17 Furniture Maker Interview Questions and Answers

Furniture makers create functional and beautiful pieces out of wood, metal, and upholstery. They may work in a factory setting, or they may have their own workshop. No matter where they work, they need to be able to use a variety of tools and machines to create their products.

If you’re interested in becoming a furniture maker, you may need to go through a job interview before you’re hired. During the interview, you’ll likely be asked questions about your experience, your skills, and your design process. You may also be asked to describe a time when you faced a challenge at work and how you handled it.

Answering these questions well can help you land the job. But knowing what questions you’re likely to be asked can be just as important. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the most common furniture maker interview questions, along with sample answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Are you familiar with the different types of wood used in furniture making?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience working with different types of wood. Furniture makers often work with a variety of wood, so it’s important that you’re familiar with the most common types used in furniture making. In your answer, list two or three types of wood and explain what they are commonly used for.

Example: “I’ve worked with many different types of wood throughout my career as a furniture maker. I’m especially experienced with oak, pine and mahogany because these are some of the most common woods used in furniture making. Oak is great for durability, while pine is lightweight but sturdy. Mahogany is beautiful and durable, which makes it perfect for high-end furniture.”

What are the most important skills for a furniture maker to have?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills necessary for the job. They want someone who is detail-oriented, organized and creative. When answering this question, list all of the skills that you possess. If you don’t have a skill but are willing to learn it, let your interviewer know.

Example: “The most important skills for a furniture maker are attention to detail, organization and creativity. You need to be able to create beautiful pieces while also making sure they’re structurally sound. I am very good at these things because I’ve been doing them for years. In my last position, I was responsible for hiring new employees, so I’m also comfortable with training others.”

How do you determine the measurements for a piece of furniture before starting to build it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach a project and organize your thoughts. Use examples from past projects to explain how you measure, calculate measurements and record them for future reference.

Example: “I use a tape measure to determine the length, width and height of each piece of furniture I build. I also take note of any angles or curves that need to be built into the design. Then, I write down all of these measurements in my notebook so I have a reference when starting a new project.”

What is your process for sanding and finishing a piece of furniture?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the furniture-making process. You can describe a specific project you worked on and how you completed it, or you can explain what steps you take when sanding and finishing furniture in general.

Example: “I usually start by sanding down any rough edges or splinters before I apply stain or paint. Then I’ll use a brush to apply the stain evenly across the piece. After that, I’ll let the stain dry for at least 24 hours. Once the stain has dried, I’ll apply two coats of polyurethane to protect the wood from water damage. Finally, I’ll allow the polyurethane to dry for another 12 hours.”

Provide an example of a time you had to solve a problem during the creation of a piece of furniture.

Furniture makers often have to solve problems during the creation process. Employers ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you apply them in a work environment. In your answer, describe the situation and what steps you took to resolve it.

Example: “When I was working on my first commissioned piece of furniture, I had to figure out how to make a table that could expand from two to four seats. At first, I thought this would be an easy task, but as I started building the table, I realized there were some structural issues with the design. After talking with my client, we decided to add another leaf to the table so it could accommodate more people.”

If a client wanted a piece of furniture that was outside of your comfort zone, how would you respond?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the confidence and skills to complete any project, even if it’s outside your comfort zone. In your answer, show that you can take on new challenges and learn from them.

Example: “I would first explain why I wasn’t comfortable with the piece. Then, I would offer suggestions for how we could modify the design or materials to create something similar but within my skill set. If they were still interested in the original idea, I would find a way to research the concept and develop the necessary skills to complete the project.”

What would you do if you noticed a defect in your work after completing a piece of furniture?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to recognize your own mistakes and take responsibility for them. In your answer, explain that you would try to fix the mistake as soon as possible. If it’s too late to repair the piece of furniture, you should offer to replace it or give a refund.

Example: “If I noticed a defect in my work after completing a piece of furniture, I would immediately start working on fixing it. Depending on how much time has passed since I completed the project, I may not be able to completely repair the piece of furniture. In this case, I would offer to either replace the piece of furniture or provide a full refund.”

How well do you work under pressure to meet deadlines?

Furniture makers often work under tight deadlines to meet customer expectations. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the pressure of working in a fast-paced environment. In your answer, explain that you are able to manage stress and prioritize tasks effectively when working under pressure.

Example: “I am very organized and efficient at my job. I have experience working on several projects at once while still meeting deadlines. When working under pressure, I always make sure to prioritize my tasks so I can get them done as quickly as possible. This helps me avoid feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work I have to do.”

Do you have experience working with clients directly in a showroom or retail environment?

