Cabinet Maker

Also known as:

Carpenter - Cabinet Maker
Furniture Maker

Introduction

Cabinet makers produce all types of furniture. Some work in factories making products on a large scale. In other firms, they work on reproduction furniture. Traditional cabinet makers are based in workshops. They may make one-off pieces and carry out repair and restoration work.

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Work Activities

Cabinet makers produce all types of furniture using a variety of materials including plastics and metals, as well as wood.

Most cabinet makers specialise in a certain range of furniture. For large manufacturers, they produce modern styles for the mass market. In other firms, they may work on reproduction pieces or help in the restoration/repair of antiques. A few are employed in craft workshops making original designs and commissions.

In craft workshops, cabinet makers are able to develop traditional skills, although even small workshops may be partly automated. In bigger firms, while hand tools are still used for some tasks, power equipment and complex machines are used. These machines have to be very carefully set by the cabinet makers. In some organisations, processes are fully computerised, and cabinet makers program the machines.

Some cabinet makers work to their own original designs, but it is more usual to work to a set of plans. They decide which type of wood is suitable. For some products, compounds such as chipboard, or even materials such as plastic, perspex and glass replace timber.

Cabinet makers mark, cut and shape the materials before assembling the piece. This process involves techniques such as dovetailing, hingeing and jointing. Veneers often have to be cut and fixed onto the basic article.

The cabinet maker may then add the final touches such as marquetry, inlays, staining, marbling, polishing or upholstery. In large manufacturers, however, these tasks would be done by other specialist staff, leaving the cabinet makers free to concentrate on the earlier processes.

Tools and equipment used by cabinet makers include planes, saws, chisels, sanders, routers and polishers.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You will need a good awareness of space and size, good hand skills and artistic flair. You should be creative, yet able to work from plans and drawings with minimum supervision.

Patience and high levels of concentration are necessary, combined with the ability to carry out tasks accurately and precisely. It is important that you take pride in your work and make sure that each operation is properly finished. For example, you will need to check that doors are properly aligned, castors glide freely and drawers move smoothly.

You need to be good at maths for measuring and calculating, and for using automated equipment. You should be skilled at using hand tools, power tools and machinery. Computers skills are also needed for certain jobs.

You will also need to be aware of health and safety standards when using tools and machinery.

Physical fitness is necessary, as the work involves a great deal of standing and occasional heavy lifting. Conditions are often dusty and not always suitable for those with chest complaints, asthma or allergies. You should have good eyesight and normal colour vision.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Cabinet makers earn in the range of £250 - £280 a week, rising to £340 - £400. Higher earners can make around £500 a week.

Cabinet makers usually work around 39-hours, Monday to Friday, with occasional overtime.

Employers throughout the UK include cabinet-making firms and other furniture manufacturing companies. Some cabinet makers work independently as self-employed craft-workers.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Practical skills and abilities gained in woodwork, carpentry and joinery are valuable.

Colleges will usually consider applications from candidates who do not meet their usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

• 40% of people in occupations such as cabinet maker are self-employed.
• 5% work part-time.
• 3% have flexible hours.
• 2% of employees work on a temporary basis
.

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New Developments

This occupation may involve homeworking.  Find out more about Working from home.