What is a carpenter

Worker Task List

A. MASTERING BASIC CARPENTRY SKILLS

Read tape measure.

Compute architectural dimensions.

Use basic hand and power tools.

Determine dimensions from a blueprint.

Interpret building specifications.

Apply knowledge of local building codes.

Apply basic knowledge of other trades.

Create a safe working environment

(includes knowledge of OSHA).

Make minor repairs to maintain equipment.

Select materials for installation.

B. CUTTING, SHAPING, AND FASTENING STOCK

Cut stock to size.

Crosscut dimensioned lumber to size.

Rip-saw dimensioned lumber to size.

Bore holes.

Fasten framing stock with nails.

Fasten stock with screws.

Construct a square frame.

Cut holes and patterns in stock.

C. ESTIMATING/SELECTING MATERIALS

Estimate interior underlayment.

Estimate rough framing materials.

Select windows.

Select doors and jambs.

Determine proper use of materials.

Cull out unsuitable materials.

D. BUILDING AND INSTALLING THE FOUNDATION

Inspect foundation.

Square foundation.

Level foundation.

Select steel beams.

E. FRAMING THE FLOOR

Check condition of foundation.

Install sill plate.

Install wood post.

Install solid and composite wood beam.

Install built-up wood girder.

Install steel beam.

Install Lally column.

Lay out floor framing detail on sill plate.

Cut floor joists.

Frame floor opening, to include fireplace/hearth box, etc.
(include stripping of forms installed by carpenter).

Install floor joists.

Install cantilevered floor joists.

Install bridging and blocking.

Install subfloor sheathing.

Install prefabricated stair unit.

F. FRAMING THE WALLS

Lay out walls on floor deck.

Cut wall plates.

Lay out wall framing detail on wall plates.

Cut studs, headers, jacks, rough sills, and cripples.

Assemble corner and tee posts.

Assemble header.

Frame door opening.

Frame window opening.

Assemble wall section.

Install double top plate (cap plate).

Install wall blocking (backing).

Install fire stops.

Install corner brace.

Install exterior wall sheathing.

Raise and anchor wall section.

Plumb, align, and brace wall section.

Worker Task List

G. FRAMING THE CEILING

Lay out ceiling framing detail on top wall plate.

Cut ceiling joists.

Install ceiling joists.

Frame ceiling opening.

Install ribband (balloon framing).

Install strongback (stiffener or catwalk).

Install ceiling backing (deadwood or nailers).

Fasten ceiling joists to partition walls.

Frame interior bulkhead.

Install disappearing stair unit.

H. FRAMING THE ROOF

Lay out roof framing detail on cap plate.

Lay out common, header, and cripple rafters.

Cut rafters.

Install ridgeboard.

Frame roof opening.

Install rafters.

Install sub-fascia.

Frame gable end overhang.

Frame blind valley (overlay valley).

Frame gable dormer.

Frame shed dormer.

Install collar beams (rafter ties).

Install rafter support purlins.

Install roof sheathing.

Frame chimney saddle (cricket).

I. INSTALLING TRUSSES

Lay out for truss installation.

Set trusses by hand.

Set trusses with light crane (includes helping set
up/break down crane).

Brace trussed roof assembly according to
manufacturer's specifications.

Frame opening in roof assembly

Repair trusses according to engineering
instructions.

Select trusses per plans.

Identify sound engineering practices.

J. CONSTRUCTING AND INSTALLING
STAIRS

Lay out straight run stair stringer.

Cut basement stair components.

Construct basement stair unit.

Worker Task List

K. INSTALLING DOORS AND WINDOWS

Install prehung window according to
manufacturer's specifications.

Install prehung exterior door according to
manufacturer's specifications.

Install sidelight.

Install transom.

Assemble and install sliding glass or French
patio door.

Install inside jamb for garage door.

Plumb and square doors and windows.

L. FRAMING PORCHES AND DECKS

Install ledger board, fasteners, and flashing.

Install wood support posts.

Install solid wood beam.

Install built-up wood girder.

Install deck joists.

Install decking (planking).

Install railing.

Install footings.

Identify superstructure of attachment.

Lay out, cut, construct, and install stairs.

M. INSTALLING EXTERIOR FINISHES

Construct box cornice.

Construct rake cornice.

Case exterior opening.

Install wood jamb window unit.

Install prehung exterior door unit.

Hang exterior door.

Install exterior door jamb.

Install corner board for wood siding.

Install wood fascia.

Install wood soffit.

Install prefabricated column.

Install bevel siding.

Install fixed exterior features.

N. INSTALLING INTERIOR FINISHES

Install wall paneling.

Install closet accessories

(includes selection of closet accessories).

Install shelving.

Install baseboards.

Install ceiling molding.

Case interior opening.

Install interior door jamb.

Hang interior door.

Install prehung interior door unit.

Install folding (accordion) door.

Install sliding door.

Install bi-fold door.

Install pocket door.

Install cylinder lockset.

Install mortise lockset.

Install door holder.

Install flush bolt.

Install door plate.

Install weatherstripping.

Construct open shelving.

Install wall cabinet and hardware

(includes selection of hardware).

Install base cabinet and hardware

(includes selection of hardware).

Install recessed medicine cabinet.

Select prefabricated cabinets.

Install prefabricated counter tops.

CAREER PATH

Experience is the most important factor in hiring and advancement in the construction trades.

A high school program completer would always begin at the carpenter helper level then move up to general carpenter as the employer
saw proof of competence. Experience and proven competence as a general carpenter may result in advancement to lead carpenter.
The title master carpenter is reserved for those who spend years continuously improving their skills.

Carpenters may work for a single construction company or may hire on for only one job or one type of job.

At any point along the way, a person may decide to move into construction management. The manager may prepare for employment
through education or experience or a combination of the two.

Contractors generally own their own businesses. They (and carpenters) may specialize in different types of residential housing, from
low-end production housing and room/deck additions to custom homes and historical renovation.

Supplementary Information

TRAITS AND ATTITUDES

Teamwork

Ability to see the big picture

Ability to see gray areas everything is not black and white

Ability to make good value judgments

Ability to solve problems

Pursuit of excellence do your best, take pride in your work,
have respect for the structure, serve the client

Willingness to pay dues

Integrity

Willingness to take responsibility

Ability to enjoy work

Ability to create an environment for success surround
yourself with successful people

Trustworthiness keep your word, take care of people who
work for you

Persistence keep the goal in sight, keep going until you
reach it

Initiative

Ability to plan upcoming work

Willingness to network

Willingness to ask questions

Passion for the work