What Does it Take to Be a Cabinet Manufacturer?

Top cabinet manufacturers produce functional and aesthetically pleasing furniture pieces for homes, offices, and other spaces. They often work in production facilities with specialized machinery and manufacturing techniques.

As demand surges, raw materials and shipping logistics are being affected at every point in the supply chain. This is why kitchen cabinet remodelers now have to wait 6-8 weeks for their cabinets.
Work Environment

Cabinet makers often work in woodworking shops, and their work can be noisy and dusty. They may also use glues, paints and varnishes that release harsh fumes. In these conditions, they must wear protective shoes, ear muffs and masks to avoid respiratory issues.

Cabinetmakers are responsible for designing, fabricating and assembling wood cabinets, furniture and other wood products. They must be able to meet the exact specifications of their clients. This requires communication skills, and it is common for them to collaborate with designers to ensure that the final product meets the client’s requirements.

Cabinet manufacturers must also be able to work independently. They must be able to read and interpret blueprints, shop plans and layout records. They must also be able to operate various woodworking machines, including saws, hammers, drills, shapers, sanders and routers. This job requires problem-solving skills as well, since they might have to make adjustments in the process to overcome challenges such as the inability to procure certain materials or to meet a deadline.
Education Requirements

A high school diploma is generally required to begin working as a cabinet maker, but many seek out post-secondary education through vocational or trade schools that offer woodworking or furniture design programs. Alternatively, some cabinet makers participate in apprenticeships that involve both classroom study and on-the-job training under a journeyman cabinetmaker. The length of a cabinet maker apprenticeship varies, but can last several years.

As a cabinet manufacturer, you may also choose to take advanced cabinetmaking techniques courses through the ICCP (International Carpentry Certification Program). These courses are typically offered online and range from six months to two years in length.

Obtaining an ICCP certificate can demonstrate to employers that you have acquired advanced skills in the field. This may open doors to job opportunities and help you advance your career. Similarly, joining an association like KCMA can provide you with additional educational opportunities and networking opportunities. They often host seminars, social events, and plant tours for members to learn from their peers in the industry.
Skills

Cabinet makers work with a variety of materials to create functional and visually appealing furniture pieces. They often follow specific design plans but are also encouraged to be creative when they solve design challenges or customize projects for clients. Cabinetmakers also require a high level of physical stamina, as they may lift heavy materials or operate machinery.

Essential skills for a cabinet maker include construction, working safely and accurately, and the ability to communicate with coworkers and clients. They must also be able to manage their time effectively to meet project deadlines.

Employer job listings and resumes of people who have held the position of cabinet maker tend to list Hand Tools, Power Tools, Wood Working, Wood Manufacturing, Furniture and Assembly Line, Lamination and Millwork as important qualifications. However, Electricity and Forklift Experience appear far less frequently in employer job descriptions, indicating that these are less valuable skills to have.
Certifications

Cabinet makers need to be able to handle construction materials, so it’s important that they have certification to show their skills. Many community colleges and technical schools offer programs in cabinetry or other construction, which can take up to a year to complete.

It’s also a good idea to look for programs that provide internship or externship opportunities, which can help you gain experience and learn more about the job. This will be especially helpful if you want to get into the field as soon as possible.

The Kitchen Kompact Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) has a voluntary testing and certification program for cabinets called ANSI/KCMA A161.1 Performance and Construction Standard. Cabinets with the KCMA seal have been tested for structural integrity and functionality by an independent third party. Periodic review of the KCMA standards by a balanced committee of industry and consumer organizations, builders, remodelers and architects ensures that the KCMA certification seal is based on current improvements in manufacturing, design and construction practices.