Trends in the Cabinetmaker trade

Cabinetmakers must continuously adapt to changing trends, product demands and processes that are introduced by the market-driven industry.

Products and Materials

There are a large and growing variety of specialty materials that are used in the cabinetmaker trade. These include metals, plastics, acrylics, phenolics, vinyls, glass, and poured epoxies. Working with these materials requires specialized skills and knowledge. The great variety of materials used in this trade requires adaptability and continual learning and transferring of cabinetmakers’ skillset.

Reclaimed, recycled and sustainable materials are used more and more in the trade, sometimes requiring more specific knowledge.

Tools, Equipment and Technology

New technology is being utilized in spraying methods, such as robotic and automated spraying systems. As such, some cabinetmakers are learning these automated tool skills, though in many cases, spraying work may be contracted to specialized finishing shops or departments.

3D room scanning technologies are being used to install products in a more efficient manner.

Cabinetmakers need to have an increasing knowledge of programing skills to run automated equipment and software.

Safety and Environmental

Water-borne finishing materials have been developed which are less hazardous to human health and the environment than in the past. They have fewer VOCs and require less hazardous materials for cleaning. They tend to be manufactured in “green” facilities.

LEED specifications are becoming more common in large projects.

Safety certification requirements including documentation are being stringently required to ensure employee safety.