Kitchen cabinets are one of the biggest investments you’ll make when remodeling your kitchen. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which brand and style to choose. Menards is a popular big box home improvement store that sells kitchen cabinets, both in-store and online. One common question homeowners have is: do Menards kitchen cabinets come assembled?
An Overview of Menards Kitchen Cabinets
Menards offers a wide selection of kitchen cabinet styles, from modern to traditional. Cabinet door styles include shaker, raised panel, slab, and more. They have options in various budget-friendly materials like thermally fused melamine, oak, maple, and cherry.
Some of the cabinet collection names at Menards include:
- Home Decorators Collection
- Hampton Bay
- Dynasty
- Schrock
- Decorá (their most affordable ready-to-assemble option)
Menards collaborates with major cabinet manufacturers like MasterBrand and Top Notch to produce their in-house cabinet lines. This helps them offer quality cabinets at lower prices than boutique cabinet showrooms.
They also have an extensive choice of cabinet sizes, from 9 inch up to 48 inches wide. You can choose wall cabinets, base cabinets, pantry units, and more. Plus, there are lots of specialty cabinet options like wine racks, spice pull outs, and lazy susans.
Do Menards Cabinets Come Assembled?
The majority of Menards kitchen cabinets arrive as ready-to-assemble (RTA). This means they come in a flat pack box with all the cabinet parts, hardware, and instructions included. You’ll have to assemble them yourself or hire a handyman to put them together for you.
There are a few exceptions where Menards cabinets come already assembled:
- In-Store Cabinet Displays: The cabinet displays you see in the kitchen department at Menards stores are fully assembled for demonstration purposes. If you purchase these display units, Menards will disassemble them and give them to you in RTA form.
- Some Special Order Cabinets: If you order more customized cabinets through Menards special order program, they may come assembled. For example, units with finished cabinet interiors or custom modifications may ship already constructed.
- Menards Installation Service: If you hire Menards to install your cabinets, they will assemble and install them for you. However, if you are only purchasing cabinets without installation, expect them unassembled.
So in most cases, plan on getting RTA cabinets from Menards that you’ll have to put together yourself. They ship the cabinets flat-packed for more affordable shipping costs and to prevent damage.
Are Menards RTA Cabinets Difficult to Assemble?
Menards, like other RTA cabinet brands like IKEA, are designed for DIY home installation. The assembly process is straightforward, though it does take time and effort. Here are some tips on assembling Menards kitchen cabinets:
- Review Instructions First: Read through the instruction booklet or online video before starting. Understand all the steps first.
- Organize Parts and Hardware: Take inventory of all the cabinet parts and hardware. Group similar pieces together and lay out hardware.
- Work on a Soft Surface: Lay cabinets out on a carpet or blanket to prevent scratches during assembly.
- Take Your Time: Don’t rush the process. Cabinet construction often takes longer than estimated. Take breaks if needed.
- Use Power Tools Carefully: Electric screwdrivers or drills help speed up assembly but can split wood if not used properly.
- Get Help for Large Cabinets: For base cabinets, tall pantry units, or heavy pieces, having an extra pair of hands helps.
- Adjust and Level Your Cabinets: After assembly, adjust levelers, shelves, and doors so everything operates smoothly.
If you follow the instructions closely and work methodically, RTA Menards cabinets can be assembled by most DIYers. Complex cabinet layouts or a lack of tools, time, or assistance may make hiring professional help worthwhile for some homeowners.
Pro Tips for Installing Menards Kitchen Cabinets
After assembling your Menards kitchen cabinets, proper installation is key to getting your new kitchen functioning just right. Follow these pro tips:
- Mark your cabinet layout on the walls and floors with painters tape to get spacing and placement perfect.
- Shims will be your best friend for leveling cabinets and filling any gaps between cabinets and floors/walls.
- Having an extra set of hands helps stabilize heavier base and wall cabinets during hanging and mounting.
- Attach cabinets together securely using screws through cabinet sides or railway hardware. This provides stability and keeps everything square.
