What’s The Difference Between Carpentry And Construction?
If you have a creative streak and a flair for design then you might be keen to get into construction work. The jobs within this field require a keen eye for detail and someone who is good at practical, hands-on work. However, many of the job titles can seem pretty similar and this leaves people feeling confused about what it is they actually want to do. So, what’s the difference between carpentry and construction?
A construction worker is more of a general worker who is typically employed by a construction company. Their day to day tasks may change depending on the needs of the site. These tasks could include digging holes, filling, moving tools, operating equipment and erecting scaffolding. On the other hand, a carpenter is a more skilled worker who specialises in fitting wooden components such as window frames, roof structures, doors, staircases and flooring.
It is not uncommon for a construction worker to assist various people working in different trades. One day they may be helping out a carpenter while the next, they may be assisting an electrician. In any case, this is a less senior role and a carpenter has the potential to earn a much higher income. In this guide, we will be comparing carpentry to several other jobs so that you have a clearer idea of the role of each.
What’s The Difference Between Carpentry And Woodworking?
A carpenter works with wood; so this must be the same as a woodworker, right? Well, that’s not quite the case and often why people become so confused when looking at the different trades.
A woodworker is considered by many to be a much more artistic job. These people will make inventive items such as clocks, workbenches and cabinets, among other things. They’ll usually use hand tools and the work is very intricate.
On the flip side, a carpenter has a role that is more dedicated to functional work. They will normally be found on a construction site installing things that have already been made, potentially by a woodworker. They focus more on structures like roofs and frames for houses although many carpenters will also have woodworking skills.
What’s The Difference Between Carpentry And Millwork?
While it may seem obvious, millwork refers to any kind of woodwork that has been produced in a mill. This could be anything from flooring, crown moulding, wall panels and doors. According to definition, millwork is any wooden object manufactured at a lumber mill.
Carpentry differs from this in that the carpenter does not make the wooden objects but rather installs or fits them on site. However, once again, both careers involve working with the same materials and often some of the same tools.
What’s The Difference Between Carpentry And Masonry?
Working in construction, you will come across a lot of skilled people who specialise in different areas. One way to determine who is who is to think about the type of material they work with. It’s evident by now that a carpenter specialises in wood and installing fixtures made from this material.
However, a mason does not work with wood at all. These skilled professionals work with stone, brick or tile as well as some other natural materials. They build several different types of structure which include chimneys, walls, walkways and fences, among other things. You may sometimes hear a mason being referred to as a bricklayer which is a much more common, and modern term.
What’s The Difference Between Carpentry And Joinery?
Where working with wood is concerned, it isn’t uncommon for people to misunderstand the various jobs within this trade. Joinery is commonly confused with carpentry but it’s important to keep in mind that they are separate jobs. That said, the two professions need to work closely together as both are just as important when it comes to constructing larger structures such as buildings.
Joiners, as their name may suggest, are responsible for literally ‘joining’ wood and this is largely done in a workshop. They are highly skilled and trained in making the joints to various projects such as window frames, doors and even bigger structures like staircases. In addition, a joiner is very skilled when it comes to making fitted furniture.
A carpenter is not usually found in a workshop, although some more advanced carpenters may have previously worked in joinery and have a knowledge of this, having then furthered their knowledge to move on to carpentry. These professionals are responsible for fitting the things that the joiner has made. They are able to install staircases, window frames, cupboards, shelving and floors to name a few things.
What’s Better; Joiner Or Carpenter?
Both carpentry and joinery require skill and attention to detail so it would be difficult to say that one job was better than the other or that one worker was superior. The type of work that you need to be done will determine the best person for the job.
For example, if you require someone to build a wooden fixture then you would opt for a joiner. On the other hand, if you wanted someone to install a fixture that had already been crafted, you would need the skills of a carpenter.
In terms of which job is more financially viable, a carpenter is considered to be a more senior role so the salary is typically greater. In the UK, the average salary for a joiner is around £31,000 whereas a carpenter may earn around £36,000 per year on average.
Related Article: What Tools Does A Carpenter Need The Complete List
Conclusion
There are a lot of different job roles within the construction industry and if you’re considered a new career, it’s important to understand what each of these roles involves. A carpenter is a highly skilled job but it is often confused with things like joinery and woodworking. The main role of a carpenter is to install wooden fixtures and fittings on a larger scale. This may include things like installing wooden flooring, fitting furniture and installing staircases and window frames.