As two seperate trades, carpentry and joinery can be easily confused, and although they both do similar things, they work on different parts of the construction of wood.
At Masterfix, we have a team of both carpenters and joiners who work together to create bespoke furniture and seamless installations. In this blog, we’ve pulled together everything you need to know about what each profession does, and when you might need to call them.
What is Carpentry?
Carpentry is a trade in the construction industry that works with wood products and timber products. Professional Carpenters are skilled tradespeople who construct, install, and repair building elements. Carpenters primarily work in residential homes or construction sites. Interestingly, the term carpenter means ‘wagon maker’. Usually, carpenters are the first tradespeople on the job and the last to leave.
Carpenters construct the structural parts of a building, such as floors, door frames, windows, skirting boards, and staircases, across both large-scale construction and smaller domestic jobs. They use a mix of hand techniques and power tool equipment for cutting, measurements, and installation. Most carpenters learn the trade by becoming an apprentice.
Although they mainly work with wood, carpenters can also work with metal, plastic, concrete, and other materials.
What is Joinery?
Joiners join wood to create detailed wood products. Their main focus is creating items such as doors, window frames, cabinets, tables, and other furniture, using specialist joints. As a professional, they will precisely cut, shape, and assemble materials like timber using heavy machinery.
The result of joinery is high-quality, fitted furniture and interior components that are bespoke.
The Difference Between Carpentry and Joinery
Carpentry and joinery are both overlapping wood-based construction trades and they do share some of the same skills, but there are some key differences!
Typically, joiners will be in a workshop, crafting intricate pieces of fine woodworking for the interior of buildings – things like furniture, windows, and doors.
Carpenters, on the other hand, work to build the structures of a house or building on construction projects, so they tend to be on-site. They construct walls, floors, and are vital to the framework of a building.
What Work do Carpenters Specialise in?
In Carpentry, professionals work with wood to construct, install, and repair natural wood. Here are some things a carpenter specialises in:
- Construct structural elements (roofs, walls, floors)
- Fit skirting boards and other wooden interior finishes
- Carry out repairs and maintenance on wooden structures
- Installation of joinery-made products
- Finish carpenters hang doors and install cabinets
What Work do Joiners Specialise in?
Joiners specialise in fine woodwork, crafting delicate pieces. Here are some the basics of what an employed a Joiner might work on:
- Designing and crafting furniture, including tables and cabinets
- Creating bespoke fitted furniture for homes
- Manufacturing doors and windows from timber
- Producing detailed ornamental work and decorative wood features
- Join wood without nails
Do I Need to Call a Carpenter or Joiner?
Understanding the role of each will help you when deciding whether you need someone with carpentry skills or a joiner.
Carpenters work on the structural stage of a project. So if you are renovating a property, a carpenter would do a better job at fitting floors, creating walls, or making repairs.
If you’re looking for bespoke wood furniture or more detailed ornamental work, a joiner is the right choice. At Masterfix, our London carpenters and joiners work closely together, with joiners working on the creation of woodwork pieces, and the carpenters onsite installing.
