This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a furniture maker.
Our business plan for a furniture maker will help you build a profitable project
Starting a furniture making business is exciting, but determining what equipment you need can feel overwhelming.
The challenge is knowing exactly what tools to invest in without breaking the bank or missing essential items.
Every furniture workshop has unique requirements, and equipment costs can escalate quickly without proper planning.
Complete Furniture Making Equipment List
Launching a successful furniture making business requires strategic planning and the right tools. This comprehensive list covers everything needed to establish your woodworking operation.
Cutting & Shaping Tools
- Table saw - Essential for precise straight cuts and ripping lumber
- Miter saw - Creates accurate crosscuts and angle cuts
- Band saw - Handles curved cuts and resawing thick boards
- Circular saw - Portable cutting for job sites and large panels
- Jigsaw - Cuts intricate curves and detailed patterns
- Router - Shapes edges and creates decorative profiles
- Router table - Provides stability for precision routing work
- Jointer - Creates flat, straight edges on lumber
- Planer - Ensures consistent thickness across boards
- Hand planes - Fine-tunes surfaces and creates smooth finishes
- Chisels (various sizes) - Carves joints and removes material precisely
Joining & Assembly
- Drill press - Creates precise holes for hardware and joinery
- Pocket hole jig - Makes strong hidden joints quickly
- Doweling jig - Ensures accurate dowel placement
- Biscuit joiner - Creates strong edge-to-edge connections
- Mortise and tenon jig - Builds traditional furniture joints
- Clamps (various types) - Holds pieces during assembly and glue-up
- Glue - Bonds wood pieces permanently together
- Wood screws/fasteners - Secures components mechanically
- Pocket screws - Creates hidden mechanical connections
Sanding & Finishing
- Belt sander - Removes material quickly from large surfaces
- Orbital sander - Provides smooth finish on flat surfaces
- Detail sander - Reaches tight spaces and intricate areas
- Sandpaper (various grits) - Progressive smoothing from coarse to fine
- Dust collection system - Maintains clean air and workspace
- Spray gun/compressor - Applies finishes evenly and efficiently
- Brushes/rollers - Manual application of stains and finishes
- Wood stains - Enhances grain and changes wood color
- Polyurethane/lacquer - Protects finished pieces from wear
Measuring & Layout
- Tape measures - Basic length measurements for all projects
- Squares (framing/speed) - Ensures 90-degree angles accurately
- Rulers/straightedges - Creates straight lines and measurements
- Marking gauge - Scores consistent lines parallel to edges
- Compass - Draws circles and arcs for curved elements
- Level - Ensures furniture sits properly and appears straight
- Calipers - Measures thickness and internal/external dimensions
Hand Tools
- Hammers (various weights) - Drives nails and assembles joints
- Screwdrivers - Installs hardware and mechanical fasteners
- Hand saws - Backup cutting tools and detail work
- Files/rasps - Shapes curved surfaces and smooths rough areas
- Awl - Marks precise points for drilling and cutting
- Mallet - Assembles joints without damaging wood surfaces
Workspace Setup
- Workbench - Sturdy surface for assembly and detailed work
- Vises - Secures workpieces during cutting and shaping
- Storage systems - Organizes tools and materials efficiently
- Lumber rack - Stores wood materials properly to prevent warping
- Tool chest/cabinets - Protects tools and keeps workspace organized
- Work lights - Provides adequate illumination for detailed tasks
- Extension cords - Powers tools throughout the workshop
Safety Equipment
- Safety glasses - Protects eyes from flying debris
- Hearing protection - Prevents damage from loud machinery
- Dust masks/respirators - Filters harmful particles from breathing
- First aid kit - Handles minor workshop injuries quickly
- Fire extinguisher - Essential safety equipment for wood workshops
- Push sticks/blocks - Keeps hands safe during cutting operations
Upholstery & Soft Furnishing
- Sewing machine - Creates custom cushions and upholstery
- Fabric scissors - Cuts upholstery materials cleanly
- Staple gun - Attaches fabric to furniture frames
- Foam/batting - Provides cushioning for seating and comfort
- Upholstery fabric - Covers cushions and seating surfaces
- Webbing/springs - Supports seating mechanisms properly
Hardware & Accessories
- Hinges - Enables doors and lids to open and close
- Drawer slides - Allows smooth drawer operation
- Handles/knobs - Provides functional and decorative access
- Locks - Secures cabinets and storage furniture
- Brackets/supports - Reinforces joints and adds structural integrity
- Felt pads - Protects floors from furniture scratches
Business Operations
- Design software - Creates plans and visualizes projects
- Accounting software - Manages finances and tracks expenses
- Project management tools - Schedules work and tracks progress
- Invoicing system - Bills customers and processes payments
- Digital camera - Documents work for portfolio and marketing
Our financial plan for a furniture maker will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most furniture makers invest between $15,000 and $100,000 in equipment, depending on their scale and specialization. You really can't go below $8,000 for even the smallest setup because you need basic cutting, joining, and finishing tools to produce quality furniture.
