Furniture maker

Furniture makers produce all types of furniture. Most work in factories making products on a large scale. Traditional furniture makers are based in workshops. They make one-off pieces and carry out repair and restoration work.

Also known as:

Cabinet maker
Carpenter – cabinet maker

Work activities

Furniture makers produce all types of furniture, such as tables, chairs, kitchen cupboards and benches. They use a variety of materials including plastics and metals, as well as wood. In the factories of large manufacturers, they produce modern styles for the mass market. In other firms, they may work on reproduction pieces or help in the restoration/repair of antiques. A few are employed in craft workshops making original designs and commissions. Furniture makers use tools and equipment such as planes, saws, chisels, sanders and polishers. They wear protective equipment for certain tasks and make sure their environment is well ventilated.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you will need:

Good hand/eye coordination skills.
To be creative.
Good number skills for measuring and calculating.
To be able to work from plans, drawings and written instructions.
The ability to carry out tasks accurately.
Physical fitness, as the work involves a great deal of standing and occasional heavy lifting.

Working conditions can often be dusty and not always suitable for those with chest complaints, certain skin conditions or asthma.

The following future skills shortages have been identified within the industry:

Job related technical skills, including cabinet making, polishing, upholstery, and wood carving/machining.
Management and leadership skills.
Teamworking skills.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Furniture makers earn in the range of £20,000 - £28,000. Successful self-employed furniture makers can earn more.

Furniture makers usually work around 42-44 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with occasional overtime.

Employers include furniture-making firms and other furniture manufacturing companies. Opportunities for furniture makers occur in workshops and factories in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Self-employment opportunities occur for experienced furniture makers to work independently as self-employed craftworkers.

What’s happening in this work area?

It has been widely predicted that management and technical skills will become more important to the industry in the future as more of the most basic tasks become automated.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

An apprenticeship is a great place to start. The two options in this field are:

Furniture manufacturer (level 2 / intermediate)
Bespoke furniture maker (level 3 / advanced)

Training will be on-the-job with supervision from an experienced furniture maker.

It is very common for furniture makers to become self-employed. For people working for a company, progress will usually be towards supervisory positions.

Qualifications

You don’t always need qualifications to get into this job. Practical ability is often considered more important. However, GCSEs or equivalent will be useful. Subjects like English, maths and design and technology (resistant materials) would be useful.

If you wish to enter this career through an Apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Practical skills gained in woodwork, carpentry and joinery are valuable.

Related careers

Carpenter/joiner
Furniture designer
Furniture polisher
Picture framer
Shopfitter
Upholsterer
Window fitter
Wood machinist