A cabinet maker is an individual who manufactures or builds cabinets. Cabinet makers range from individuals who make their own cabinets to companies that contract for kitchen cabinet manufacturing. Typically, cabinet makers can be found at hardware stores, home improvement centers, or large furniture retailers. There are also manufacturers of cabinet doors, and drawer fronts that can be bought online or offline.
A cabinet is simply a piece or case with drawers and shelves for displaying or storing things. Some cabinets are purely stand alone units, while others are fitted into a wall as a part of a complete unit or are attached directly to it such as a medicine cabinet. Generally, cabinets are made of various materials, including wood, glass, metal, or even synthetic material. Today, there is a great variety in cabinet makers’ tools and techniques. Some cabinet makers specialize in particular kinds of cabinet, while some make a wide variety. Some cabinet makers make their own cabinet frames and drawer fronts, while other companies produce ready-made cabinet models.
If you have decided to purchase or build your cabinetry, it is wise to hire a professional carpenter to help you. It is much better to have your cabinetmaker construct your cabinetry than it is to purchase an inferior product and have to spend money rectifying the mistake later. Make sure that the cabinetmaker or carpenter you hire specializes in cabinet making. If possible, try to hire several cabinet makers so that each one specializes in something different. Make sure the cabinetmakers or carpenters you choose are reputable builders and that they have been in business for several years.
Some cabinet makers have their own shops while other work independently. Regardless of how they do business, there are some basic standards that all good cabinetry makers must meet. These standards are: quality, fair prices and fast turn-around times. The quality of the products produced by these makers is judged by their ability to withstand time and use. Cabinets made by these woodworkers should be sturdy and of excellent quality and in excellent shape.
The quality of these products is often determined by the skill and experience of the maker. A highly experienced carpenter will usually excel at building cabinets for people, not for himself alone. A French provincial cabinet maker might have been trained in cabinet making in France and would therefore have a firm grasp of the nuances of this type of woodworking. Carpenters who are well-trained in the use of joints and timber gluing usually produce exceptionally fine end products. There are also craftsmen who specialize only in carving and shaping wood.
When hiring cabinet makers, look for those who have a firm understanding of turning techniques and of joint techniques. The hand tools that the makers use should be those that could be expected to last for decades. Some woodworkers must also hold a qualified legal license in order to provide such services. As there are cabinet makers from many countries, one can easily find someone who is able to provide the services that you need.