Cabinet installation can be as easy as affixing premanufactured cabinets into a space designed for their measurements. The installer merely assembles the cabinetry and hardware. Custom cabinet installers create cabinets from scratch to a customer's design specifications. They usually work on location in teams of two. A saw operator measures and cuts all the wood for cabinet parts, while an assembler builds the components into the wall of a kitchen or bathroom.
Job Description of a Cabinet Installer
Skilled trades workers buy their own work gear and hand tools. This proves to be an ongoing cost to replace and upgrade tools. The cabinet subcontractor usually provides most power tools, with the possible exception of a screw gun.
Cabinets are made on location in a home or office. Cabinet installers work after the plumbers, electricians and drywall hangers are finished.
Many construction sites are not secure finished buildings. The tools cannot be left without risking theft, so begin by hauling all the tools into the work area. As each day ends, remove all tools and load them onto a truck.
Measure and cut the bases, pedestals, housing, shelves, doors, drawers and tops. The saw operator measures the wall spaces between appliances or fixtures, then measures and cuts all wood for cabinet parts.
Assemble the parts and affix them to the walls. The assembler is actually the one to install cabinets. The installer hangs shelves, builds pedestals and shells, lays tops and affixes door hinges, drawer slides and handles.
Finish the wood. Tops must be perfectly smooth and level for the counter tops to go on properly. All visible wood must be finished uniformly to the customer's desire. Often cabinet installers wait for the counter tops to be laid before finishing the wood.
Clean up the sawdust, discarded wood and product packaging. Vacuum and dust the work area before leaving each day. The customer or the boss may decide to look in on the job's progress at any time.
Tip
Learn new skills on your current job and use them to negotiate a higher pay rate with a new boss.
Warning
Woodworking is heavy work that requires good physical fitness. It can also be dangerous. Use caution while working with power tools in buildings under construction.
Use first aid to treat all minor injuries and get emergency medical assistance for severe bleeding, trauma and back or head injuries.
