Finish Carpenters & Cabinet Installers

Finish carpenters install trim, doors, stairs and cabinets using miter saws, table saws and finish nailers, often in occupied or nearly finished spaces.

• Construction

Top hazards

• Saw injuries, especially table and miter saws. See Table Saws.
• Nail gun injuries. See Nail Guns.
• Strains from lifting heavy cabinets and countertops overhead
• Wood and MDF dust
• Ladder falls

Key practices

• Keep guards, riving knives and push sticks in use; set up stable cutting stations.
• Use cabinet jacks or lifts and two people to hang upper cabinets.
• Use dust collection and wear a mask when cutting MDF.
• Secure cabinets to studs and confirm stability before loading.
• Use step ladders or platforms correctly. See Step Ladders.

Setting up a cutting station

• Saw on a stable stand at a comfortable height, not on the floor or a pile of material
• Long stock supported on both sides so it doesn’t drop or bind
• Blade guards, riving knife and anti-kickback pawls installed
• Push sticks and blocks within reach
• Dust collection or a shop vac connected
• Cords protected and out of walkways
• Good lighting and room to stand clear of the blade path

Hanging cabinets and countertops

• Find studs and use the right screws; don’t rely on drywall anchors for cabinets.
• Use a ledger board or cabinet jack to hold uppers while fastening.
• Stone countertops are heavy and break easily. Carry them on edge with enough people, gloves and A-frame carts. See Countertop Fabrication.
• Tall cabinets and bookcases should be anchored to the wall so they can’t tip.

Working in occupied spaces

Finish work often happens in occupied homes and offices. Keep tools, cords and blades away from children and pets, close off work areas, control dust, and never leave a saw plugged in and unattended. Ask about lead paint before cutting or sanding old trim in homes built before 1978. See Lead.

Finishes and adhesives

Stains, finishes, contact cement and some adhesives give off flammable and harmful vapors. Ventilate, keep ignition sources away, and lay oily rags flat to dry or put them in a sealed metal can with water. Oily rags can catch fire on their own. See Solvents.

Last updated: October 1, 2026