A carpenter’s responsibilites vary depending on the size of the job and the carpenter’s experience level. Carpenters use blueprints or instructions from their foreman to do the layout, which involves measuring and marking lumber and other materials.
Duties include
- Cut and shape wood, plastic, drywall or fiberglass
- Using tools such as saws, sanders, drills and chisels
- Working with fasteners such as nails, screws, adhesives or staples
- Use levels, rules, framing squares and surveying equipment
The opportunities of a carpenter
Many carpenters focus on a particular skill, such as framing, building and installing cabinets, stair building or trim work. However, carpenters can also work on:
- remodels or new construction
- build bridges or other metal structures
- concrete to create tunnels, bridges or residential projects such as streets and driveways
Carpenters work with dangerous equipment, such as power tools. They also stand on ladders and roofs, where they are at risk of falling. Because of this, safety is a big part of their job.