What are the different types of carpenters?
Professionals who are skilled in carpentry are worth their weight in… wood! Without these tradespeople, the houses we live in, the furniture we sit on, and the structures in which we work and play would not exist. Most laypeople think of carpentry as one field, but like medicine, law, education, welding, building, etc., there are various specialties. Let’s look at different types of carpenters so you can zero in on finding the right carpenter to meet your needs.
Different Types of Carpentry Work
In general, we can divide carpentry into two categories:
- Rough: Here, the carpenter focuses on the “rough” framing of a building – that is, the walls, rafters, floors, posts, beams, and roof. They essentially create the structure’s “skeleton,” while ensuring their work meets project specifications, building codes, and strength standards.
- Finish: With finish work, the carpenter focuses on flooring, staircases, moldings, trims, etc. Unlike framing, this work will be visible from the outside, so it must be neat, clean, and finely detailed.
There are also several “subcategories” in which different types of carpenters work, including:
- Trim: Trim carpenters install and repair trim and molding found on doors, windows, baseboards, mantels, etc. It is precise work, and as a type of finish carpentry, elements need to be neat and clean.
- Cabinetmaking: Another type of finish carpentry, cabinetry is intricate work and is in great demand for high-end builds and remodels.
- Green Carpentry: Here, carpenters specialize in using environmentally-friendly materials and practices.
- Residential: These carpenters typically focus on new home builds and/or remodels.
- Commercial: These professionals work on office buildings, malls, retail stores, restaurants, and other commercial buildings.
- Industrial: In this highly specialized field, carpenters work on dams, tunnel bracing, and sewer projects.
The specific training required for different types of carpenters varies: rough work, for example, is more “entry-level,” while finish carpenters typically have more training and hands-on experience in their fields.
Some carpenters, of course, handle both and work in residential and commercial settings. What type of carpentry work do you need to help your business grow?
