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Furniture maker

Alternative titles for this job include Cabinet maker, craft woodworker

Furniture makers make and restore items like chairs, tables, beds and display cabinets.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£28,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 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 a furniture maker

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 this job. Courses include:

  • Level 2 Diploma in Furniture Making
  • Level 2 Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery
  • Level 3 Diploma in Wood Machining
  • T Level in Craft and Design

Entry requirements

You may need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 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

The following intermediate apprenticeships could lead into this role:

  • Furniture manufacturer
  • Wood product manufacturing operative

You could also complete an advanced apprenticeship like:

  • Advanced furniture CNC technician
  • Bespoke furniture maker
  • New furniture product developer
  • Fitted furniture design technician

If you specialise in coverings, you could take an advanced upholsterer apprenticeship.

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 for jobs if you have experience or qualifications in furniture or cabinet making, or carpentry. Employers often value skills and experience over qualifications.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join The Furniture Makers' Company for professional recognition and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about craft careers from Discover Creative Careers.

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • design skills and knowledge
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • the ability to analyse quality or performance
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You'll work mainly with wood but you'll also use metals, plastics and other materials. In your day-to-day tasks could:

  • work out what to do from technical drawings
  • cut and shape materials with hand and machine tools
  • create designs for furniture on paper and on computer
  • estimate the quantity and type of materials needed
  • assemble items
  • add parts like brackets, hinges, handles and locks
  • apply finishes like polishes and varnishes
  • restore antiques or repair damaged furniture

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 inspector. With further training, you could move into furniture design.

In larger firms, you could work in estimating, retail buying, sales or training.

You could also start your own business and specialise in hand-crafted furniture or restoring antique items.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Wood Machinist

  • Wage: £187.50 Weekly
  • Location: Alfreton

Apprentice Upholsterer

  • Wage: £167.70 Weekly
  • Location: Holmfirth
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Principles and Practice of Furniture Making Level 2 Diploma

  • Provider: ACTIVATE LEARNING
  • Start date: 05 September 2022
  • Location: Oxford

Furniture Design and Making - Level 3 Diploma

  • Provider: CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP
  • Start date: 13 September 2022
  • Location: Pulborough
Find courses near you

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