Cabinet makers play an important role in the interior decoration of homes and offices. A cabinet is usually a sturdy case or cabinet with multiple drawers and shelves for displaying or storing things. There are also special cabinets designed for particular uses such as pantry, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and many others. Some cabinets are stand-alone, while others are incorporated into a wall or are permanently attached to it such as a medicine cabinet.
Cabinet makers are woodworkers who craft cabinets. Some of them are considered master carpenters while there are others who have some skills in other fields such as painting, designing, and carpentry. In order to become a cabinetmaker, a person needs to be at least 18 years old and finish high school. Some people start their careers as carpenter’s assistants while most people pursue a career as a cabinet maker once they get a diploma or certificate.
Some cabinet makers start their own business by constructing custom-made wooden cabinets. However, some people prefer to construct cabinets for small institutions or homes in general. Custom built-in cabinets are popular in offices, restaurants, hotels, and private residences. Usually, the cabinets that are custom built-in are smaller than regular built-in models and are made of lighter materials such as plywood or particle board. These types of cabinets are less expensive than the standard ones and are preferred by many customers because of their durability and reliability.
Generally, every cabinet maker has his/her own unique work style. However, there are basic practices that are shared by all good cabinet makers. Those who are interested in becoming professional cabinet makers need to have the following technical skills: hand tools, eye for details, ability to read and recognize patterns, and a sense of creativity. These skills are not only essential for cabinet makers but are also essential for woodworkers in general. If a person has these skills, then he/she is on the way to making it big.
Most cabinet makers begin their careers with small shops where they showcase their handmade works. Once their craft develops, they can now exhibit their furniture and offer services at more formal furniture stores or workshops. Those who want to enter the furniture industry can get training from any of the many vocational schools in the United States. The Furniture Industry Council of America or FICCA is one of the organizations that provide formal furniture training and certification programs. Once an individual graduates from formal training programs, he/she can enroll himself/herself in vocational schools offering short-term and long-term vocational courses.
One of the most important qualities that a cabinet maker must have is good mechanical skills. Mechanical skills are the ones that help a cabinet maker make his/her works look elegant. The cabinet makers must possess good hand tools and eye-hand coordination. Some of the mechanical skills that are usually taught at the vocational schools include using saws and drills, measuring cup and templates, measuring pliers and nails, and assembling mechanical parts together. There are also courses on electrical and electronic principles for cabinet makers to understand the use of electric circuits and how they work. There are also classes on carpentry that cabinet makers can take to enhance their technical skills.