What does a carpenter do?

The length of time required to become a carpenter depends on the chosen learning track.

An apprenticeship is the most common path and takes between three and four years to complete. Diploma and certificate programs in carpentry offered by technical and vocational schools generally last one or two years.

Based on our pool of users, carpenters tend to be predominately investigative people. Carpenters have to interpret blueprints and drawings to determine dimensions and materials required and installation processes to be followed. This detailed and precise work most definitely calls for inquisitive, analytical, inspecting, and investigative minds.

The skill set that carpenters must possess is a blended one of both science and art.

Physical Strength and Stamina
Carpentry is physical work that calls for physical strength.

Eye for Detail
Precision cannot be compromised in carpentry. Installing items properly requires attention to specifications and precise measurements.

Critical Thinking and Troubleshooting Abilities
Carpenters depend on suppliers of wood and other materials, co-workers, and client specifications. They will inevitably encounter delays, crew issues, and unexpected changes made by the client. In these situations carpenters must be able to think quickly, clearly, and critically to come up with workable solutions.

Math Skills
Carpenters use math skills to accurately calculate sizes, distances, and quantities of material, as well as project timelines and costs; to interpret design blueprints; and to complete other project-planning tasks. The field involves a continuous interplay of algebra, geometry, statistics, and calculus.

Mechanical Skills / Hand-Eye Coordination / Manual Dexterity
Carpenters need to be comfortable operating the wide variety of mechanical tools and machines that are used in the trade to shape and cut materials to specific dimensions. These include extension ladders, electronic and laser levels, power sanders, power saws, and framing squares.

Computer Skills
In addition to hand and power tools, carpenters often use computers. Familiarity with word-processing software allows them to effectively communicate with clients and managers about the scope, design, and status of projects. They may use project planning and management software to keep track of project tasks. Those who work for themselves have to be familiar with accounting and job-estimating programs.

Creativity
While it is important to pay attention to the client’s wishes and ideas, it is equally important to be able to present alternative creative and innovative ideas.

Communication Skills
A coherent channel of communication between carpenter and client and carpenter and colleagues is essential to the smooth operation of a project.

Before deciding to pursue carpentry, consider an experienced carpenter’s response to the question:
What is the biggest misconception people have about your job?

I’m not sure what the biggest misconception is. I know I have looked at it from the outside-in myself. I’ve been in the company of other carpenters and seen the work of other people and have held differing opinions. I think many DIY-minded folk underestimate the skill and capability we good carpenters have developed over decades of repetition and practice. I think there is a sentiment that because HGTV shows a handsome young wannabe-actor swing a sledge-hammer in minute seven, then shows a beautiful (as far as the camera sees) finished project at minute twenty-nine as the credits roll, that any semi-handy fella or lady can do the things that we pros have made a career of.

I often feel that our financial value – our wages or percentage of project costs – is set lower because the threshold to entry into the carpentry trade is fairly low. Almost everyone had a grandpa or an uncle who knew some carpentry, right? How hard can it be? ‘Why should we pay you that rate when there are so many other raggedly-dressed, semi-alcoholic, somewhat-boorish guys parked all over the lot at the local Home Depot on any given Saturday morning?’

Long ago I worked with a guy who was a bit more experienced than I was and we were discussing our pay and our hourly rate. He told me, ‘Look, I don’t get paid for what I do in an hour. I get paid what I get paid for what I CAN do in an hour – any hour, anywhere, on any job.’ This has always sat inside my mind and I’ve tried to express this in my sales meetings and materials as well. I am a professional carpenter and my capabilities come at a certain cost. So, while you may feel you are paying more for my tradework than you may have to pay someone else, the added cost buys you a conscientious, articulate, sane, sober, and trustworthy professional within your home and at your beck-and-call throughout our contract.

To sum up, and to clarify my own thoughts on the question, I guess the biggest misconception I’ve seen about carpentry is that it is viewed by too many people to be a low-skilled, low-caliber trade not worthy of as much regard as mechanical trades or other skilled trades. The reality is that there are many of us who are consummate professionals…in dusty jeans and sweatshirts.