- Take your time leveling cabinets front-to-back and side-to-side as you go. Only adjust one cabinet at a time.
- Fill any gaps around cabinets with additional shims, sealant, or caulk for a seamless finished look.
- Add cabinet hardware like knobs, pulls, or handles last after final adjustments are made to doors and drawers.
Benefits of Assembling Your Own Menards Cabinets
While it may take more work on your part, there are advantages to assembling RTA cabinets from Menards yourself:
Cost Savings – Since Menards doesn’t have to pay for in-store assembly or delivery, they can offer significant savings vs pre-assembled cabinetry.
Customization – When you build the cabinets, you can customize them to fit your kitchen’s dimensions and layout more precisely.
Quality Control – You can ensure cabinets are assembled properly and make any adjustments needed.
Convenience – RTA cabinets are easier to transport and handle yourself than bulky pre-assembled units.
As long as you set aside adequate time for assembly and follow instructions carefully, you can save money with DIY Menards cabinets. Just be sure to enlist help for large or complex cabinet installation.
Helpful Tools for Assembling Menards Kitchen Cabinets
Having the right tools on hand will make assembling Menards RTA kitchen cabinets much easier. Recommended tools include:
- Cordless Power Drill/Driver: Makes driving screws in quickly and easily. Have an extra battery charging.
- Screwdriver Bits: Phillips, flathead, star, and square head bits cover most cabinet hardware. Magnetic bits help hold screws.
- Hammer: Helps tap parts together or pry them apart if needed during assembly. A rubber mallet prevents damaging cabinet surfaces.
- Level: A small torpedo level ensures cabinets get assembled straight and even. A longer level is useful later to mount cabinets plumb.
- Stud Finder: Finds wall studs to anchor cabinets firmly in place during installation.
- Pry Bar: Helpful for gently adjusting cabinet parts or prying them free if you make a mistake.
- Carpenter’s Square: Ensures cabinet boxes assemble at perfect 90 degree angles.
- Clamps: Clamps like C-clamps or bar clamps bring cabinet parts together tightly for easier screwing.
Investing in these basic tools goes a long way towards DIY success. You may also want to pick up a power sander, jigsaw, or other tools if modifications like cutting cabinets down in size are needed.
Hiring a Handyman to Assemble Menards Cabinets
Constructing kitchen cabinets demands some carpentry skills and experience. If you don’t feel up to the task of assembling them yourself, hiring a professional makes sense.
Here are some benefits of having a handyman put together your Menards RTA cabinets:
- Saves you time and frustration trying to figure out complicated assembly steps
- Provides an extra pair of hands for large, heavy cabinets
- Handymen have specialized tools and construction know-how
- More assurance that cabinets are assembled properly the first time
- Leaves installation of assembled cabinets as your final DIY project
Look for a handyman service experienced in RTA cabinet assembly versus just general handyman skills. Cabinets require finesse that a dedicated cabinet handyman will have. They can typically assemble an entire kitchen of RTA cabinets over 1-3 days.
Be sure to get an itemized estimate upfront. Hourly rates of $40-$70 per hour are typical. Provide the handyman with your cabinet instructions and parts/hardware inventory if possible.
Style Options for Menards Kitchen Cabinets
Beyond just assembly, choosing the right cabinet door style and finish is key to achieving your dream kitchen design. Menards offers tons of options to match any decorative theme.
Cabinet Door Styles
Popular kitchen cabinet door styles sold at Menards include:
- Shaker: A versatile style featuring a center recessed panel and clean, squared off rails and stiles. Available in a wide range of colors.
- Slab: The most minimalist and contemporary door style. Just a flat, solid cabinet front with no decorative details.
- Raised Panel: Traditional and elegant, raised panel doors have a prominent center panel that raises out from the frame.
- Arched: Doors feature a distinct arched cutout shape for a unique, cottage style look.
- Glass: Glass cabinet inserts create an open, airy look. Tinted, frosted, or textured glass offers privacy.
- Louvered: Horizontal slats give louvered doors a casual, beachy vibe perfect for a seaside cottage kitchen.
