Cabinetmakers real artists at heart

Cabinetmaking is a profession that requires certain physical abilities. To create cabinets shelving the people should have a good eye as well as good concentration. The social contacts of cabinetmakers are limited to the communication with the customers. They may be exposed to some noise or sounds, which are uncomfortable. The workers may be exposed to different hazardous equipment.

Cabinetmakers are those who design cabinets and other things, which are made of wood.


Cabinets are aimed at storing things. When we speak about cabinets we usually imagine the cabinets that store food, dishes and glasses. But it is necessary to note that today cabinets can be really beautiful. Today they are made of some exotic woods, decorated with different pulls and handles and are hand-carved. But cabinets are considered to be rather difficult to make because straight lines require good concentration and a perfect eye. That is why cabinetmaking is often viewed as a real art.


The profession of cabinetmakers presupposes constructing or repairing items that are made of wood. First the cabinetmakers examine drawing or read blueprints to learn how to make this or that item. After that they talk to the customers about their wishes. After knowing the dimensions of the item, cabinetmakers mark the outlines of the parts on the wood or on paper. Then they cut the parts, trim and sand them. Screws, nails and glue are used to put the parts together. When the unit is assembled they apply varnish and stain to the wood. Hardware and glass are attached at the end of the whole procedure. Cabinetmakers may also install what they build.


In order to create cabinets shelving they use such power tools as sanders, planers, circular saws and create appropriate joints and routers. Such hand tools as hammers and screwdrivers are also widely used by cabinetmakers. Basic repairs can be performed by cabinetmakers as well.


Very often cabinetmakers run their own business. So, besides making the items they have some other duties such as compiling invoices, paying bills, finding new customers and keeping tracks of supplies. 


Traditionally, people of this profession have little social contact. They occasionally talk to the customer but most of the time they spend alone at their work. Cabinetmakers work indoors. Sometimes, they may be exposed to some kind of hazardous equipment. If they follow the safety guidelines, the risk of injury is very low. They can wear earplugs, goggles and others. Cabinetmakers can be exposed to the noise or sounds that may be uncomfortable. The profession requires that the workers should be exact in producing the items. If the work is done improperly, it may cause dissatisfaction of the customer. Cabinetmakers work for 40 hours every week. In order to meet deadlines they sometimes have to work during weekends or evenings. There are certain physical requirements to the representatives of the profession. They use hands to feel, control and handle objects. They have to stand for rather a long time; they crawl, crouch, stoop and kneel. They may also need to twist or bend the body.


It may be important for cabinetmakers to use fingers or hands to assemble, grasp and move objects. They should be able to make quick adjustments to control machines. They may need to move more than two limbs at the same time while staying in place. Cabinetmakers should be able to hold the hand and the arm in the same position or to move the arm but to hold the hand steady.

