FAQs About Carpenter Jobs

Carpenters are the workhorses of the world economy and have been a prevalent part of the workforce since before written language was developed. Contractors are part handyman, part contractor. A carpenter is a skilled craftsman who works on anything from buildings, to furniture, to light repairs.

Q. What type of training do carpenters undergo?
A. This will vary considerably depending on the country, the carpenter's specialty and the carpenter's skill level. Many carpenters undergo an apprenticeship. Others take classes or learn while on the job.

Q. Do carpenters require licenses and certification?
A. Many states like Nevada do require license and certification for handyman style jobs. Others like Florida, do not have this requirement. Anything beyond basic repair, such as contracting, does require advanced license and certification. You can find more information about this at your state's individual contractor's board.

Q. Do carpenters use Unions?
A. Yes. You can find the two largest carpentry unions here:

• United States, Carpenters.org


• Canada, CarpentersUnionBC.com

Q. What types of jobs are available to carpenters?
A. Carpenter jobs are as varied as the carpenter's skills. Some work exclusively in one discipline, while others work in a more broad set of categories. Here is a brief lists of jobs that carpenters may do:

• Furniture


• Trim and Molding


• Cabinetry


• Boat Construction


• Framing


• Window Building

Q. What types of carpenters are there?
A. There are as many specialty carpenters as there are jobs available. Specialty carpenters tend to have specific terms to differentiate their skills from others.

• Finish carpenters specialize in the final stages of home building. 


• Trim carpenters specialize in molding and ornamental work.


• Cabinetmakers build an install cabinets.


• Shipwrights work on boats.


• Scenic carpenters make sets for television and film.


• Framers build the skeletal structure or framework of buildings.

Q. Where can I find a carpenter?
A. If you need to find a carpenter, you can look here on Merchant Circle.

• Go to MerchantCircle.com


• Search for "Carpenters" in your city.


• Browse listings and read reviews.


• Contact the contractor who best suits your needs.

Q. Where can carpenters find work?
A. Depending on your specialty you may work for a firm or be a freelance contractor. As a freelance contractor you may list your services online with various services or post ads in the local paper. If you are hired by a firm they will have daily work for you to do. The same principles apply to a carpenter as they do with any career when you are looking for work. Take your time, be professional, persistent and diligent.