What is a cabinet maker these days?

[Doug71]

I do what I would call general joinery making bespoke windows, doors, alcove units, built in cabinets and the odd kitchen etc.

I had a call from someone asking about a built in media type unit, their friend had recommended me as they said I was a cabinet maker.

I have never called myself a cabinet maker because that makes me think of fine furniture but it seems a lot of people who call themselves cabinet makers just basically make MDF boxes with bits of moulding stuck on.

I make cabinets, does that make me a cabinet maker?

Doug

 

[Brandlin]

In the eyes of the general public cabinet making, carpentry, joinery and woodwork are all the same thing.
In fact i suspect most people would consider anyone who works in wood to be a carpenter - that certainly seems to be the predominant term.

 

[thetyreman]

it's a bit of a weird term really isn't it, because it could mean so many things, I think originally it meant you were a furniture maker

 

[Geoff_S]

Don’t you have to serve an apprenticeship to be a cabinet maker?

 

[Rorschach]

I've put together flatpack kitchen cabinets, therefore I am a cabinet maker :mrgreen:

 

[Beau]

In the eyes of the general public cabinet making, carpentry, joinery and woodwork are all the same thing.
In fact i suspect most people would consider anyone who works in wood to be a carpenter - that certainly seems to be the predominant term.

Not been my experience. I have found when people ask what I did and I tell them I was a cabinet maker they understand the difference and differentiate it from general carpentry. Whether I should describe myself as a cabinet maker is another matter

 

[whiskywill]

Theresa May is a cabinet maker. (hammer)