We’re used to seeing cabinets in every home and business — in kitchens, bathrooms, and storage spaces.  But you may not realize that not just anyone can put together a set of cabinets.  Instead, there are specific tradespeople who build and install all kinds of wooden cabinetry: Cabinetmakers.

If you enjoy wood shop in high school, like working with your hands, and have a bit of an artistic streak, then pursuing a trades career as a Cabinetmaker could be an ideal path.

One of the core construction trades, cabinetmaking encompasses designing, constructing, repairing, and installing wooden cabinets.  Cabinetmakers will also build wooden furniture and architectural millwork, and can work with various wood products including lumber, wood composites, and wood veneers.  They perform various woodworking tasks including using tools and machinery to cut, mill, carve, shape, and form wood, and joining the parts with glue, nails, or screws.  They will also be skilled in finishing processes such as sanding, varnishing, and sealing of wooden surfaces.  Some cabinetmakers can pursue additional training to learn special skills such as techniques to restore antique furniture.

This trade requires both physical strength for lifting wooden materials and using power tools or CNC milling equipment, as well as a strong attention to detail to read blueprints and perform fine carving work using hand tools.  Cabinetmakers are also skilled in drafting and designing cabinets and similar furniture projects.

Most cabinetmakers work regular daytime hours, though as with many construction trades there will be times and projects that require some overtime hours.  Most cabinetmaking work is also done indoors, whether you’re installing inside a building, or building and assembling cabinets in a factory or workshop.  Depending on the job and type of task, you may be working alone or working with a team of other cabinetmakers and construction tradespeople.

Cabinetmakers can be employed by construction companies, cabinet manufacturing facilities, and can work as independent contractors.  Since cabinetmaking is a Red Seal trade, if you earn your certification you will be able to work anywhere in Canada.

Becoming a cabinetmaker requires at least a secondary school diploma or equivalent, as well as a 4-year apprenticeship period or equivalent work experience.  Taking cabinetmaking courses at a college or trade school may also be a requirement, depending on the job or employer, and whether you want to pursue your Red Seal.

Salaries for cabinetmakers range from minimum wage up to around $25 or $30 per hour.  This comes out to a yearly salary ranging from $24,000 to around $52,000.  For cabinetmakers who develop specialized skills such as antiques restoration, or those who work as independent contractors with a reliable client list, can often earn higher salaries.

Sources:

https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/professions-and-trades/cabinetmaking

https://www.careersinconstruction.ca/en/career/cabinetmaker

http://www.red-seal.ca/trades/c.1b.3n.2tm.1k.2r-eng.html

https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/16991/22437