Photo: Ivan Samkov

Do carpenters build furniture?

work.chron.com - The Salary of a Furniture Carpenter - Work - Chron.com

Are metal sheds watertight?

Metal sheds are naturally waterproof since the metal will repel water rather than let it soak in. Ungalvanised metal will rust if exposed to water...

Last updated Sep 20, 2020

How much weight can a garage ceiling hold?

For the purpose of understanding, you should know that ceiling or truss combination should be able to safely support up to 40 pounds per square...

Last updated May 7, 2022

These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

Promotion

A furniture carpenter is known as a woodworker in the industry, although some may initially train as general carpenters and later specialize in constructing home or office furnishings. Woodworkers create handcrafted furniture using traditional hand tools and computerized numerical controlled (CNC) machinery. Woodworkers have carved a niche in the $96.4 billion dollar furniture market by offering quality wood products for home and office, according to Curbed.

Furniture Carpenter Job Description

The work of a furniture carpenter involves turning wood pieces and products into mass produced or highly customized furniture. Understanding of technical manuals, blueprints and architectural drawings is required. Other important qualities include attention to detail, math proficiency and hand-eye coordination. Furniture carpenters use CNC machinery like drills, lathes, mills and routers to accomplish much of the woodworking. Individual pieces are then assembled into the desired piece of furniture. In the final steps of production, the furniture carpenter may do the detailed work by hand for a high-end look. Woodworker artisans rely more on hand tools from start to finish to build unique and ornate furniture. Finally, woodworkers sand and varnish or paint furniture and attach any needed hardware such as drawer pulls and hinges.

Furniture Carpenter Education Requirements

Woodworkers require one month of on-the-job training (OJT) to learn how to do basic tasks like safely running a piece of wood through machines. However, months or years of OJT is needed to become a craftsman, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some furniture carpenters pursue woodworking diplomas and certificates at public or private technical colleges. Others earn an applied associate degree in carpentry or a four-year degree in a field related to furniture manufacturing. Aspiring furniture carpenters can enroll in a carpenter apprenticeship program sponsored by labor unions and contractor associations. According to HomeAdvisor, apprenticeships pay 30 to 50 percent of a master carpenter salary or a journeyman carpenter salary, estimated at $53,000 per year, on average. Apprenticeships in construction, millwork and cabinetmaking are easier to find than furniture carpenter apprenticeships.

Furniture Carpenter Salary

Woodworkers earn an average hourly wage of $16.96, or $35,270 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median salary is a little lower at $15.92, or $33,110 per year. Median salary means that half in the profession earn more, while half earn less. Fifty percent of woodworkers earn between $24,970 and $43,800. Those just starting out tend to be in the bottom 10 percent earning under $21,800, while experienced woodworkers in the top 10 percent can earn upwards of $53,680. For purposes of comparison, PayScale reports that furniture makers earn $16 per hour on average, with yearly salaries ranging between $27,849 and $71,526, based on limited self-reported salary information.

Furniture Carpenter Industry

Unlike carpenters in the construction field, woodworkers work indoors in climate-controlled shops. They need physical stamina and strength to lift and assemble large pieces of wood. To avoid injury, they must be safety conscious when working around machinery and using power tools. They are exposed to chemical fumes from stain, varnish and paint. Standing on their feet all day and assembling furniture can be tiring and lead to joint and back pain.

Years of Experience

Experience offers a competitive edge in the job market because employers and buyers of customized furniture prefer workers who know what they’re doing. Mistakes can ruin a piece of furniture or diminish its value. Talented furniture carpenters with a reputation for craftsmanship can open their own business and increase earning power by setting their own carpenter furniture rates.

Furniture Carpenter Job Growth Trend

Can a house be built in 3 months?

Depending on square footage, weather conditions, and the availability of workers and supplies, the construction of a new home can take anywhere...

Last updated Feb 26, 2022

What is a better alternative to foundation?

Shop The Best Alternatives To Foundation Best Prestige Tinted Moisturizer: PÜR 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer. Best Drugstore Tinted Serum: L'Oréal...

Last updated Feb 9, 2021

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Why do more people rent instead of buying?

Unlike homeowners, renters have no maintenance costs or repair bills and they don't have to pay property taxes. Amenities that are generally free...

Last updated Feb 8, 2021

How do you stop a shed from wobbling?

If you know that moisture could be a problem, use blocks to elevate the wooden aspects of your shed. Poor craftsmanship can cause a shed to wobble....

Last updated Feb 3, 2021