Description
Design, cut, shape, assemble, and finish wooden furniture; set up and operate hand tools and woodworking machines, such as power saws, jointers, routers, shapers, mortisers, and CNC equipment, to fabricate precise parts from lumber or composites and produce high-quality finished pieces.
- • Produce or assemble components of furniture such as tables, chairs, cabinets, and case goods.
- • Verify dimensions and check the quality and fit of parts to meet specifications.
- • Set up and operate woodworking machines, including power saws, jointers, routers, mortisers, tenoners, molders, shapers, or CNC equipment.
- • Measure and mark part dimensions on stock from blueprints or cut lists.
- • Reinforce joints with nails, screws, dowels, or other fasteners.
- • Attach parts and subassemblies using glue, clamps, and appropriate joinery.
- • Interpret drawings and plan methods, joinery, and assembly sequences for each build.
- • Cut stock to size and shape and trim joints for a snug fit using hand tools such as planes, chisels, and files.
- • Select and match lumber or veneer for color, grain, and texture.
- • Trim, sand, and scrape surfaces and joints to prepare for finishing.
- • Bore and countersink holes for screws, dowels, or hardware by hand or with machines.
- • Program and run CNC machines to fabricate furniture components.
- • Estimate materials, hardware, and labor required for projects.
- • Perform final touch-ups with sandpaper, steel wool, or abrasives.
- • Install furniture hardware such as hinges, slides, pulls, and catches.
- • Repair, restore, or modify wooden furniture and casework.
- • Apply veneers, laminates, edge banding, or similar surfacing materials.
- • Design furniture and create shop drawings using CAD software.
- • Stain, paint, or spray protective and decorative finishes such as varnish or lacquer.
- • Create detailed specifications, provide quotes, and discuss project requirements with clients.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
