What is a cabinet maker?

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 /

Cabinet makers are woodworkers who specialise in designing, making and assembling wooden furniture and cabinetry, from full kitchens to custom-made pieces. They also design and manufacture fine wood furniture, often working on custom pieces for clients based on their unique designs.

Cabinet makers are highly trained in working with various materials, including timber, veneers, and wood varieties. They are skilled at combining traditional woodworking techniques with modern tools to cut, shape, join, and finish their pieces.

Today, cabinet makers have many career options, ranging from starting their own business to working for large cabinet or woodworking manufacturers. As a cabinet maker, you can expect to work with specialties, including designing bedroom suites, antique pieces, dining and office furniture.

A career as a cabinet maker is perfect for individuals who appreciate working with precision and detail. If you enjoy following detailed designs and templates and are interested in technical design, construction, and mathematics, read on as we discuss what a cabinet maker is and how to become one.

What is the job of a cabinet maker?

The job of a cabinet maker is varied, from taking custom measurements and designing stylish cabinets to assembling factory-made cabinet designs and materials.

Other duties of a cabinet maker include:

Working closely with clients to understand their needs, style preferences and functional requirements for the cabinets or furniture.
Selecting and sourcing appropriate materials for the project they are working on.
Applying finishes like varnish or paint to the cabinets or furniture pieces to improve their appearance and protect them from wear and tear.
Repairing and maintaining furniture including replacing damaged components, refinishing wooden surfaces or fixing loose legs or joints.

Types of cabinet makers

Cabinet-making also offers various specialisations, with different types of cabinetmakers focusing on distinct aspects of the trade. Below are some of the most common types of cabinet makers and a brief overview of their roles:

Custom cabinet makers specialise in the design and construction of unique, made-to-order cabinetry and furniture. They collaborate closely with clients to create personalised solutions tailored to their needs and preferences. This often involves designing and building cabinets for kitchens, bathrooms and home offices.
Furniture cabinet makers are professionals who specialise in creating high-quality, custom furniture such as tables, chairs, beds and dressers. They are experts in joinery techniques, wood selection, and furniture design principles and often focus on intricate details like decorative accents, carving and inlay work.
Architectural cabinet makers work with architects to create specific designed cabinetry and millwork. This might involve wall panelling, built-in shelving, staircases, mouldings and other custom architectural elements.
Restoration cabinet makers focus on repairing, restoring and reproducing antique or vintage cabinets and furniture. This type of cabinet maker has studied historical woodworking techniques, and understands what materials and finishes to use for authentic restoration.

Duties of a cabinet maker

The duties of a cabinet maker can vary day-by-day, but you can expect them to be doing any one of the following tasks:

Reading drawings, working orders and sampling parts to determine specifications.
Marking out, cutting and shaping wood.
Making fittings for boats, caravans and other items.
Assembling parts to form sections of furniture and complete articles.
Making drawers and shelves.
Making frames for furniture.
Working on antiques by refurbishing or repairing.

A cabinet maker must possess both design skills and woodworking expertise. The tools they can expect to use include saw tables, drum sanders, dust extraction systems, and electrical woodcutters. Hand tools like cordless sanders, drills, staplers, jigsaws, and laminate trimmers are also essential to their work. The other duties of a cabinet maker include using nails, wood glue, tape, screws, fasteners, and dowels to join wood pieces together.

Skills required to be a cabinet maker

If you are a skilled communicator, enjoy hands-on work, and thrive in a fast-paced environment that demands accuracy and attention to detail, you might have what it takes to be a cabinet maker.

Organisation is another key strength of a skilled cabinet maker. Before starting any project, they create a detailed list of required supplies, materials and wood types. This helps them acquire the correct materials and avoid overspending, ensuring the budget stays on track.

Woodworking is also a frequently changing technology, and new methods of cutting and joining are often being developed. Being adaptable can help a cabinet maker stay current with the latest methods and technologies.