Finish Options
For the cabinet door, drawer front, and exterior box finishes, popular options at Menards include:
- Stain: Penetrating stains come in natural wood tones bringing out the beauty of wood grain. Oak, hickory, and maple take stain well.
- Paint: Painted cabinets provide extensive color options from white to bold hues. Choose an easy-clean enamel paint finish.
- Thermofoil: Thermofoil is a budget-friendly laminate finish applied with heat. It resists chipping and scratching. Patterns like woodgrain are available.
- Stainless Steel: For a commercial style, stainless cabinet doors provide a professional, sterile look perfect for busy kitchens.
- Melamine: Pre-finished melamine laminate in white or woodgrain is affordable but can chip or warp over time when exposed to high heat or moisture.
With all the various styles, finishes, and modifications possible, it’s easy to get the exact custom cabinets you want from Menards’ extensive selection. Taking time to properly assemble and install them helps ensure your investment results in a kitchen you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Menards Kitchen Cabinets
Many homeowners have additional questions about purchasing, assembling, and installing kitchen cabinets from Menards. Here are answers to some of the most common questions:
Do all Menards cabinets have to be assembled?
The majority of Menards kitchen and bath cabinets arrive ready-to-assemble (RTA). Pre-assembled cabinets are only available for special order products or custom projects installed by Menards.
Are Menards cabinets hard to put together?
Menards RTA cabinets are designed for DIY assembly. With proper tools and following the instructions closely, most homeowners can successfully assemble their kitchen cabinets without too much difficulty. Large cabinets or complex designs may require hiring a handyman.
How long does it take to assemble Menards cabinets?
On average, expect RTA cabinet assembly to take 2-3 hours per cabinet. So a typical 10 cabinet kitchen could take 25-30 hours with just one person building the cabinets. Having an extra set of hands speeds up the process.
What tools do I need to assemble Menards cabinets?
Useful tools to have on hand include a power drill, screwdrivers, hammer, pry bar, clamps, level, stud finder, carpenter’s square, and safety equipment like gloves and eye protection.
Should I hire Menards for installation if I buy cabinets there?
While convenient, Menards’ installation services typically cost more than an independent contractor. Price shop install quotes to potentially save on hiring a local pro rather than using Menards’ installation team.
How much do cabinets from Menards cost?
Cabinet prices vary by material and style. On average, expect to pay $80 – $250 per cabinet from Menards. They offer affordable RTA options but also have premium cabinet lines costing up to $1000 or more per cabinet.
Do Menards cabinets go on sale?
Yes, Menards runs frequent sales events that can save you 15-25% off regular-priced cabinets. Sign up for their mailers to stay on top of promotions. Look for big cabinet sales around major holidays like Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day.
Should I assemble cabinets before or after installing?
Most pros recommend fully assembling all cabinets before installing them. This allows you to ensure proper fit and make any adjustments easier. Attempting to assemble large cabinets like base units already in place is extremely difficult.
Key Takeaways: Do Menards Kitchen Cabinets Come Assembled?
- The majority of kitchen and bath cabinets purchased at Menards arrive ready-to-assemble (RTA) with parts and hardware to put together yourself.
- Cabinets on the showroom floor or custom ordered with installation may come pre-assembled, but this is not typical.
- Assembly of RTA Shaker, raised panel, slab, and other Menards cabinet styles is generally straightforward with the right tools and patience.
- Cost savings are substantial when you assemble cabinets yourself vs. paying for pre-assembly. But larger kitchens or complex cabinetry may make professional help ideal.
- Take time to carefully assemble cabinets and ensure all doors, drawers, and alignments are adjusted properly after installing.
- Choosing the right cabinet door style and finishes for your kitchen design goals is equally important as the assembly itself. Menards offers every style and material imaginable to create your dream kitchen.
With some handy DIY skills and a bit of guidance, you can take advantage of great pricing on quality cabinets from Menards. Just be sure to set aside plenty of time for assembly and installation. But once you see your beautiful new customized kitchen come to life, the effort will feel well worth it!