Carpenter Needed; Finish Carpenter, Trim Carpenter, or DIY?

An accurate way to gauge the expertise and finesse of a carpenter is by the precision with which interior or exterior wood finish work is completed. An experienced trim or finish carpenter is adept at how to install crown molding or door casing.

Signs of a Skilled Professional

A good finish carpenter is more than a carpenter. They are highly skilled in various types of detailed wood finish projects; such as built ins, custom closet design, porch design, installing a door, custom cabinetry, a fireplace surround, or any type of carpentry and joinery project requiring precision and attention to detail.

They have a high degree of the type visual skill required to complete quality finish work that looks square and level over framing, even though it may be out of plumb and out of square. Of course if the rough carpenter or framing carpenter has done his job correctly, things are routine for the finish carpenter.

Custom cabinetry is another area requiring the honed skills of a finish carpenter. Some maintain a shop and do nothing but fabricate and install quality custom cabinetry; including bath cabinetry, kitchen cabinetry, and built in cabinetry. Equally demanding of woodworking expertise is the art of home furniture making.

A trim carpenter is an expert at installing interior and exterior trim; such as crown molding, baseboard trim, door casing, window trim, and window casing. These type skills are aspects of finish carpentry. But a trim carpenter might not be as proficient in other types of finish skills.

Basic DIY Carpentry Tips

A DIY project homeowner can sometimes successfully undertake some types of finish or trim carpentry tasks. But at sometime or another they might fail miserably at others; such as miter cut door casing or install crown molding. And then be forced to either overlook poorly angled joints or call in a professional.

There are basic tips and tricks of the trade to help even the novice DIY homeowner undertake finish carpentry projects with confidence:

Do not use a tape measure for several reasons:

1. The hook on the end flexes and twists, making it very difficult to get accurate, consistent measurements.
2. Using numbers might mean you are rounding to the closest mark – instead of the exact mark.
3. Sometimes it is necessary to use some kind of rule for a measurement; when you must, use a rigid or folding ruler. Some have a sliding brass piece on the end which can be used for exact inside measurements.
4. The most accurate way to measure is often just to hold a board in place, and then mark the length required.

Installing door casing:

1. Cut floor ends of upright pieces square.
2. Hold upright pieces in place and mark reveal for angle cut. (A 45º angle when everything is square.)
3. Cut angles on both uprights; lightly tack them into place so they cannot shift or move.
4. Cut angle on one side of top piece; turn upside down and carefully align cut end with upright on cut side, and then carefully mark final cut on other side.
5. Make final cut; everything should line up perfectly.
6. Nail casing in place. Note: it is best to not install edge of casing flush with inside of door jamb. Recess it 1/16 to 3/8 of an inch from flush. Whichever amount you choose, make it uniform all around the door. Use the same amount for every door in the home. This will cause a shadowing effect which will aid greatly in hiding any discrepancies.

• Parallel lines are better than plumb and square; it is more important to keep casing and molding in straight lines with what is already there. Diverging lines are highly visible to the human eye. For a door that is not square, there will be a diverging line between the door bottom and the floor. Mark a new line on the bottom of the door that is parallel to the floor. Remove the door and trim to the line, and then replace the door.
• Fit the joint before cutting to length. When making a coping or miter joint, do one end of the board first; ensure the joint fits well before making the cut on the other end. This way there is still extra length left on the board in case the cut needs to be re-done.
• Avoid showing end grain of a molding piece. End grain shows light much differently, even when painted or stained. Use an angled return on the end.

One final finish carpentry tip. Homeowners installing their own molding or interior wood trim and exterior trim might be tempted to move into the home before completion, thinking the task will be easy and quick to complete. This is a big mistake.

As time goes by, missing trim becomes less and less noticeable; especially with furnishings in the home. A recipe for marital turmoil, as it is difficult to set up tools and deal with the mess when trying to work around furniture, belongings, and the family routine. It is always best to finish the work before moving in.

Find a Skilled Professional

While some finish carpentry tasks can be completed as a DIY project, there are many that are too demanding; requiring the skill and precision of a professional finish or trim carpenter.

At HandyAmerican.com, it has it been easier to find reliable local professionals for your building project. Whether bidding out a closet or fireplace mantle project, seeking a skilled carpenter, or a master carpenter. Homeowners sign up without cost or obligation and post project details online.

Local contractor members receive e-mail notification with project information, and bid competitively for the project; even within hours after project posting.

Homeowners can view contractor company profile information, licensing and insurance credentials, references, customer feedback, and photos of recently completed projects; available online at HandyAmerican.com 24/7. And then make an informed hiring decision and connect with the contractor of choice, or none at all. There is no obligation whatsoever.

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