Other skills required to be a cabinet maker include:

Teamwork: Cabinet makers often work in large factories or workshops alongside many colleagues. The ability to collaborate effectively ensures that their work is completed expertly and efficiently.
Patience can help a cabinet maker when undertaking fine and delicate work. Manufacturing custom furniture or cabinets with elaborate designs is not something that can be rushed. Antique woodwork can take months to restore, as some processes require time.
Problem-solving: Not every cabinet or piece of furniture exactly fits the layout of a kitchen or bathroom. Cabinet makers may have to make adjustments and alterations without the aid of instructions.
Having a grasp of mathematics helps cabinet makers solve problems more efficiently without wasting time and materials.

What is the working environment of a cabinet maker?

Cabinet makers have the flexibility to work in a variety of environments, including woodworking workshops, furniture design studios, warehouses, and construction sites or even become self-employed:

In woodworking workshops or furniture design studios, cabinet makers use timber and veneers to create and repair wooden furniture and cabinetry.
Cabinet makers employed by commercial furniture manufacturing companies typically work in warehouse settings.
Cabinet makers working with home builders or commercial building companies may be required to produce and assemble furniture on-site.
Self-employed cabinetmakers can work from a personal space, such as their garage or office.

What is the average salary of a cabinet maker?

The average national salary for a cabinet maker is $84,291 a year. However, your salary may vary depending on your qualifications and experience. The national average wage for an apprentice cabinet maker is $48,689 a year, and these salaries are usually determined by the apprentice's year of training. For example, a third-year apprentice will likely earn a higher salary than a first-year apprentice.

How to become a cabinet maker

To become a cabinet maker, you must complete a trade apprenticeship through a provider like South West TAFE. The pathway towards becoming a cabinet maker includes:

APPRENTICESHIP: The Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Apprenticeship) course through SouthWest TAFE will give you the skills to work as a qualified cabinet maker and give you the opportunity to continue studying to specialise in the design of kitchens, bathrooms and interior spaces or furniture design and technology.

During this apprenticeship, you will gain hands-on skills and experience in various areas of the cabinet-making industry. Apprenticeships are an excellent way to gain training and job experience simultaneously. Upon successful completion, you will be equipped to work as a qualified cabinet maker. You can work in the kitchen and bathroom industries, manufacturing and installing cabinetry.

SPECIALISATION: A Certificate III in Cabinet Making course provides a general qualification, but you can specialise in furniture or kitchen and bathroom cabinetry. These specialist pathways don't affect the length of the apprenticeship. The furniture pathway can lead to work restoring antique pieces, while the kitchen and bathroom pathway focuses on designing elaborate cabinetry.

EMPLOYMENT: After completing a Certificate III in Cabinet Making, you can start seeking employment as a qualified cabinet maker, with opportunities in both small workshops and large factories. Be sure your resume is accurate and up-to-date when applying. Highlight your qualifications, achievements and work experience, and consider adding a cover letter explaining your interest in cabinet making.

Difference between a cabinet maker and a carpenter

Although carpenters and cabinet makers work with wood, the skills and tasks of each are quite different. Carpenters work with timber but their main job is to maintain and erect buildings with wood. Cabinet makers are more specialised in woodwork, making individual pieces and creating intricate designs.

A carpenter works on the wood in entire homes or commercial projects. Carpenters are in charge of framing, deck construction, and custom-designed stairs. A cabinet maker makes smaller, more intricate wooden pieces like bookcases, tables, kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom cabinetry. Essentially, the carpenter focuses on the commercial application of products that need to be durable, while the cabinet maker focuses on intricacy and attention to detail.

A cabinet maker works with wood as a craftsman, creating everything from kitchen cabinets to custom made pieces of furniture. If you have a creative streak, enjoy working with wood, and problem solving, becoming a cabinet maker is an ideal career.For further information, contact the team at South West TAFE.