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Furniture maker

Alternative titles for this job include Cabinet maker, upholsterer

Furniture makers use their craft skills to produce items, including chairs, tables, beds and kitchen cabinets.

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£32,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could do a college course to get some of the skills needed for a trainee position with a company. 

Courses include:

  • furniture making
  • furniture design
  • wood machining
  • furnishings - traditional and modern upholstery
  • T Level in Craft and Design

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship with a furniture manufacturing business. There are several to choose from, including:

  • Furniture Manufacturer
  • Furniture Making Operative
  • Mattress Manufacturing Operative
  • Wood Product Manufacturing Operative

You can also apply for a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, such as:

  • Bespoke Furniture Maker
  • Advanced Furniture CNC Technician
  • Fitted Furniture Design Technician
  • Advanced Upholsterer

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You could apply directly for jobs if you have experience and qualifications in furniture or cabinet making, carpentry or upholstery.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join The Furniture Makers' Company or the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers for professional development training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

Find out more about how to become a furniture maker from My Furniture Career.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • design skills and knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • the ability to analyse quality or performance
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a furniture maker, you could:

  • plan your work based on technical drawings and templates
  • estimate the quantity and type of materials needed for a job
  • cut and shape materials using hand and power tools
  • assemble and upholster items
  • add trimmings to chairs and beds, like piping, fringing and buttons
  • apply finishes like polishes and varnishes
  • repair and restore damaged furniture

You'll work mainly with wood but you'll also use metals, plastics, fabrics and other materials.

Working environment

You could work in a workshop or in a factory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a workshop supervisor or quality control manager. With more training, you might move into:

In larger firms, you may have opportunities to work in estimating, retail buying, marketing or training.

You could also start your own business and specialise in creating bespoke hand-crafted pieces of furniture.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Furniture Making Operative Apprentice

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: Bethersden, Ashford

Apprentice Machinist - REF 14819

  • Wage: £20,488.52 a year Annually
  • Location: Wetherby
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Diploma Level 3 Furniture Design and Making

  • Provider: MOULTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Northampton

Furniture Design and Making Level 3 Diploma

  • Provider: CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Pulborough
Find courses near you

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