Sometimes considered a subtrade of carpentry, cabinetmaking (cabinetry) and woodworking are a significant part of home construction, as well as in some commercial jobs.
Cabinetmakers and woodworkers are tradespeople who create cabinets, furniture, and highly detailed structures. They often work as independent contractors or as part of the home construction crew.
Generally, cabinetmaking refers specifically to the construction of cabinets and furniture, while woodworking encompasses a broader range of wooden objects, including sculptures and decorative items. Cabinetmaking is often associated with professional carpentry and furniture-making industries, while woodworking can be practiced as a hobby or in various professional fields. However, cabinetmaking can be considered a subset of woodworking, as woodworking is the art and trade of cutting, working, and joining timber, which would include both cabinetmaking and woodworking.
Ancient Egyptian drawings and artifacts dating back to 2000 BC depict wood furnishings such as beds, chairs, tables, and chests. For that matter, analysis of the Mousterian stone tools used by the Neanderthals shows that many were used to work wood.
Woodworkers manufacture or create a variety of products, such as cabinets and furniture, using wood, veneers, and laminates. Most woodworkers work in manufacturing plants, as opposed to carpenters, who typically work at construction sites. Cabinets used on construction sites are often fabricated in a wood shop and assembled on-site, though some are wholly built on-site.
A high school diploma or equivalent may be required by employers.
Education and formal training are helpful, but generally not required. Woodworkers are primarily trained on the job, learning from experienced workers. Workers new to the job are typically assigned basic tasks, such as placing a piece of wood through a machine and stacking the finished product at the end of the process.
As they gain experience, they learn to perform more complex tasks with less supervision. Within a month, they have generally acquired the skills required for basic machine operations and job tasks.
Becoming a skilled woodworker often takes several months or years. Skilled workers can read blueprints, set up machines, and plan work sequences. Although some entry-level jobs can be learned in less than a year, becoming fully proficient can take several years of on-the-job training. The ability to use computer-controlled machinery is becoming increasingly important.
Although not typically required, certifications can demonstrate competence and professionalism, and may help a candidate advance in the profession. The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America offers a national certificate program with five progressive credentials that add levels of credibility to a woodworker's resume.
Woodworkers and cabinetmakers in the United States may be represented by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) or the Amalgamated Union of Cabinet Makers (AUCM).
Recommended Resources
CMA is a trade association founded in 1998 that serves primarily small custom cabinet and woodworking shops, especially operations with 1-20 employees. Its stated mission centers on peer collaboration, professional development, and helping small shops grow profitably through networking, education, and recognition programs. Membership benefits include peer networking and discussion forums, regional meetings, educational resources, annual awards, and scholarships.
https://www.cabinetmakers.org/
Cabinet Pro and Door Pro Software
Available as a one-time purchase or rented by the quarter, Cabinet Pro and Door Pro are Windows-based shop-management and CAD/CAM packages for cabinetmakers and door manufacturers. They produce drawings, cutlists, material reports, panel optimization, bidding/invoicing, and can drive CNC operations. Notable features include panel optimization and nesting build into Cabinet Pro, and CNC-specific features such as scalable machinery for door styles, hinge/pull hole placement, and grain matching.
https://www.cabinetpro.com/
The third-generation woodworking shop is located in Paoli, Indiana, specializing in custom arts and crafts, craft furniture, and kitchen cabinetry, and offering a woodworking school where the owner, Dale Barnard, teaches hands-on classes. The business creates custom furniture and cabinets via design and build in styles including Arts and Crafts, Art Deco, Mission, English, and Victorian, as well as antique restoration and bespoke design. Classes and one-on-one lessons are included.
https://the-cabinetmaker.com/
Located in Stoughton, Massachusetts, the company offers custom cabinetry and furniture design and fabrication for homeowners, architects, designers, and contractors. Their work emphasizes craft and inventive solutions across scales and styles, highlighting its client focus, work tailored to individual needs, tastes, and spaces. In business for more than forty years, recent projects are highlighted in its portfolio, which includes sections for kitchens, bathrooms, furniture, and other spaces.
https://www.cabinetmakers.com/
Based in Braithwaite, Keswick, England, MJ Cabinetmakes designs and builds bespoke, handcrafted furniture that blends contemporary design with traditional methods to create functional, long-lasting pieces. According to its website, its approach is a collaborative design process; meeting customers, interpreting requirements, designing unique pieces, and keeping clients updated during the build. Local clients can visit the workshop during production. Contacts are provided.
https://www.mjcabinetmakers.co.uk/
Scott Morrison is a Montana-based fine woodworker known for handmade rocking chairs, sculpted chairs, and custom furniture built with traditional joinery and hand-carving techniques. His signature work includes sculpted rocking chairs and Maloof-inspired seating with an emphasis on lumbar support, carved seats, headrests, and flowing organic lines. He hand-selects wood, uses hand tools and sculpting techniques, and finishes pieces with tung oil and resin rub.
https://finewoodworker.com/
WWGOA is an online woodworking education site that offers video lessons, downloadable plans, live events, and a membership model for unlimited access to its library. Instructional videos are taught by a roster of woodworking experts and makers. WWGOA also maintains an active YouTube channel with sample lessons and previews. A paid membership unlocks the full video library, plans, and live Q&A sessions. A promotional trial is available, and DVDs can be purchased.
https://www.wwgoa.com/
