What Do You Call Someone Who Assembles Furniture? 

Furniture Assembler Posing With Electric Drill Assembling Cabinet Indoor

Most homeowners can manage to piece together simple furniture, especially ready-to-assemble products. But if you’re designing a dream home with vintage bookshelves and chandeliers, you may need to call in a furniture assembler. These home improvement pros provide professional help and avoid accidents or interior damage.

What Is a Furniture Assembler?

a furniture assembler joining the two parts of ready-to-assemble furniture
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A furniture assembler is tasked with putting together furniture items by following specific instructions or blueprints. They often use both their hands and power tools to complete the assembly. The role of furniture assemblers may have different job titles across different parts of the US, including:

  • Furniture assembly operative
  • Wooden furniture assembler
  • Furniture assembly worker
  • Furniture hand assembler
  • Furniture assembly technician

Furniture assemblers either work independently or are contracted to a specific furniture store that provides assembly services. The role of a furniture assembler requires specific skills that an average person may not have. Many types of furniture are difficult to piece together and come with complex instructions. Stick around to learn the skills required by professional assemblers. 

Required Skills of a Furniture Assembler

a furniture assembler doing kitchen installation
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Using a hammer or screwdriver several times a year doesn’t make you a professional furniture assembler. It’s a title that requires hours of technical application using a variety of tools and equipment. Here are key skills employers look for in a furniture assembler (in no specific order):

  • Understand and follow written instructions to efficiently carry out a step-by-step procedure. 
  • Bind wooden or metal elements together using various techniques and materials. Determine the best technique to bind the elements such as nails, glues, or screws. 
  • Align components according to blueprints and technical plans. 
  • Use power-driven pumps, hand tools, and power tools. 
  • Create smooth wood surfaces either manually or automatically
  • Apply protective solutions using a paintbrush or spray gun to safeguard the furniture from damage such as corrosion. 
  • Clean wood surfaces to remove dust, grease, stains, and other unwanted contaminants.
  • Operate pneumatic, electrical, or mechanical drilling equipment according to regulations. 
  • Create durable furniture frames consisting of wood, plastic, metal, or laminated boards. 
  • Memorize important assembly instructions for later retrieval. 
  • Most importantly, ensure that the assembled products comply with the given instructions.

FAQ About Furniture Assemblers

Do all furniture assemblers have public liability insurance? 

In short, no. Having public liability insurance isn’t a legal requirement, but highly recommended for peace of mind. If a furniture assembler accidentally drops a heavy chandelier and injures a member of your family, they’re covered and will pay for compensation. It’s best to make sure the company you hire has public liability insurance for all its assemblers. 

Do furniture assemblers have to meet certain physical demands? 

Yes, furniture assemblers must have enough strength and stamina to piece together the toughest of furniture pieces. For example, assemblers must be able to physically lift up to 75 pounds. 

Do furniture assemblers need training? 

The International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) states that furniture assemblers fall under Skill Level 2 (scale of 1 to 4), a category that also includes service workers and machine operators. To be a professional furniture assembler, you need skills that can come from on-the-job training rather than specialized schooling.

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Editorial Contributors

  • Jeffery Keusseyan

    Jeffery Keusseyan

    Jeffery Keusseyan is a writer with a knack for research and handiperson skills. He enjoys writing about home improvement projects and efficient ways to maintain your home exterior.

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