Cabinet makers may do some or all of the following:

• study instructions and diagrams for furniture pieces


• use computer-aided design (CAD) programs to design furniture


• calculate costs if they have their own cabinet-making business


• select the timber and other materials


• program computers to operate machinery


• cut the timber to the right size and shape


• check the quality and fit of the timber pieces


• screw or glue the pieces together


• attach fittings such as handles


• trim and sand the furniture item


• apply polish or paint


• repair or replace damaged furniture parts


• supervise other cabinet makers if working in a factory.

Cabinet makers usually work by hand and operate small machinery, while furniture makers usually specialise in one area and use computer-controlled machinery to produce a prototype by entering in the measurement specifications. Marine cabinet makers make and fit cabinets for boats, ships and yachts.