How to become a furniture maker

How to become a Furniture Maker

To become a furniture maker, you typically need a combination of education, hands-on experience, and technical skills. Here’s a general guide to pursuing a career in furniture making:

• Education: While formal education is not always required, completing a course in woodworking, furniture design, or a related field can be beneficial. Many vocational schools, community colleges, or trade schools offer programs in furniture making, where you can learn about materials, techniques, and design principles.
• Apprenticeship or On-the-Job Training: Many furniture makers start as apprentices or assistants to experienced professionals, learning the craft by working alongside them. This hands-on experience is crucial for mastering the skills required for furniture making, such as woodworking, finishing, and furniture repair. Some may also gain experience by working in a furniture manufacturing setting or in related fields like carpentry or cabinet making.
• Building a Portfolio: As you gain experience, it’s important to build a portfolio showcasing your best work. This can include photos of completed furniture pieces, custom designs, and any restoration work you’ve done. A strong portfolio helps attract clients or employers and demonstrates your craftsmanship and design capabilities.
• Certifications (Optional): While not always required, certain certifications or memberships in professional organizations, like the Furniture Society, may help improve your credibility and marketability as a furniture maker.
• Starting Your Own Business (Optional): Once you’ve gained enough experience, you can choose to start your own furniture-making business. This will involve not only creating custom furniture but also handling business aspects like marketing, pricing, and customer relations.

Certifications
While certifications are not always required for furniture makers, there are several that can enhance a furniture maker’s credibility and demonstrate their skills to potential clients or employers. Some certifications and credentials to consider include:

• Certified Master Furniture Maker (CMFM): Offered by the Craftsmen’s Guild of America, this certification is designed for experienced furniture makers who demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship and knowledge in furniture making. To achieve this certification, applicants must submit a portfolio of their work and pass an exam.
• Woodworking Certifications: Organizations like the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA) and The Woodworking Institute offer certifications in specific woodworking skills and machinery operation. These certifications show a furniture maker has a professional level of understanding and ability when using woodworking machinery and tools.
• National Woodworking Certification: Provided by organizations such as The National Woodworking Association (NWA), this certification is aimed at those who want to show their proficiency in woodwork and furniture-making techniques. It can be helpful for those interested in working in a more industrial or production-focused environment.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety Certification: A certification in workplace safety from OSHA can help ensure that a furniture maker knows how to maintain a safe working environment, which is crucial when working with tools and machinery.
• Green Certifications (for Sustainable Furniture Makers): Furniture makers who focus on sustainable practices can obtain certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, which shows they use sustainably sourced wood in their furniture.