Furniture Finisher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of interior design and home decoration, the importance of furniture finishers has never been more pronounced.

As styles evolve and tastes refine, the demand for skilled craftsmen who can restore, create, and perfect our home furnishings continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a furniture finisher?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the art of furniture finishing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable furniture finisher job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Furniture Finisher Duties and Responsibilities

Furniture Finishers are responsible for restoring, refinishing, and maintaining furniture and other wooden items.

Their duties revolve around applying finishes, performing repairs, and making adjustments to wood products.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Understanding the details of the finish required and planning the process accordingly
• Applying finishes to furniture using various techniques like spraying, brushing or hand-rubbing
• Prepare and treat the wood surfaces before the final finishing using sanders and steel wool
• Remove old finishes and damaged areas, patching and making necessary repairs
• Matching the colors of the wood and the finishing materials
• Using sealants, lacquers, stains, oils, paints, varnishes, or waxes to protect the furniture and maintain its quality
• Inspecting the finished product for flaws, ensuring all aspects meet quality standards
• Performing regular maintenance on tools and equipment, ensuring they remain in good working order
• Consulting with clients to understand their requirements, and advising them on care and maintenance of their furniture

 

Furniture Finisher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Furniture Finisher to join our team.

The Furniture Finisher will primarily be responsible for repairing, finishing, and maintaining a variety of furniture items.

Responsibilities include preparing surfaces for finishing, applying finishes, and conducting final inspections to ensure that the finish meets quality standards.

Our ideal candidate is knowledgeable about different types of wood and furniture styles, and has a keen eye for detail.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare and sand furniture surfaces for finishing
• Apply stains, sealants, and topcoats to furniture
• Operate hand and power tools to repair, clean, and polish furniture
• Inspect furniture to ensure that the finish meets quality standards
• Repair and restore antique or damaged furniture
• Match colors and finishes to customer specifications or original finishes
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
• Communicate with customers and team members to ensure satisfaction
• Follow all safety guidelines and procedures

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a furniture finisher or similar role
• Knowledge of different types of wood and furniture styles
• Ability to use hand and power tools
• Detail-oriented with a keen eye for aesthetics
• Physical stamina and strength to lift and move furniture
• High school diploma or equivalent

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Furniture Finisher
• Work Environment: Workshop setting with some exposure to dust, noise, and fumes. Protective gear is provided.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Furniture Finishing Supervisor or Workshop Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $40,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Furniture Finisher Do?

Furniture Finishers typically work for furniture manufacturing companies, woodworking shops, or as self-employed craftsmen.

They may also provide their services to antique shops, restoring old or damaged pieces to their former glory.

Their work involves shaping, finishing, and refinishing damaged and worn furniture.

This could involve tasks such as staining, sealing, painting, and applying veneers or inlays.

They might also repair or replace parts, using hand tools and power tools to complete their work.

Furniture Finishers are skilled in sanding surfaces by hand or with power sanders, and removing old finishes by stripping or sanding.

They then apply new finishes by spraying or brushing on stains, paints, or varnishes.

They also consult with clients or design teams to understand their desired outcomes, then select appropriate finishing materials based on these discussions.

Their work requires a keen eye for detail to ensure the highest quality of finishing.

Furniture Finishers also often perform inspections to identify furniture items in need of repair or refinishing.

They may also provide cost estimates for their work.

Their ultimate goal is to restore or create beautiful, durable furniture pieces that meet their clients’ needs and tastes.

 

Furniture Finisher Qualifications and Skills

A competent furniture finisher should possess the qualifications and skills that are related to your job description, such as:

• Technical skills in woodworking and the use of various tools and equipment used in furniture finishing.
• Knowledge and understanding of different furniture materials, finishes, and restoration techniques.
• Attention to detail to ensure high-quality finishes and prevent any defects or mistakes during the finishing process.
• Physical stamina and strength as the job often requires lifting heavy furniture pieces and standing for long periods.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and rectify issues related to furniture finishing.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with team members and understand client requirements.
• Time-management skills to complete tasks within set deadlines and work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Artistic ability and creativity to produce visually appealing finishes that meet client preferences and style.

