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Cabinet Maker

Cabinet makers make and repair furniture for homes, businesses and boats.

Tasks & duties

Cabinet makers may do some or all of the following:

study instructions and diagrams for furniture pieces
use computer-aided design (CAD) programs to design furniture
calculate costs if they have their own cabinet-making business
select the timber and other materials
program computers to operate machinery
cut the timber to the right size and shape
check the quality and fit of the timber pieces
screw or glue the pieces together
attach fittings such as handles
trim and sand the furniture item
apply polish or paint
repair or replace damaged furniture parts
supervise other cabinet makers if working in a factory

Specialisations

Cabinet makers usually work by hand and operate small machinery, while furniture makers usually specialise in one area and use computer-controlled machinery to produce a prototype by entering in the measurement specifications. Marine cabinet makers make and fit cabinets for boats, ships and yachts.

Skills & knowledge

Cabinet makers need to have:

knowledge of various types of timber and cabinet-making materials
practical cabinet-making skills, including knowledge of furniture-making and repair methods
knowledge of past and modern furniture styles
design skills
technical drawing skills and the ability to read diagrams
knowledge of production standards
the ability to operate machinery and use tools correctly
problem-solving skills
marketing and business knowledge, including an understanding of the markets to which furniture is exported

In large factories cabinet makers need to be familiar with different production line methods. They also need to have skill using computer-controlled machinery and computer-aided design (CAD) skills.

Entry Requirements

To become a cabinet maker you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Furniture Making.

Secondary Education

There are no specific secondary educational requirements; however, three years of secondary education in English and maths are recommended. Other useful subjects include woodwork, technical drawing, and/or workshop technology.

Useful Experience

Useful experience for cabinet makers includes furniture industry work, furniture sales work, woodturning, or part-time courses or work in carpentry or joinery.