Cabinet Maker

Job Description

An expert cabinet maker oversees creating fine furniture, cabinets, and other woodworking projects. With accuracy and focus to detail, they choose and cut materials, assemble components, apply finishes, and interpret blueprints or client instructions. In addition to operating woodworking machinery, cabinet manufacturers may repair or install furniture and cabinets at customer locations. The cabinet maker may design the cabinets from scratch or build them using pre-existing blueprints. Success in this position requires a strong set of carpentry skills, inventiveness, and the capacity to operate both independently and collaboratively.  

What Would I Do?

As a cabinet maker, your responsibilities include a variety of tasks with the goal of producing high-quality wooden furniture and furnishings. One of your most important tasks is to interpret blueprints, drawings or customer specifications to thoroughly understand project requirements. With precision and attention to detail, you can cut, shape and form wood to precise dimensions using a combination of hand tools and woodworking machinery. This process ensures that each piece fits perfectly and meets the desired specifications. In addition, cabinet makers are able to replace or repair wooden furniture and fixtures as needed, which ensures their longevity and functionality. An important part of your role is the design and construction of cabinets that meet the wishes of the customer. This requires cutting joints and accurately assembling components using glue, clamps and fasteners to ensure structural integrity. To achieve a perfect finish on finished pieces, cabinet makers carefully sand wooden surfaces before applying veneers, stains or polishes, showing their craftsmanship and attention to detail in all projects.

Am I Suited for This Job?

It takes a combination of creativity, devotion, and precision to succeed as a cabinet builder. Both your commitment to continuously producing high-quality work and your ability to carefully complete jobs with precision and attention to detail are essential. Your ability to work independently guarantees effective project management, and your creativity lets you develop and adapt to different design requirements. Strong math and spatial skills are necessary for interpreting blueprints. Other necessary skills and traits include mastery of carpentry techniques, physical stamina, and strength to handle heavy materials (up to 50 lbs). You must also have manual dexterity for precise handling of tools and machinery, adept problem-solving abilities, and excellent time management skills to meet project deadlines efficiently.

The Environment/ The Typical Day

A regular day for a cabinet maker starts early in the studio or workshop where you will spend the morning checking on project requirements, choosing materials, and assembling tools and machinery. You will use woodworking tools such as sanders, routers, and saws. In the studio setting, you will meticulously cut, shape, and collect wood to make custom cabinetry and furniture pieces as per client requirements. You may work on your own or as part of a team, collaborating with clients, designers, contractors, and other stakeholders to guarantee that each piece satisfies design specifications and quality standards. Over the course of the day, you will focus on exact measurements, intricate joinery, and fine detailing to make great items that exhibit your craftsmanship and attention to detail. Depending upon project deadlines and workload, you might work extended periods of time or irregular hours in order to finish projects on time. Cabinet makers may also travel to job sites for installations or client consultations, even though most of your work will be done in the workshop. On site work might include fitting cabinets into homes, workplaces, or different spaces, guaranteeing a perfect fit and finish. In general, a day in the life of a cabinet maker is characterized by hands-on craftsmanship, creative problem-solving, and attention to detail, all with the goal of producing custom woodwork that meets your customers' requirements and expectations.

What are the Wages and Benefits?

The salary for cabinet makers may vary according to your employer, location, and your level of experience. The table below shows the approximate salary starting level for cabinet makers in Ontario at different levels of experience according to Zip Recruiter.

Typically, full time cabinet makers receive benefits such as paid sick days, vacation time, retirement plans, health insurance, and dental coverage. Self employed cabinet makers must provide their own benefits. Depending on the company you are employed with, you may have access to opportunities for skill development and advancement.

 What is the Job Outlook in Ontario?

According to the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS), there were around 3, 600 cabinet makers in Ontario as of May 2021.In the next 10 years, there will be 1,300 job openings. According to Ontario’s labour market information website, there are two components of projected job openings which are new jobs and replacement jobs (replacement jobs from retirement, death, and emigration). Over the period of 2023 – 2027, 23% of the job projections for cabinet makers will be from new jobs and the other 77% will come from replacement jobs.

How do I become a Cabinet Maker?

1. Requirements/Qualifications
2. High school diploma or equivalent (e.g. GED)

    B. Additional Licensing

1. Enroll in vocational training or a community college that provides technical training for woodworking and various tools and machinery
2. or completing an apprenticeship which may take anywhere from one to four years 
3. Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in all provinces and territories 
4. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified cabinetmakers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal exam. . You must first pay a varying fee that differs across provinces and territories in order to take the exam (your provincial or territorial office will let you know the cost when you register for your exam). You will need to get 70% or higher in order to pass the red seal exam. 

Where Would I Work?

Typically, cabinet makers are employed at manufacturing plants or woodworking shops, where you will have access to the tools and resources needed to build furniture and cabinets. You might operate independently as a freelancer, taking on jobs based on client demands. As an alternative, you might work in a larger organization as a team member, coordinating with coworkers to complete orders and meet deadlines. In order to ensure your customer’s requirements are met, you may work on-site for installation projects, such as installing cabinets into homes, offices, or other areas. Included below is a pie chart that depicts the industries where cabinet maker positions are typically found.

 How Do I Find a Job? 

There are several options to explore when it comes to finding a cabinet maker job. One option is to search for jobs on online platforms such as job search sites like Indeed and LinkedIn, industry-specific job boards, and social media. In addition, you can directly contact furniture manufacturers, woodworking shops, construction companies or custom furniture companies in your area to inquire about vacancies or submit your resume. Networking within the woodworking community can also be valuable, as is joining industry events, trade shows or professional organizations can lead to job opportunities or referrals. Also, consider using career counsellors, trade schools, or apprenticeship programs for guidance on job search strategies and potential opportunities in the cabinetry and woodworking industry. By using online resources, networking, and industry connections, you can increase your chances of finding gainful employment as a cabinet maker.

 Applying for a job

After apprenticeship or training of any sort, practice your skills as often as possible. Try experimenting with different designs and styles and create a portfolio to showcase your past projects to future employers.

Include any certifications or specialized training in woodworking or cabinet making in your resume and cover letter. Highlight your skills by emphasizing your proficiency with woodworking tools, machinery, and your ability to interpret blueprints or design plans. Make sure to only include relevant skills in your resume and cover letter! Demonstrate your proficiency with woodworking methods and your ability to work both independently and collaboratively to prepare for interviews.

According to Zip Recruiter, the most uncommon resume keywords are measuring tools, numerical control, detail oriented, saws and cabinet making. These keywords are often included in employer job listings, yet cabinet maker candidates do not list them in their resumes as frequently. If you identify with these characteristics or you have experience with any of these skills, it will be beneficial to add them to your resume in order to stand out to employers.

Where Can This Job Lead?

Starting as apprentices or labourers, you can advance in your career as a cabinet maker through experience and certification. With time, you may become shop supervisor, lead cabinet maker, or even venture into entrepreneurship by starting your own woodworking business. Beyond cabinet making, this profession opens doors to diverse career paths within the woodworking and furniture industry. These opportunities include roles such as furniture designer, woodworker, woodworking instructor or trainer, carpenter, or upholsterer, allowing you to explore various specialties and expand your skills within the field.