional-looking finish.
I Don’t Feel Comfortable Installing an RTA Outdoor Kitchen Myself. Are There Other Options?
- You can hire a Pro Installer. We have a nationwide network of vetted contractors that are specifically trained to assemble RTA outdoor kitchens. If you don’t want the DIY outdoor kitchen experience, you can hire out!
- You might consider a MOKs island from RTA. Instead of the traditional concrete formula, MOKs islands are made with marine grade HDPE panels. These outdoor kitchens are assembled by using interlocking channels, and just slide into place. There’s no need for specialized experience, power tools, a lot of strength, or a lot of time. Most MOKs islands come together in as little as a half hour.
How Much Time Will it Take to Install an RTA Outdoor Kitchen?
While there are a broad variety of factors that go into how long it takes to install an outdoor kitchen… you can expect to spend anywhere from 4 hours to a full day on this project, depending on complexity.
Bottom Line: Should I Assemble an RTA Island Myself?
Thus far, you’ve seen plenty of reasons why you might not want to assemble an RTA outdoor kitchen yourself.
But the reality is… many of you are perfectly capable of handling this task.
So should you assemble an RTA outdoor kitchen yourself?
If you can answer “yes” to the following questions, then yes!
- Do you have a team of 2-3 able-bodied people that can carry 200+lb panels?
- Are you confident with using power tools?
- Do you have experience with general home improvement projects?
- Do you enjoy and get satisfaction from in-depth DIY projects?
- Can you deal with small issues or troubleshoot on the fly?
- Do you have the time?
- Bonus: Are you comfortable with utility installation? (You can always have your contractor do this if not)
Now that we’ve come to the close of this article… you should have a strong understanding of whether or not you can install an RTA outdoor kitchen yourself or not.
And whether the answer is “yes” or “no”… our design team at RTA Outdoor Living is happy to assist you with your project in any way you need. We’re only ever a phone call or email away!
