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CARPENTERS
Occupation Description
Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall and batt or roll insulation. Include brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways to control the proper circulation of air through the passageways and to the working places.
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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Carpenters are grouped into the following occupations for which the most important knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) are listed.
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Construction Carpenters
Knowledge:
- Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
- Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Skills:
- Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Abilities:
- Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
- Multilimb Coordination - The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
- Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
- Static Strength - The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
- Trunk Strength - The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
Source: Occupational Information Network: Construction Carpenters.
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Rough Carpenters
Knowledge:
- Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
- Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Skills:
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Abilities:
- Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
- Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
- Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
- Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
- Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Trunk Strength - The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
Source: Occupational Information Network: Rough Carpenters.
Tasks and Activities
Carpenters are grouped into the following occupations for which occupation specific tasks, the most important generalized work activities, and detailed work activities are listed.
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Construction Carpenters
Occupation Specific Tasks:
- Apply shock-absorbing, sound-deadening, and decorative paneling to ceilings and walls.
- Arrange for subcontractors to deal with special areas such as heating and electrical wiring work.
- Assemble and fasten materials to make framework or props, using hand tools and wood screws, nails, dowel pins, or glue.
- Build or repair cabinets, doors, frameworks, floors, and other wooden fixtures used in buildings, using woodworking machines, carpenter's hand tools, and power tools.
- Construct forms and chutes for pouring concrete.
- Cover subfloors with building paper to keep out moisture and lay hardwood, parquet, and wood-strip-block floors by nailing floors to subfloor or cementing them to mastic or asphalt base.
- Erect scaffolding and ladders for assembling structures above ground level.
- Fill cracks and other defects in plaster or plasterboard and sand patch, using patching plaster, trowel, and sanding tool.
- Finish surfaces of woodwork or wallboard in houses and buildings, using paint, hand tools, and paneling.
- Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
- Inspect ceiling or floor tile, wall coverings, siding, glass, or woodwork to detect broken or damaged structures.
- Install structures and fixtures, such as windows, frames, floorings, and trim, or hardware, using carpenter's hand and power tools.
- Maintain records, document actions and present written progress reports.
- Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.
- Perform minor plumbing, welding or concrete mixing work.
- Prepare cost estimates for clients or employers.
- Remove damaged or defective parts or sections of structures and repair or replace, using hand tools.
- Select and order lumber and other required materials.
- Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saw.
- Study specifications in blueprints, sketches or building plans to prepare project layout and determine dimensions and materials required.
- Verify trueness of structure, using plumb bob and level.
- Work with or remove hazardous material.
Generalized Work Activities:
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
- Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Detailed Work Activities:
- adhere to safety procedures
- anchor or brace wooden structures, frameworks, or forms
- apply adhesives, caulking, sealants, or coatings
- attach moisture barrier sheeting over construction surfaces
- build or install cabinets or related interior wood fixtures
- build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting
- climb ladders, scaffolding, or utility or telephone poles
- construct, erect, or repair wooden frameworks or structures
- cut, shape, fit, or join wood or other construction materials
- determine dimensions of wooden furnishings or structures to be built
- determine installation, service, or repair needed
- determine material or tool requirements
- determine project methods and procedures
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- erect scaffold
- estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
- examine products or work to verify conformance to specifications
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
- finish or refinish floor, furniture, or related wood surfaces
- inspect premises or structure for evidence of deterioration or damage
- install doors, wood floors, window frames, trim, or stairs
- install drywall, plasterboard, or wallboard
- install insulating materials
- install lathing to support plaster, stucco, or related construction material
- install locks, hinges, or related finish hardware
- install or replace glass in windows, skylights, or other structural surfaces
- install prefabricated building components
- install siding or sheeting
- install sub flooring, rough framing, or partitions
- install wall or ceiling shock-absorbing paneling or acoustical tiles
- laminate objects
- lay out woodworking projects
- lubricate machinery, equipment, or parts
- maintain records, reports, or files
- measure and mark reference points or cutting lines on workpieces
- measure, weigh, or count products or materials
- move materials or goods between work areas
- move or fit heavy objects
- obtain information from clients, customers, or patients
- operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
- operate woodworking equipment/machinery
- order or purchase supplies, materials, or equipment
- paint walls or other structural surfaces
- perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting
- position, align, or level machines, equipment, or structures
- prepare building surfaces for paint, finishes, wallpaper, or adhesives
- prepare reports
- read blueprints
- read specifications
- read tape measure
- read technical drawings
- recognize wood characteristics
- recognize wood species characteristics
- repair cracks, defects, or damage in installed building materials
- repair or replace locks, hinges, or related finish hardware
- repair prefabricated wooden building components
- signal directions or warnings to coworkers
- understand construction specifications
- use basic carpentry techniques
- use basic plumbing techniques
- use building materials for routine building maintenance
- use building or land use regulations
- use concrete fabrication techniques
- use hand or power tools
- use hand or power woodworking tools
- use hazardous materials information
- use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
- use oral or written communication techniques
- verify trueness of structure using plumb bob or level
- weld together metal parts, components, or structures
Source: Occupational Information Network: Construction Carpenters.
