Cabinet Maker

Cabinet Makers are specialised woodworkers who make cabinetry and furniture that creates the internal infrastructure of a home. They can build and install kitchen/bathroom cabinets, wall units, built-in robes and display cases from either wood or wood substitutes for both commercial and domestic markets. Cabinet Makers also focus on the finer and more artistic finishes.

Qualification

Certificate III in Cabinet Making

Sector

Residential / Commercial

What does a typical day look like?

• Using templates, drawings and specifications to make and assemble furniture
• Preparing drawings from specifications and determining job requirements
• Estimating costs, and the quantity and type of materials needed for a job
• Building and repairing custom or production type fixtures and furniture including old furniture and antiques
• Working with solid timber, flat panel or timber-based products to fit, assemble and install free standing and fitted furniture for the domestic, office, commercial and shop fitting sectors
• Use a variety of power tools such as saws, chisels, planes, power tools and computerized machines to cut, shape, mould and assemble components of wood and wood substitutes
• Adding fine detail to furniture and cabinetry as well as marking, cutting, sanding and turning wood

Skills and personal qualities

• Good hand-eye coordination
• Clear communication skills
• Creative and enjoy design
• Enjoy manual and practical work
• Enjoy working with wood and wood products/ tools
• Good at maths, literacy, design and technology and manual studies such as woodwork

How to get started?

To get started as a Cabinet Maker you may want to complete a Certificate II in Furniture Making or Certificate II in Cabinet Making Pathways before going on to complete a Certificate III in Cabinet Making apprenticeship .

Future Pathways and opportunities

• Antique Furniture Reproducer or Restorer
• Custom Design Furniture Maker
• Sub-contractor or business owner
• Site Supervisor / Leading Hand
• Construction Manager
• Registered Builder
• Building Inspector
• Teaching, Training and Assessing