I’ve never really stopped to think about it, we’ve just been plodding away making bespoke furniture for hospitals, schools, care homes and commercial properties, but when Martin from Helios Web Design visited me last night to discuss some changes to our website the question came up, so I did some research and here are the results:
The Preferred Form: Cabinetmaker
The term “cabinetmaker” is the standard and widely accepted form, especially in professional and formal contexts. It refers to a skilled craftsperson who builds fine furniture, particularly cabinets, often with a focus on detail, joinery, and woodwork.
- Example: He trained as a cabinetmaker and now runs his own workshop.
This compound noun follows a common pattern in English where two words describing a profession or role are combined into one (e.g., “bookkeeper,” “shoemaker,” “watchmaker”).
Cabinet Maker: Less Common, More Informal
While “cabinet maker” (two words) is not technically incorrect, it’s less common and may appear in more casual writing or speech. It can also be used when emphasizing the two separate elements—someone who makes cabinets—but this is rare.
- Example: The cabinet maker arrived to install the new nurse base desk.
(Still understandable, but not the standard form.)
Conclusion
If you’re writing about the profession or referring to someone skilled in making cabinets and fine furniture, “cabinetmaker” (one word) is the correct and preferred form. Stick with it for clarity, professionalism, and proper usage.
