Cabinet makers need to have:

• knowledge of various types of timber and cabinet-making materials


• practical cabinet-making skills, including knowledge of furniture-making and repair methods


• knowledge of past and modern furniture styles


• design skills


• technical drawing skills and the ability to read diagrams


• knowledge of production standards


• the ability to operate machinery and use tools correctly


• problem-solving skills


• marketing and business knowledge, including an understanding of the markets to which furniture is exported.

In large factories cabinet makers need to be familiar with different production line methods. They also need to have skill using computer-controlled machinery and computer-aided design (CAD) skills.

 

Cabinet makers must be quick and neat in their work. They need to be patient and accurate, with an eye for detail because many tasks in cabinet making must be carefully done. They need to have good judgement for deciding if furniture-making instructions are practical, as rough drawings do not always translate into good furniture. They also need to have the ability to make calculations. Cabinet makers who work in a factory need to be able to work well in a team.

Cabinet makers need to have good hand-eye co-ordination and steady hands. If they have asthma or other breathing problems they must be able to control these conditions in cabinet-making workshops.