Cabinet Making

Learn practical skills and approaches for planning, organisation, assembly and fitting of cabinets for varied use.

Course Code: BSS201
Fee Code: S2
Duration (approx) Duration (approx) 100 hours
Qualification Statement of Attainment
Get started!

Learn practical skills and approaches to the planning, organisation, assembly and fitting of cabinets for varied use.

 

 

This course teaches how to:

  • recognise signs of poor cabinet construction or faults where design and/or functionality is being impacted and how to fix problems!
  • helps people understand how restoration can be done properly for a quality finish!

  • lays out strategies which can be implemented into a focused plan for manufacture or safe and easy installation of cabinetry!

 

 

Why choose ACS as your online school...

  • Students will be inspired to learn beyond the course materials by working with raw and finished materials and tools.

  • Students learn how to respond to the needs of customers or businesses seeking cabinet making skills. 

  • Students will learn the complexities of the cabinet making process in an easy to follow expertly structured lesson materials.

  • Students will have tutor support available for the ups and downs as they progress.

Lesson Structure

There are 10 lessons in this course:

  1. Nature & Scope of Cabinet Making
    • Introduction to Cabinet Making
    • Design of Cabinets
    • Types of Cabinets
    • Construction Materials
    • Career Opportunities in Cabinet Making
  2. The Cabinet Maker's Workshop
    • Introduction to the Workshop
    • Workshop Safety
    • Workshop Tools and Equipment
    • Hand Tools
    • Power Tools & Machinery
    • Sawing Machines
    • Other Equipment
    • Tool Care
  3. Job Preparation
    • Introduction to Planning
    • Taking Measurements
    • Measurement Equipment
    • Understanding Technical Drawing
    • Types of Drawings
    • Making Drawings for Clients
    • Taking On-Site Measurements
    • Estimating Costs
  4. Cabinet Construction
    • Benchtops
    • Strength in Construction
    • Frameless Construction
    • Framed Construction
    • Cabinet Making Jigs
    • Adhesives and Sealants
  5. Cabinet Doors
    • Introduction to Doors
    • Cabinet Styles
    • Types of Cabinet Doors
    • How to Make Doors
    • Hanging Cabinet Doors
    • Hinge Types and Installing Hinges
    • Sliding Doors
  6. Cabinet Drawers
    • Drawer Design Introduction
    • Making Drawers
    • Types of Joints
    • Drawer Fronts/Panels
    • Installing Drawers
    • Installing Kitchen Benchtops or Work Surfaces
    • Installing Wall Cabinets
    • Adjusting Fitted Units
  7. Onsite Installation
    • Installing Base or Floor Cabinets
    • Installing Benchtops or Work Surfaces
    • Installing Wall Cabinets
    • Adjusting Fitted Cabinets
  8. Free-Standing Cabinets
    • Versatility of Free Standing Cabinets
    • Types of Cabinets Room by Room
    • How to Make Free-Standing Cabinets
  9. Finishes & Furniture
    • Surface Preparation for Finishes
    • Finishing with Paint
    • Using Stains
    • Special Finishes - Veneers
    • Natural Timbers Finishes
    • Outdoor Finishes
    • Protecting the Insides of Cabinets
    • Cabinet Furniture
  10. Special Project: Build a Cabinet
    • Option A: Making a Cabinet
    • For this option the cabinet to be constructed can be a relatively simple cabinet such as a small wall cabinet/medicine cabinet for a bathroom, or it can be a free-standing cabinet like a dressing table or linen cupboard, or it can be a fitted cabinet like a built-in wardrobe, bathroom cabinet, or kitchen unit.
    • Option B: Restoring or Altering a Cabinet
    • Alternative project for those unable to make a cabinet:
    • Students must restore a cabinet or make significant alterations to a cabinet. The cabinet selected for restoration or modification can be any sort of cabinet that the student has access to.

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

  • Discuss the components of cabinets, cabinet materials, types of cabinets and the role of cabinet makers.
  • Describe cabinet making workshop layouts, hand tools, power tools and how to operate them.
  • Describe the reasons why job preparation is important before beginning any cabinet making project, and recognise specific skills needed to prepare well.
  • Describe how to construct different types of cabinets.
  • Discuss different styles and components of cabinet doors.
  • Describe the construction of drawer boxes and fronts, including the installation of the front panel, and explain the completed drawer installation.
  • Explain safe and proper onsite installation of wall mounted or fixed cabinetry.
  • Describe the construction and assembly of free-standing cabinets.
  • Explain how to finish different types of cabinet making materials.
  • Design and construct a cabinet or restore or make alterations to an existing cabinet.