Furniture makers often work in a showroom or retail environment, so the interviewer may ask you this question to learn more about your experience interacting with clients. Use your answer to highlight any customer service skills you have and how they helped you succeed in your previous role.

Example: “In my last position as a furniture maker, I worked directly with customers in our showroom where we displayed all of our products. Customers would come into the showroom to browse our selection and discuss their needs with me. I always made sure to listen carefully to each customer’s requests and questions, which allowed me to create pieces that met their specific requirements. This led to many repeat customers who were happy with the quality of our furniture.”

When starting a new project, how do you set and meet your goals?

This question can help an interviewer understand how you plan your work and manage deadlines. Use examples from previous experience to explain how you set goals, meet them and keep track of your progress.

Example: “I start a new project by first researching the client’s preferences and budget. Then I create a timeline for the entire process, including when I’ll order materials and when I expect to complete each step of the furniture-making process. I also make sure to leave plenty of time for unexpected delays or problems that may arise during production. In my last position, I had a tight deadline to finish a dining room table, but I left myself plenty of extra time to ensure it was done on time.”

We want to increase sales of our furniture. How would you promote our products to potential customers?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have experience with marketing and advertising. They want to know that you can help their company grow its sales by promoting the furniture they make. In your answer, explain how you would use social media, email marketing or other methods to promote the products you create.

Example: “I think social media is a great way to reach customers who are looking for new furniture pieces. I would post photos of our latest creations on Instagram and Facebook so people could learn more about what we do. I also think it’s important to offer discounts and promotions to get people excited about buying from us. For example, I might send out an email newsletter every month with a coupon code for 10% off.”

Describe your process for measuring and marking wood before cutting it.

This question can help interviewers understand your attention to detail and how you approach a task. Use examples from past experiences where you used this process successfully.

Example: “I always use a ruler, tape measure and pencil for measuring and marking wood before cutting it. I start by measuring the length of the piece of wood that needs to be cut, then I mark the measurement on the wood with my pencil. Next, I place the tape measure at one end of the wood and make sure it’s level as I move it across the wood until I reach the other end. Then, I mark the measurement on the wood again. Finally, I double-check both measurements to ensure they’re accurate.”

What makes you stand out from other furniture makers?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your skills and experience. They want to know what makes you unique as a furniture maker. When answering, think of the most important skills you have that make you stand out from other candidates. You can also mention any certifications or training you’ve completed.

Example: “I am passionate about my work and always strive for excellence. I take pride in every piece of furniture I create, which is why I only use high-quality materials. In addition, I’m committed to meeting deadlines and ensuring customer satisfaction. These are some reasons why clients keep coming back to me.”

Which woodworking tools do you feel are essential to your work?

This question can help the interviewer determine your skill level and experience in furniture making. It also helps them understand what you value as a furniture maker. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention tools that are unique or specific to the type of furniture you make.

Example: “I feel that my most important tool is my table saw because it allows me to cut wood into different sizes and shapes. I also find my router table essential for creating decorative edges on pieces of furniture. Another tool I use often is my miter saw, which makes cutting angles easy and accurate.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of quality craftsmanship?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the craft and how you apply it. It also gives you a chance to talk about what you value in furniture making.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of quality craftsmanship is attention to detail. I know that when I’m working on a piece, I can’t rush through any part of it because if I do, it will be noticeable later. Attention to detail means taking my time with each step so that everything is done right. This includes measuring twice before cutting wood or metal, sanding until every surface is smooth and applying stain evenly.”

How often do you update your skills and knowledge as a furniture maker?

Employers ask this question to see if you are committed to your career and want to improve your skills. They also want to know how often they need to provide training for new furniture makers. In your answer, explain that you have a passion for learning and try to take classes or workshops every year. You can mention any certifications you’ve earned in the past few years.

Example: “I am always looking for ways to improve my craftsmanship. I took a class on woodworking last year and learned some valuable techniques that I use when making furniture. I would love to continue taking classes and workshops so I can learn more about different types of wood and other furniture-making processes.”

There is a new trend in furniture design that conflicts with your personal style. How do you handle it?

Employers want to know that you can adapt your style and create furniture in a way that is pleasing to the customer. This question helps them understand how flexible you are as an artist and designer.

Example: “I would first ask my client why they wanted this particular design. If it’s because of a new trend, I would explain that trends come and go but good design lasts forever. I would then offer to make the piece with their preferred style while incorporating elements from the newer style. For example, if they wanted a modern look with traditional lines, I could use clean lines and simple shapes to give it a more modern feel.”