- Small Custom Workshop
A small workshop focusing on custom pieces and repairs needs around $8,000-$25,000, with most budget allocated to essential power tools and a quality workbench.
- Medium Production Shop
A medium shop handling multiple projects and small production runs typically requires $25,000-$60,000, including specialized machinery and dust collection systems.
- Large Manufacturing Operation
A large furniture manufacturing business can easily reach $60,000-$100,000, especially with industrial-grade equipment and automated systems.
Equipment Budget Examples
Small Custom Workshop ($8,000 - $25,000)
Small workshops focus on essential tools that can handle custom furniture projects and repairs. The goal is acquiring quality basics without overspending on features you won't immediately need.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Cutting Tools | Contractor table saw with fence system, 10" miter saw with stand, basic circular saw, jigsaw for curves | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Shaping & Smoothing | 6" benchtop jointer, 12" planer, palm router with basic bit set, orbital sander and belt sander | $1,500 - $3,500 |
| Joining Equipment | Drill press with mortising attachment, pocket hole jig, basic clamp set, doweling jig | $800 - $1,500 |
| Workspace Setup | Heavy-duty workbench with vise, tool storage cabinet, lumber storage rack, basic lighting | $1,200 - $2,500 |
| Hand Tools & Measuring | Complete chisel set, hand planes, measuring tools, squares, marking gauges, hand saws | $600 - $1,200 |
| Finishing Equipment | Detail sander, spray gun setup, brushes, basic dust collection, safety equipment | $800 - $1,500 |
| Hardware & Supplies | Basic hardware assortment, glues, sandpaper, stains, finishes, fasteners | $500 - $1,000 |
| Initial Setup | Workshop setup, electrical work, basic insurance, initial material inventory | $600 - $1,300 |
Medium Production Shop ($25,000 - $60,000)
Medium shops need higher capacity and specialized equipment to handle multiple projects efficiently. Investment focuses on productivity improvements and the ability to take on larger commissions.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Cutting | Cabinet table saw with sliding table, 12" sliding compound miter saw, 14" band saw, track saw system | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Precision Machinery | 8" jointer with helical head, 15" planer with helical cutterhead, mortising machine, dovetail jig | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Routing & Shaping | 3HP router with table, complete bit collection, spindle sander, edge bander for veneering | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Assembly Station | Assembly table with pneumatic clamps, complete clamp collection, panel glue-up equipment | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Finishing Bay | Spray booth with ventilation, HVLP spray system, complete sanding station, dust collection throughout | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Specialized Tools | Domino joiner, track saw, oscillating tools, pneumatic nail guns, complete measuring suite | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Workshop Infrastructure | Professional workbench system, mobile bases for machines, comprehensive storage, upgraded electrical | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Business Setup | Design software, business insurance, professional photography setup, marketing materials | $1,500 - $3,000 |
Large Manufacturing Operation ($60,000 - $100,000)
Large operations focus on efficiency, consistency, and high-volume production. Investment goes toward industrial-grade equipment and automated systems that maximize productivity.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Cutting | Industrial table saw with scoring blade, CNC router for precision cutting, wide belt sander, beam saw | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Heavy Machinery | 12" jointer with spiral head, 20" planer, multiple mortising machines, industrial band saw | $10,000 - $18,000 |
| Production Systems | Automated edge banding machine, panel saw with optimization, pneumatic assembly tables | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Finishing Department | Professional spray booth with cure ovens, automated sanding line, complete finishing chemistry | $8,000 - $12,000 |
| Material Handling | Forklift or material lift, conveyor systems, automated lumber processing, inventory management | $6,000 - $10,000 |
| Quality Control | Precision measuring equipment, moisture meters, strength testing tools, inspection stations | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| Facility Systems | Central dust collection, compressed air system, specialized lighting, climate control | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Technology Integration | CAD/CAM software, production scheduling systems, inventory tracking, customer management | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| Setup & Training | Professional installation, employee training programs, safety compliance, initial production setup | $2,000 - $4,000 |