Cabinet Maker Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a cabinet maker. Feel free to use our cabinet maker job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a cabinet maker.
Who is a Cabinet Maker?
Cabinet-making is a type of woodworking that entails the design and construction of cabinets. It is a precise trade that requires a variety of stationary power tools, hand tools, and measuring equipment. It also involves a variety of tasks that apply to other trades, such as furniture making. A cabinetmaker must be able to dimension, cut, and shape lumber accurately; perform complex joinery, and finish completed projects. Cabinet-making jobs that are related to marquetry and woodcarving include glass cutting and design consultation.
In contrast to a carpenter in construction, a cabinetmaker typically works in a shop equipped with a variety of precision power tools. The table saw is the focal point of a cabinet shop, as it is typically much more powerful and precisely tuned than one found on a construction site. Other common power tools in a cabinet shop include a heavy-duty jointer and planer for accurately dimensioning lumber, a lathe for turning spindles, a drill press for boring, and a table-mounted router for shaping. Additionally, a cabinetmaker’s toolkit is likely to include a variety of chisels, hand planes, mallets, clamps, and screwdrivers. Without a large, flat assembly table, no cabinet shop would be complete.
While the majority of cabinets can be completed in a cabinet shop, a cabinetmaker may work on-site on some occasions. For instance, when building a built-in cabinet, the majority of the cutting and milling will take place in the shop, but the cabinet will be assembled on-site. Since this occasionally requires alterations to the building structure and surrounding walls, a cabinet maker should also be familiar with basic carpentry, drywall, and painting techniques. A good cabinetmaker’s sense of aesthetics and proportion is a valuable asset for homeowners seeking cabinets that blend harmoniously with their home’s decor.
Cabinet-making typically requires more training than other woodworking trades. Numerous cutting, shaping, and joinery procedures are intricate and require years of practice to master. While an aspiring cabinetmaker can obtain the necessary training through community colleges and vocational schools, the majority of employers require a period of a formal apprenticeship. Apprentices working in a well-established cabinet shop typically begin by performing many of the routine and time-consuming cabinet-making tasks, such as trimming and simple assembly, until they gain sufficient familiarity with the tools to attempt more refined tasks.
A cabinet maker specializes in both freestanding fine wood furniture and custom built-in cabinets. Individuals in this position interact with clients and construct furniture or cabinets to their specifications. While various woods, materials, and styles may be used for various jobs, custom cabinet makers typically perform similar tasks on each job.
Measuring the client’s interior space is critical for kitchen cabinet makers and furniture builders, as the finished products must be proportionate and appealing. Following that, he or she will typically create renderings of the finished piece. By compiling a list of project materials and tools, he or she can save time by making multiple trips to purchase necessary supplies. The craftsperson selects the appropriate wood and other materials to complete the project with a high level of quality while staying within budget.
Cabinet makers use saws and power tools to cut, sand, and shape the wood pieces as they install the finished cabinets. They assemble furniture and cabinets using wood glue, nails, screws, dowels, and other fasteners. Before hanging the cupboard doors onto the completed cabinet frames, a cabinet maker attaches door pulls and cabinet hardware. Integrating custom kitchen cabinets with existing appliances is a critical skill for those in this position.
Cabinetmakers may begin their careers as apprentices to custom cabinetmakers. Apprentices frequently require a grade 12 or equivalent, as well as some work experience and passed exams. Individuals in this position may work in either residential or commercial settings and may be assigned to a team of contractors or remodelers. Additionally, they may repair or refinish wood furniture and cabinets rather than construct new pieces for each job.
Certain cabinetmakers specialize in particular industries, such as creating wood interiors for airline planes or designing hotel interiors. He or she may work both commercially and privately. Many maintain a portfolio of completed work in addition to customer testimonials to market their services and continue obtaining work.
Cabinet Maker Job Description
Below are the cabinet maker job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a cabinet maker job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a cabinet maker include the following:
- Selecting materials, fittings, and tools for each task.
- Reducing the size of resources when necessary
- Planning an efficient approach to work is critical to completing each project on time.
- Producing standard and custom cabinet components.
- Collecting the cabinet’s components and assembling the final product.
- Sealing, varnishing, and painting cabinets as needed.
- Inspecting each completed item to ensure proper construction and application of necessary finishes.
- Repairing components of cabinets that have been serviced.
- Wearing the required uniform and taking the necessary safety precautions.
- Providing advice on proper care for finished products when requested
- Constructing and assembling cabinet components, ensuring that all components meet the foreman’s and client’s specifications.
- Verifying and rechecking all calculations to ensure proper alignment of doors, hinges, and side panels, always referencing blueprints or design plans.
- Cleaning and repairing all tools used in your work, including handsaws, table saws, skill saws, and a variety of drills and sanding tools.
- Being precise in your measurements and markings to ensure that materials are used efficiently and that projects adhere to budgetary constraints.
- Installing necessary hardware, such as hinges and handles, and place replacement orders as necessary.
- Matching materials and grains to ensure that all matching units have a uniform appearance.
- Strengthening joints and attachments to increase their sturdiness and durability without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality
- Ensuring a safe working environment by cleaning and discarding old materials such as nails and screws.
- Designing and creating drawings for various types of furniture
- Choosing the quantity and type of wood that will be required
- Choosing the construction methods for the furniture
- Purchasing lumber from suppliers
- Using hand, power, and computer-controlled tools, cut, shape, and join the wood.
