Using traditional hand tools and modern machinery, a cabinet maker build and install custom woodworking projects for residential, commercial and retail spaces. They also repair and make displays for trade shows.
They can design and assemble elegant cabinets or mass-market products. They often use woods, styles, and materials that are unique to each client.
Basics
Cabinet making is a woodworking skill that requires precision, so it takes time to become good at it. Anyone with an interest in furniture, and a few tools, can learn the basics and create unique items for their home and others.
Cabinet makers can use both hand- and powered tools to create cabinets, bookcases, vanities, and other furniture. They can also repair or replace damaged parts of existing cabinets or other woodwork.
You will first need to choose the type and species of wood you want for your project. Solid woods such as oak, cherry, and ash are used for cabinet doors and faces. They are more durable and can be stained or painted easily. Solid wood is more expensive that plywood and other materials.
If you’re working with a small budget, consider using medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which is also made from wood fibers that are pressed together under heat. It’s less expensive than solid wood, and it’s a good choice to make kitchen cabinets or other flat surfaces.
Materials
Cabinet making is possible with many different materials. There are three main types of materials that can be used for cabinet making: wood, metal, or plastic. Each of these types has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to be knowledgeable about the different options available before deciding which one is best for your project.
Wood is the most preferred choice for kitchen cabinets. Wood’s natural, organic appearance complements many decorating styles and is easy to maintain. The material is also very durable, able to withstand high temperatures and moisture.
It is also relatively affordable compared with other cabinetry options, especially when you consider hardwood. It can be stained and painted to match your decor.
Particleboard, another popular cabinet material, can be found in home stores and online. This type of board is made from scrap wood and is often cheaper than plywood, but it does not have the same per-square foot strength as wood.
Unlike plywood, particleboard does not expand and contract as the temperature changes. It can still sag if it is loaded with too many cabinets or drawers.
Laminate and Thermofoil are other wood options. These materials are available in a variety colors and are more durable than traditional solid wood, but not as strong as plywood.
Laminate is a smooth, synthetic covering that can be applied on top of plywood or MDF. Laminate is an affordable option that can be applied on top of plywood or MDF. It also comes in a wide variety of colors.
These cabinets are typically less expensive than wood cabinets but are more difficult to fix. These cabinets are available in many sizes and styles. They can also be customized to meet your needs.
Design
Cabinet makers build custom cabinets, furniture, and millwork for commercial and residential applications. Their work is often marked by creativity, fine craftsmanship and attention to details. They also use a variety o hand and machine tools in order to create pieces based upon designs and specifications.
They can produce traditional or mass-market cabinets, restore antiques, and create custom-made items. They use a variety of woodworking skills to measure and cut, join, and carve the components of their products.
The design of cabinets is an important part of the job, as it determines their function and appearance. It can be as simple a shelf as it is complex as an inset or partial overlap door.
Most cabinets are designed with compartments in mind. These compartments can be either open as a shelf or enclosed by one or several doors. Or they could contain drawers. Some compartments have special functions, such as lazy susans (shelves that rotate around a central axis, allowing objects stored at the back to be brought to the front) or concealed storage.
Cabinets can be made out of solid wood or engineered hardwoods such as plywood, MDF, and particle board. Many are covered in a decorative veneer to enhance their appearance.
Some cabinets are stained or painted. The cabinet’s appearance can be affected by the paint’s texture and color. It is important that you choose a paint that matches your home and won’t damage or wear down the cabinetry.
It is also important to choose the right material for making the cabinet box frame. You can make it from many materials, but most often plywood is used. Plywood, a composite material, is made up of layers and thinly sliced wood slabs. They are then bonded together using adhesive. It is more durable than particleboard and can be used as a cabinet box, drawer floor, shelf, or frame.
High-density fibreboard, or HDF, is another common material for cabinets. This is an engineered wood product that is denser than hardwood or plywood but less expensive. It is an excellent choice for cabinet panels.