 

Furniture Finisher Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for the role of Furniture Finisher usually have one to two years of experience, often obtained through an apprenticeship or part-time role in a furniture workshop or manufacturing environment.

This gives them the necessary practical experience with woodworking tools, sanding, staining, and finishing techniques.

Candidates who have between two and five years of experience often broaden their skills in furniture finishing, such as understanding different wood types, applying various finishing methods, and repairing furniture.

They could have gained this experience by working in roles like Furniture Repair Technician or Cabinet Maker.

Those with more than five years of experience in the field may have specialized knowledge in antique or high-end furniture finishing.

They might also have experience supervising or managing a team and could be prepared to take on a leadership role in a furniture workshop or manufacturing company.

Such candidates are likely to have worked in positions such as Senior Furniture Finisher or Workshop Supervisor.

 

Furniture Finisher Education and Training Requirements

Furniture Finishers typically have a high school diploma or equivalent education.

They usually learn their skills on the job, often starting as a helper.

However, there are also vocational and technical schools that offer furniture finishing programs.

These programs provide theoretical and practical training in wood identification, color theory, staining techniques, spraying and brushing finishes, and furniture repair.

Some states require furniture finishers to obtain a work license, although the requirements vary.

Generally, the criteria require the individual to be 18 years or older and have completed high school or equivalent education.

Although not mandatory, many furniture finishers pursue advanced courses or apprenticeships to improve their skills and gain more hands-on experience.

Certifications from recognized institutions, such as the Woodwork Career Alliance, can also improve a candidate’s chances of gaining employment.

These certifications demonstrate a furniture finisher’s skill level and commitment to the trade.

 

Furniture Finisher Salary Expectations

A Furniture Finisher earns an average wage of $16.25 (USD) per hour.

This equates to an annual salary of around $33,800 (USD).

However, this can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the employing company.

 

Furniture Finisher Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Furniture Finisher need?

Furniture Finishers should possess a strong eye for detail, ensuring they can identify any imperfections and correct them to make the final product as perfect as possible.

They also need a good understanding of different types of wood and finishes, as well as being adept at using a variety of hand and power tools.

Good physical stamina is important as the job often involves long hours of standing, bending, and repetitive movements.

 

Do Furniture Finishers need a formal education?

Furniture Finishers typically do not require a formal degree, but they should have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Training is usually done on the job, but vocational schools and community colleges offer relevant courses.

A background in carpentry or woodworking could be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Furniture Finisher’s resume?

A Furniture Finisher’s resume should highlight experience working with furniture, woodworking or relevant hands-on experience.

Skills like precision, attention to detail, and familiarity with different wood types and finishes should be evident.

Certifications from vocational schools or community colleges in related fields can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Furniture Finisher?

A good Furniture Finisher has a keen eye for detail, ensuring every piece of furniture they work on is finished to the highest possible standard.

Patience is also key, as the process can be time-consuming and requires a lot of focus.

They should also have a good understanding of safety protocols to protect themselves and others in the workplace.

 

Is it hard to find qualified Furniture Finishers?

Finding a qualified Furniture Finisher can be challenging, as the role requires a specific set of skills and knowledge.

Therefore, you must advertise the role accurately, emphasizing the need for experience and knowledge in woodworking and furniture finishing.

Providing on-the-job training can also attract a wider pool of potential applicants.

 

Conclusion

And that wraps it up!

Today, we’ve delved deep into the intricate world of being a furniture finisher.

Guess what?

It’s not just about applying a coat of paint.

It’s about crafting beautiful and functional furniture, one piece at a time.

With our handy furniture finisher job description template and real-world examples, you’re now ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every finished piece of furniture is a part of a greater design.

Let’s craft that beauty. Together.

How to Become a Furniture Finisher (Complete Guide)

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