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Rough Carpenters
Occupation Specific Tasks:
- Anchor and brace forms and other structures in place, using nails, bolts, anchor rods, steel cables, planks, wedges, and timbers.
- Assemble and fasten material together to construct wood or metal framework of structure, using bolts, nails, or screws.
- Bore boltholes in timber, masonry or concrete walls, using power drill.
- Build chutes for pouring concrete.
- Build sleds from logs and timbers for use in hauling camp buildings and machinery through wooded areas.
- Cut or saw boards, timbers, or plywood to required size, using handsaw, power saw, or woodworking machine.
- Dig or direct digging of post holes and set poles to support structures.
- Erect forms, framework, scaffolds, hoists, roof supports, or chutes, using hand tools, plumb rule, and level.
- Examine structural timbers and supports to detect decay, and replace timbers as required, using hand tools, nuts, and bolts.
- Fabricate parts, using woodworking and metalworking machines.
- Install rough door and window frames, subflooring, fixtures, or temporary supports in structures undergoing construction or repair.
- Mark cutting lines on materials, using pencil and scriber.
- Measure materials or distances, using square, measuring tape, or rule to lay out work.
- Study blueprints and diagrams to determine dimensions of structure or form to be constructed.
Generalized Work Activities:
- Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Detailed Work Activities:
- adhere to safety procedures
- anchor or brace wooden structures, frameworks, or forms
- apply adhesives, caulking, sealants, or coatings
- assemble detonation units for construction or extraction work
- build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting
- charge blasting holes with explosives
- climb ladders, scaffolding, or utility or telephone poles
- construct, erect, or repair wooden frameworks or structures
- cut, shape, fit, or join wood or other construction materials
- determine amount or kind of explosive needed to complete job
- determine dimensions of wooden furnishings or structures to be built
- dig holes or trenches for foundations, posts, poles, or related items
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- erect scaffold
- fabricate ducting
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
- inspect premises or structure for evidence of deterioration or damage
- install prefabricated building components
- install sheet metal assemblies in supportive framework
- install siding or sheeting
- install sub flooring, rough framing, or partitions
- lay out woodworking projects
- measure and mark reference points or cutting lines on workpieces
- move or fit heavy objects
- operate woodworking equipment/machinery
- perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting
- position, align, or level machines, equipment, or structures
- read blueprints
- read tape measure
- read technical drawings
- repair cracks, defects, or damage in installed building materials
- understand construction specifications
- use basic carpentry techniques
- use concrete fabrication techniques
- use hand or power tools
- use hand or power woodworking tools
- use knowledge of ventilation systems
- use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
- verify trueness of structure using plumb bob or level
Source: Occupational Information Network: Rough Carpenters.
Tools and Technology
Carpenters are grouped into the following occupations for which Tools and Technology information is available.