What You Will Do

  • This course is skills based and will enhance the students ability to make or restore furniture.
  • Written by experienced ACS content writers with knowledge and skills in engineering, construction, carpentry, materials technology and design.
  • The course varies in breadth across ten lessons, with expertly designed tasks and activities to support depth of learning too.
  • A practical and hands-on course which demands commitment and dedication from students.

Opportunities in Cabinet Making Exist Now!

Cabinet makers can work on projects in different industries like manufacturing, construction, or retail. In manufacturing, cabinet makers may work in warehouse facilities or factories. 

They may also be self-employed or establish small businesses. Self-employed cabinet makers might work from a home garage, workshop, shed or something similar. 

Some may service the private sector only making cabinets to order for businesses and retail customers. Other opportunities can be found as subcontractors or employees of construction companies or small-scale home builders.  

What Skills Will You Need for Success?

Cabinet making requires different skills - technical, organisational, and craftsmanship. 

  • Be reasonably fit since it can be physically demanding work. 
  • Having a good eye for detail.
  • Planning skills are needed to organise jobs efficiently.
  • Good communication skills are needed when working with clients and others.
  • Creativity is required for design. 
  • Problem solving skills are helpful to overcome problems with construction.
  • Patience is also something that is needed when things don’t go to plan. 

 

This course complements other qualifications or experience in:

Building Renovation 

Furniture Making & Repair

Carpentry

Self-Sufficiency 

Healthy Buildings I 

Healthy Buildings II 

.. .and more!

 

To be a good cabinet maker, a person needs to have the theoretical knowledge to underpin what they do. For example, cabinet makers know all the different ways timber can be joined together and the pros and cons of each.  If the awareness of that knowledge isn’t developed, they won’t make the right choices when building. 
The practical, hands-on experience of cabinet making begins to make more sense, and is of more long term value, when built on the foundation of theoretical knowledge.   Over time, experience deepens, broadens and strengthens both knowledge and hands on craftsman skills. 
The best cabinet makers may have taken decades to hone their craft – but all too often people today are not shown that's a long journey…  This formal course will set you on that pathway and your cabinet making and joinery skills will grow and evolve with practice and over time.


How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.

Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
registration. Recommencement fees may apply.

Simply click on the ENROL OPTIONS button at the top of this screen and follow the prompts.

You can see the course price at the top of this page. Click 'enrolment options' to see any payment options available.

You can pay by Credit Card, PayPal, Afterpay or bank transfer.

Yes! We have payment plans for most courses. Click 'enrolment options' to see the available payment plans.
We also have Afterpay that will allow you to pay for your course or payment plans in four instalments (if you are in Australia).


What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.

You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.

We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program.
We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.

You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.

Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.

We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments.
If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course has been designed to cover the fundamentals of the topic. It will take around 100 hours to complete, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and anything else that is contained in the course. Our short courses are a great way to do some professional development or to learn a new skill.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.

There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.

We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

Yes, your tutor is here to help you. Simply post any questions you have in your login.training portal or contact the office and we can pass on a message to your tutor.

We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exam and you will be able receive your course certificate- a Statement of Attainment. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.

Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.

ACS has an arrangement with OAMPS (formerly AMP) who can arrange Professional Indemnity from Australian and New Zealand graduates across all disciplines. Ph: 1800 222 012 or email acs@oamps.com.au.


Who are ACS Distance Education?

ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.

We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
We are focused on helping you learn and make the most of your experience.
You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace.
We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.

Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.

Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.


How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?

Yes, you can do a request for a bulk enrolment and request an invoice on our Invoice Request Form

We can prepare an invoice, quote or proforma invoice. Simply complete your details on our Invoice Request form

We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

Yes, we have many students who are in locked facilities, such as prisons or hospitals. We can cater by also offering paper notes at an additional cost.


What if I have any more questions or need more information?

We can assist you to find the right course for your needs. Get in touch with us via email (admin@acs.edu.au) call on +61 7 5562 1088 or complete our course advice form.


What if I change my mind?

Please get in touch with studentservices@acs.edu.au if you would like to be removed from our mail list.

If you would like ACS Distance Education to delete your information at any time (whether you are a customer or a prospective customer), please contact our privacy officer and we will process this ( admin@acs.edu.au ).

If students require a reproduction of their certificate, an electronic copy can be provided at a cost of AUD$35 incl GST. Printed copies are not available.




Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.

Need Help?

Take advantage of our personalised, expert course counselling service to ensure you're making the best course choices for your situation.


I agree for ACS Distance Education to contact me and store my information until I revoke my approval. For more info, view our privacy policy.