Carpenter

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One of the oldest trades in existence is the carpenter. HandyAmerican.com sees carpenters as the backbone of the contracting industry as they see a home rise from the dirt to welcoming a family. A framing contractor is responsible for having carpenters build the walls, floors and roof structure of the home. After the plumbers, electricians and HVAC people finish their main installations the finish carpenters install countertops, cabinets and moldings.

In recent times, with all the how-to carpentry videos and do-it-yourself home improvement courses out there, many homeowners fancy themselves amateur carpenters. The new, inexpensive power tools make this even more inviting as table saws, planers and sanders are being found in more and more homes. This has made the old profession of carpentry a hobby for many of these homeowners.

At HandyAmerican.com we take carpentry work seriously because we want to make sure that you, the homeowner, has the best experience possible with you project while getting the best results.

Why Hire a Carpenter?

In most part of the country to be classed s a carpenter requires more than great tools and a handy streak. Most carpenters go to school before they take an apprenticeship with an experienced journeyman. They have to learn how to read blueprints and how the art of building and renovating works in comjunction with other trades. In many cases a carpenter has to provide the structure and bracing so that other contractors, like plumbers and electricians, can ply their trades. Then he or she has to go in afterward and do the finish work.

Carpenters are not only proficient with wood but construct, install, repair and maintain structures and fixtures made from other materials as well. And while each carpentry job is different most involve similar basic steps. They work from blueprints, drawn plans or instructions from job-site contractors. Carpenters also model the layout that includes measuring, marking and sorting materials while following the local building codes. Then they cut and shape wood, fiberglass, plastic or drywall using a variety of hand and power. Finally they then join the prepared materials with nails, screws, staples and adhesives.

Carpenters are Well-Educated

The apprenticeship process for most carpenters requires time spent on actual jobsites along with by classroom training. Like many trades carpenter apprentices complete a four (4)-year, four (4)-level program that includes from 4,000 to 5,000 workplace and from 700 to 900 school training hours depending on the state.

In many states apprenticeship subjects include:

• Mathematics and Science - related to the building trade
• Tools
• Safety Procedures
• Roof  Construction (Both equal and unequal pitch)
• Concrete Foundations and Forms
• General Framing Techniques and Large Timber Construction
• Stair Construction
• Cabinet Construction
• Keys of Masonry Construction
• Estimating projects
• Blueprint Reading and Drafting

After the successful completion of the work program the apprentice will usually write an exam based on both technical and code information before becoming a journeyman.

Different Types of Carpenters

Just like teachers or engineers many carpenters have specialized areas of expertise work in many kinds of construction work, from the building of bridges to the installation of kitchens and bathrooms. Many carpenters will gravitate into a specialty that appeals to them:

Framing Carpenter

A framing carpenter is often referred to as a “rough carpenter” and deals mainly in new construction house framing. It is the basis of the trade and all apprentices learn the finer points of carpentry because most carpenters will seek employment in this classification. This includes:

• Wood Framing
• Concrete Forming
• Interior and Exterior Finish Carpentry
• Installing Cabinets, Windows and Doors
• Building Stairs and Railings
• Site Preparation

A framing contractor may have carpenters on the job until the home is “roof tight.” This means that the interior of the structure has been sealed off from the elements. However, depending on the job the carpenters may just be involved in getting the structure up with the walls, floors and roof framing and not be involved in installing windows, doors or finished roofing.

Finish Carpenter

The proper term for a finish carpenter is a “millwright” but that term is mainly used for the machinery trade these days. Finish carpenters are the tradepeople who finish up a house. This includes building and installing cabinets, putting in doors and windows, building countertops, building stairs and mantels, installing flooring, and putting up the final trim.

Finish carpenters usually come in when the electrical, plumbing, mechanical and drywall people are finished their part of the project. They hang cabinets, install moldings, put in countertops, build shelving and ready the home for the painters. Then, after the other trades have fine-tuned their jobs – putting in light fixtures, bathroom taps, flooring, etc. – they will install the trim, and any other moldings.

Cabinet Maker

A cabinetmaker carpenter has to work in fine details where even a slim1/16” gap looks like a gaping hole. This is high-end work like building cabinets, doing fine moldings and restoring old wood in vintage homes. Not only does this require carpentry skills it need the eye of an artist. These carpenters are perfectionists and have an intimate knowledge of both power and fine hand tools. They “put the dazzle” in any home.

HandyAmerican.com can help you find the perfect carpenter just by posting your project on the website. We encourage you to be specific in your details as this will help the right carpenter contact you. Because the right carpenter for your project will ensure that you have great results with your project. Better yet, you will enjoy the process!