- Giving final touches to the furniture, such as sanding or polishing
Qualifications
A high school diploma is typically required to work as a cabinet maker. After that, it is customary to complete an apprenticeship or enroll in a technical school course. Either of these paths typically takes around three years and includes training in wood technology, furniture manufacturing, wood engineering, and production management.
While certification is not required, it demonstrates competence and professionalism and can assist cabinet makers in advancing in the profession. The Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) develops industry standards and provides training for mid-management positions.
Additional requirements include the following:
- It will be advantageous to complete a training program or apprenticeship.
- Prior experience as a cabinet maker, accompanied by a portfolio of completed projects.
- The ability to visualize spaces to design furniture that fits them.
- Appropriate arithmetic abilities.
- Excellent ability to work in a team and provide excellent customer service.
- Detail-oriented.
- Capable of meeting tight deadlines without sacrificing quality.
Essential Skills
- Mathematics Capabilities
Cabinet makers must have math skills to accurately measure the materials that will be cut and installed. Additionally, they require math skills to plan a project – this may include reading blueprints and taking measurements, as well as calculating costs to ensure the project stays within budget. Cabinetmakers make extensive use of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics.
- Attention to Details
Cabinetmakers’ work must be extremely precise. They must precisely measure distances and the dimensions of household items when installing them. A keen eye for detail aids in measuring and fitting structures.
- Ability to Think Critically
Cabinetmakers must be able to resolve issues that arise during a project. Frequently, projects take longer than anticipated or encounter errors, such as materials arriving late or in the incorrect size. Cabinetmakers must exercise critical thinking to resolve these issues. With strong critical thinking abilities, cabinetmakers can use logic not only to solve problems but to anticipate and avoid them in the first place.
- Physical Fortitude
Physical strength is required of cabinetmakers to lift and wield heavy tools and materials, such as lumber (which can often be quite heavy). They also require physical stamina – the majority of jobs require prolonged standing, climbing, lifting, and/or bending.
- Communication
Communication is an important soft skill for a cabinetmaker to possess. A cabinet maker should be able to communicate with clients effectively. They must listen carefully to comprehend the client’s requirements. Additionally, they must be able to communicate complex technical issues to their clients. Customers value a cabinetmaker who listens to their needs and communicates clearly and kindly.
How to Become a Cabinet Maker
Cabinet makers design and build cabinets and furniture from commercial blueprints or their designs, using everything from authentic 18th-century hand tools to modern computer-controlled lathes and production equipment. Years of dedication are required to achieve the status of a master cabinetmaker.
The following steps can be taken to become a cabinet maker:
- Investigate Direct Apprenticeships
Enroll in an apprenticeship in cabinetmaking or bench carpentry in your area. According to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, you must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and pass a drug test.
As a cabinetmaking apprentice, you’ll need to work a sufficient number of hours. Typically, this equates to 2,000 hours. You’ll learn how to use hand and power tools, as well as the necessary measuring, fitting, and joining techniques, as well as the proper selection of materials, and compliance with occupational safety standards.
- Acquire Required Skills in the Classroom
Spend at least 144 hours per year in formal classroom instruction, or more as determined by your state’s laws. This includes an understanding of woods and their characteristics; the chemistry and nature of various stains and finishes; and the mathematics, science, and computer skills required to work with blueprints and computerized equipment.
Following that, you must sit for and pass the journeyman examination required by your state. These vary by state but typically consist of a multiple-choice examination testing your knowledge of cabinet and furniture construction, occupational safety, and other pertinent subjects.
- Enroll in a Community College or Technical School
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, this should be a school that teaches cabinetmaking. The majority of programs last less than a year and include extensive theoretical instruction as well as hands-on experience with modern woodworking equipment.
After earning your diploma from the school, enter a cabinetmaking apprenticeship. According to Penn Foster, the majority of schools with training programs have extensive contacts in the field and can assist you in finding work.
- Completion of Mandatory Hours at Work and in the Classroom
This equates to approximately 2,000 hours of full-time cabinetmaking employment per calendar year, but individual states grant varying degrees of credit for formal education.
Additionally, spend as many additional classroom hours as required by your state. Typically, most states require 144 hours of classroom instruction per calendar year of the apprenticeship, but your formal education will typically be recognized as equivalent. Then, pass the journeyman examination required by your state.
- Connect with Employers in Your Trade
Carry on in this manner for several years, honing your craft through experience, observation, and mentorship from other cabinetmakers. Additionally, research the industry. This includes following trends, reading books, and attending trade shows to stay current on new technology.
Acquaint yourself with the broad aesthetic and structural principles that contribute to the distinction of individual works of art. Most libraries have design and architectural books that contain a wealth of information on these fundamental laws of proportion.
- Take the Master Cabinetmaker Examination and Pass
The Cabinet Maker’s Association offers master cabinetmaker certification. A minimum of five years of industry experience, as well as formal instruction and testing, are required for master-level certification.
Cabinetmakers interested in working in the commercial sector of the industry rather than the artisanal sector may pursue university-level degrees in wood product technology and engineering, as well as production, design, and manufacturing.
Where to Work as a Cabinet Maker
Cabinet makers may work for custom furniture manufacturers, construction firms, or cabinetmaking contractors, or they may work independently.
Cabinet Maker Salary Scale
In the United States, a cabin maker earns an average annual salary of $38,565 per year.