Carpenter

Duties

Carpenters construct, erect and repair buildings and other structures made of wood, steel and other materials.

Duties vary according to the type of job:

In residential jobs, carpenters crib the basement; build the house framework, walls, roof, exterior and interior finishes; and install doors, windows, flooring, cabinets, stairs, handrails, paneling, moulding and ceiling tiles.

In commercial or industrial jobs, they build concrete forms, scaffolding, bridges, trestles, tunnels, shelters, towers and other structures.

In maintenance jobs, they repair and remodel existing structures of all kinds.

Some carpenters specialize in one type of work such as framing, bench work or finishing work.

Most carpentry tasks involve:

• Reading blueprints and/or getting instructions from a supervisor
• Doing the layout including selecting materials, planning sequences and methods of work, and measuring and marking materials to avoid costly mistakes or omissions
• Cutting and shaping materials and joining them with nails, screws, bolts or glue
• Checking completed units to be sure they are level, square, plumb and the right size, shape and location

Carpenters must work accurately and economically, and follow national and local building codes.

Do I qualify?