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Construction Carpenters View Detailed Report
Tools:
- Ladders - Extension ladders, Fold-up ladders, Ladders, Non-conducting ladders
- Levels - A-frame levels, Bubble levels, Bullseye levels, Calibrating electronic levels, Carpenters' levels
- Power routers - Plunge routers, Portable routers, Routers, Trim routers
- Power sanders - Belt sanders, Drum sanders, Handheld rotary tools, Random orbit sanders, Sanders
- Power saws - Band saws, Beam saws, Circular saws, Power saws, Radial arm saws
Technology:
- Accounting software - Intuit QuickBooks, Intuit Quicken software, Job costing software
- Information retrieval or search software - Renaissance MasterCarpenter
- Project management software - Bosch Punch List, Craftsman CD Estimator, Estimating software, Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal Architect, Virtual Boss software
- Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
- Word processing software - Microsoft Word, Wilhelm Publishing Threshold
Source: Occupational Information Network: Construction Carpenters.
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Rough Carpenters View Detailed Report
Tools:
- Hammers - Framing hammers, Hammers, Sledgehammers
- Ladders - Extension ladders, Fold-up ladders, Ladders, Non-conducting ladders
- Levels - A-frame levels, Bullseye levels, Carpenters' levels, Digital levels, Infrared laser levels
- Power saws - Beam saws, Circular saws, Power saws, Radial arm saws, Reciprocating saws
- Squares - Combination squares, Framing squares, Layout bars, Squares
Technology:
- Computer aided design CAD software - Drawing and drafting software
- Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
- Project management software - Bosch Punch List
- Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
- Word processing software - Microsoft Word
Source: Occupational Information Network: Rough Carpenters.
Related Occupation Profiles
Occupations with similar skill requirements
Web Resources
The following resources are related to occupations in the job family Construction and Extraction Construction Trades Workers
Extraction Workers
Helpers, Construction Trades
Other Construction and Related Workers
Supervisors, Construction and Extraction Workers
Construction Trades Workers
- Boilermakers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Brick Masons, California Occupational Guide
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons, CareerZone
- Brickmasons, Blockmasons, and Stonemasons, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Carpenter, Princeton Review
- Carpenters, California Occupational Guide
- Carpenters, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Carpet, Floor, and Tile Installers and Finishers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers, California Occupational Guide
- Cement Masons, Concrete Finishers, Segmental Pavers, and Terrazzo Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Construction Carpenters, CareerZone
- Construction Trades Helpers, California Occupational Guide
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers, Tapers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Drywall Installers and Tapers, California Occupational Guide
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas, Learn More Resource Center
- Electrician, Princeton Review
- Electricians, California Occupational Guide
- Electricians, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System), Job Futures
- Explosives Workers, Learn More Resource Center
- Fence Erectors, Learn More Resource Center
- Floor Covering Installers, California Occupational Guide
- Glaziers, California Occupational Guide
- Glaziers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Insulation Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall, Learn More Resource Center
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, Learn More Resource Center
- Painters and Paperhangers, California Occupational Guide
- Painters and Paperhangers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Paperhangers, Learn More Resource Center
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators, Learn More Resource Center
- Plasterers and Stucco Masons, California Occupational Guide
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, California Occupational Guide
- Plumbers, Pipelayers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Rock Splitters, Quarry, Learn More Resource Center
- Roof Bolters, Mining, Learn More Resource Center
- Roofers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Sheet Metal Workers, California Occupational Guide
- Sheet Metal Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Structural and Reinforcing Iron and Metal Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Tile Setters, California Occupational Guide
Extraction Workers
- Continuous mining machine operators, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Derrick operators, oil and gas, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Earth drillers, except oil and gas, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Helpers--extraction workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Mine cutting and channeling machine operators, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Rock Splitters, Quarry, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Roof Bolters, Mining, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas, Learn More Resource Center
- Rotary drill operators, oil and gas, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Roustabouts, oil and gas, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Service unit operators, oil, gas, and mining, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Helpers, Construction Trades
- Construction Laborers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Construction Trades Helpers, California Occupational Guide
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other, Learn More Resource Center
- Helpers--brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Helpers--carpenters, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Helpers--electricians, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Helpers--roofers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Other Construction and Related Workers
- Construction and Building Inspectors, California Occupational Guide
- Construction and Building Inspectors, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Construction Laborers, Learn More Resource Center
- Elevator Installers and Repairers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Fence erectors, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Helpers--Electricians, Learn More Resource Center
- Highway Maintenance Worker, California Occupational Guide
- Highway maintenance workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Roustabouts, Learn More Resource Center
- Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Supervisors, Construction and Extraction Workers
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