What Did a Cabinet Maker Do in Colonial Times?

In the Colonial era, cabinet makers were highly trained artisans who specialized in creating wooden furniture, cabinetry, and other items. They were in charge of producing items that were not only attractive and durable, but also useful. In Colonial America, cabinet manufacturing was a highly regarded vocation, and becoming a master artisan took much training and experience.

To make their pieces, cabinet makers employed a range of equipment and methods. Prior to cutting and molding the wood to the required size and shape, they would carefully choose the best type of wood for the job. To produce detailed shapes and features, they would utilize hand tools like chisels, saws, and planes. They frequently used specialized methods like inlay or veneering to add even more aesthetic interest.

Cabinet manufacturers in Colonial times were in charge of both making new furniture and cabinetry and fixing and restoring pre-existing items. To create finished pieces of furniture, they would frequently collaborate closely with other craftspeople like upholsterers, blacksmiths, and glassmakers. Cabinet makers enjoyed a high level of respect in their communities and were in high demand for their expertise.

The craft of cabinet manufacturing is still highly appreciated today and demands a high level of expertise. Although modern cabinet makers have access to tools like computerized saws and routers that help them produce components more quickly, they nevertheless employ many of the same tools and methods used in Colonial times. Custom cabinets, furniture, and other wooden items are made by cabinet manufacturers for use in residences and commercial establishments.

Is It Cheaper to Build Your Own Cabinets, then? If you have the knowledge and resources required to finish the project, building your own cabinets may be a financially advantageous option. But it’s crucial to keep in mind that building cabinets needs a lot of expertise and experience, and mistakes may be expensive. If you don’t have any prior cabinet-making knowledge, it can be more economical to hire a pro to build your cabinets.

The profit margin on kitchen cabinets varies according to the scope, difficulty, and materials of the project. On their projects, many cabinet makers, however, strive for a profit margin of roughly 20–30%.

Depending on the size and purpose of the cabinet, several types of plywood are utilized in different thicknesses. However, plywood with a thickness of between 14 and 34 inches is what most cabinet manufacturers employ. Larger cabinets that require more support might be made out of thicker plywood.