How is an RTA Outdoor Kitchen Installed? A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re seriously considering adding an RTA outdoor kitchen to your backyard… at one point or another, you’ll have to contend with installation. It’s natural to feel that installing an outdoor kitchen is a tall task and it may seem overwhelming. Don’t worry.

As the pioneers of RTA outdoor kitchens, to say we know the ins and outs of how to install an RTA kitchen is putting it lightly! Since we brought the RTA method into being, we have ample knowledge to share about the installation process.

In this article, you will learn the RTA outdoor kitchen installation method, and get a step by step guide on how these outdoor kitchens are installed. By the end, you will be able to confidently understand how an RTA outdoor kitchen is installed.

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RTA Outdoor Kitchen Installation Method
RTA Outdoor Kitchen Assembly Steps
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What’s the Installation Method for RTA Outdoor Kitchen?

RTA (stands for Ready To Assemble) outdoor kitchen assembly is unique from all other outdoor kitchen builds on the market. To provide a simple description, we would define the process of RTA assembly as:

An outdoor kitchen delivered in modular pieces that are typically carried by 2+ people, and can be assembled within a few hours. All components of an RTA outdoor kitchen arrive to your home completely finished, the only work the homeowner has to do is assemble the pieces together.

RTA Outdoor Kitchen Assembly Steps

Step 1: Make Sure the Site (Your Backyard) is Prepared for Installation

Before you start lugging any panels over to your install location, it’s important to ensure your backyard pathways are free and clear. Make sure all debris and obstructions are removed, such as patio furniture, toys, and rocks. This way, you won’t have to worry about tripping on anything as you transport pieces through your backyard.

Step 2: Open the Crates Your Outdoor Kitchen Was Delivered In

Now that your backyard pathways are clear, you can begin unpacking your outdoor kitchen crates. Make sure to pay attention to the markings on the crate packaging! RTA packaging is labeled to show you what order each panel needs to be installed in.

Want to See an RTA Install in More Detail?

This installation walkthrough video is exactly what you’re looking for.

Step 3: Carry Panels to the Install Location

Once RTA crates are cracked open, you can begin carefully carrying panels to the install location. Make sure you have at least one other person helping you with this task! Depending on the size of your outdoor kitchen, a single panel can weigh 200lbs or more… so make sure you have enough helpers to carry each panel without strain.

Step 4: Attach the Panels Together

Now it’s time to begin assembly in earnest! When it comes to attaching RTA outdoor kitchen panels to one another, always begin with the back panel. (Starting from the furthest point allows you easier access as you go along.)

To start, you will attach the back panel to a side panel with the provided L-brackets and screws. Once one side panel is on, then you will attach the other side panel. Finish up by attaching the front panel to the rest of the island unit.

If you have an L-shape or U-shape island, you will install each island in the same fashion. Install each island one at a time, starting from back to front.

Step 5: Place the Countertops

When your base panels are fastened together, then you’ll be able to install the countertops. Carefully place the countertop on top of the island structure, ensuring the countertops are properly centered. This is also a great opportunity to pull out your level to make sure your island is nice and level. If your patio has some pitch, you can use the provided shims to get your island level. When it comes to the countertops, a slight pitch for water runoff is recommended.

Step 6: Adhere Countertops to the Base

If the pitch of your island looks good and the countertops are properly centered all the way around, you can adhere them to the base island structure. This involves running a continuous bead of clear silicone caulk where the countertops and base island meet. This silicone is included with your RTA installation kit.

Step 7: Adhere the Architectural Corners

All RTA outdoor kitchens come with architectural corners to provide a clean, professional finish on the corners of your island. You can adhere your corners with the same silicone as the countertops, but the RTA kit also includes Loctite which grips and dries faster than the silicone.

Step 8: Unpack & Install Appliances

Now that your island structure is fully installed, it’s time to switch gears to appliances. Unpack all the appliances from their packaging and carefully carry them to your installation location.

To install appliances, most of them simply need to slide into place. Some appliances, like doors and drawers, need to be fastened to the island structure. Your install kit will come with decking screws for this task. Typically, you need to pre-drill the holes before screwing the appliance in.

Pro Tip: Make sure that each appliance is level as you install it!

Step 9: Clean Up

At this point, your outdoor kitchen install is complete! All that’s left is cleaning up and making the final touches. Appliances will have protective stickers that can be peeled off, and it’s nice to have some stainless steel cleaner on hand to get them looking perfectly polished. And of course, you’ll have lots of boxes and crates that now have to be removed from your property!

Need a Better Visual on RTA Assembly?

At this stage, you should have a better grip on how an RTA outdoor kitchen is installed. But if you’re a solidly visual person… you may benefit from a video-based assembly to see the process in more detail.

If that’s the case, this detailed installation walkthrough video is exactly what you’re looking for. Our team walks you through a real outdoor kitchen install so you can see what the process entails.

Enjoy the video, and we’ll catch you in the next one!

Daniel Cdebaca

Hi, my name is Daniel Cdebaca from Albuquerque, New Mexico. I am an outdoor living consultant with 10 years of experience in the industry. I have built outdoor kitchens and living spaces across the country. Helping others design and develop outdoor living spaces is a huge passion of mine. My favorite part of the process is taking a concept all the way to fruition so it can be enjoyed for many years to come with friends and family. When I am not helping people design their outdoor living spaces, I spend my time enjoying the great outdoors and traveling to new places.