What do carpenters do?
Carpenters measure, saw, level and nail wood and other building materials. They install tile and insulation, acoustical ceilings, cabinets, and much more. They work with many tools and materials to build houses, erect skyscrapers, construct bridges, tunnels and highways. Carpenters make up the largest single group of skilled workers in the country.
Carpenters can work for large construction contractors performing a wide range of duties or specialize in one or two areas. Carpenters may also be employed outside of the construction industry and their work consists of installation, maintenance and repair work. Carpenters’ training offers versatility which qualifies them to work in residential building, commercial construction and remodeling work, to suite their needs. Typical carpentry duties include: • Framing walls and partitions • Putting in doors and windows • Building stairs • Constructing wooden forms for pouring concrete • Erecting scaffolding • Building tunnel bracing • Installing cabinets and molding • Doing finishing work • Laying hardwood floors • Installing trim Carpentry tasks vary to some degree, but many follow some basic steps. These steps include: • Reading blueprints and designs • Following the instructions of supervisors • Performing layout work such as measuring and arranging materials • Adhering to building safet
Carpenters measure, saw, level and nail wood and other building materials. They install tile and insulation, acoustical ceilings, cabinets, sidings and much more. They work with many tools and materials to build houses, erect skyscrapers, construct bridges, tunnels and highways. Carpenters make up the largest single group of skilled workers in the country. What are the hours and working conditions? The typical workday for a carpenter begins early. He or she is often on the job site before daybreak, and he or she is hard at work before the sun is high in the sky. Much of the work is outdoors, but modern construction methods have eased the problems of the summer heat and the winter’s cold. The average carpenter usually wears a hard hat, tough, durable work clothes and safety shoes or sturdy hi-top shoes.
Carpenters build homes for many people. They have to first, find a house plan that they enjoy. Second, they have to buy land that fits the needs of the house. Next, they have to lay down the foundation of the house. Then, they can finally start building the new home. It takes a long time to build even one house. Then, when they finish, someone called an inspector comes to check and make sure that the house is safe to live in. Finally, they can sell the house and a long, hard cleaning begins. Then, the newly built house is sold.
