To become a furniture carpenter, you’ll need to complete a number of steps. To begin, you’ll need to learn how to use a furniture carpenter’s tools and equipment. Then you’ll need to learn about the various types of wood, as well as the various types of fittings, screws, nails, and glue that are used in furniture construction. To learn the skills and techniques that will help you become a furniture carpenter, it is often best to work as an apprentice under an experienced woodworker.
Unlike other trades and technical skills, becoming a furniture carpenter does not require a formal education. In fact, because the custom creation of furniture is a narrow, specialized field, few trade schools even offer such formal education. If you are unfamiliar with power tools and various types of materials, it may be beneficial to take some formal coursework at an adult learning center that teaches basic construction techniques.
If you can’t find a course at a local vocational school, you can purchase an instructional manual or a video series that explains how to use a variety of power and manual woodworking tools. Wood planes, wood routers, circular saws, miter saws, band saws, and jig saws are some of the tools used in furniture carpentry. Be aware that simply reading about the tools or watching a video demonstration of how to use them will not fully prepare you to use them.
Make a list of all the custom wood furniture stores in your neighborhood. Inquire about any apprenticeships, internships, or training programs offered by each shop by contacting the owner or shop foreman. In many cases, you’ll be told that the shop is small and family-owned, and that no apprenticeships are available. In exchange for an introductory lesson in woodworking, offer to help clean up the shop and perform basic manual labor. Perform your duties to the best of your ability and gain as much knowledge as possible.
If you do decide to pursue a formal internship or apprenticeship to become a furniture carpenter, make sure you learn everything you can about the process. This includes the various types of wood used, which woods are best suited to which types of furniture, and the best ways to put furniture together. You’ll probably pick up on some of your mentor’s style at the shop, but don’t be afraid to develop your own style as you learn.