DIY Builds
Photo by Anna Shvets Pexels Logo Photo: Anna Shvets

Whats the difference between a carpenter and joiner?

Simply put, a joiner constructs items by joining pieces of wood without using metal fasteners, screws or nails. A carpenter will then take these items and fit them on site usually using metal fasteners, screws and nails and carpenter would also undertake tasks such as fitting locks and door furniture.

What is a decent size bedroom?
What is a decent size bedroom?

Standard Bedroom Size The average bedroom size is about 132 square feet while there are bedrooms much larger than even 144 square feet. The basic...

Read More »
What is cheapest but best insulation?
What is cheapest but best insulation?

What is the cheapest Insulation? Fiberglass Insulation tends to be the cheapest on the market.

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Many people wonder what the difference is between joinery and carpentry. More to the point, when you need something made of wood, do you call a joiner or a carpenter?

The thing is, there are lots of similarities between joiners and carpenters. Confusingly, in the UK the use of either term is dependent on location. For example, in the South of England people tend to use the term carpenter whereas in the North of England people prefer to use the term joiner. Joinery and carpentry are both wood-based construction trades. They do share a number of similar skills but there are differences. Understanding these differences will help you decide whether your job needs a joiner or carpenter. Simply put, a joiner constructs items by joining pieces of wood without using metal fasteners, screws or nails. A carpenter will then take these items and fit them on site usually using metal fasteners, screws and nails and carpenter would also undertake tasks such as fitting locks and door furniture. So, if you want a door or a window made or repaired you will require the services of a joiner. If you require the installations of wooden fixtures on site, you will need the services of a carpenter. Another important distinction is that joiners construct items at a bench, in a workshop. Once these items, such as interior and exterior doors, windows, stairs, tables, bookshelves, cabinets and furniture are completed, they are passed to carpenters who use their carpentry skills to install them on site. Furthermore, the equipment used by joiners and carpenters are very different. Joiners are based in workshops and the equipment they use often tends to be large and heavy, such as mains electricity powered saws used to create and cut joints. Carpenters, by comparison, use equipment that are relatively light, portable and can be moved around while on site.

What work do joiners specialise in?

Joinery is a trade that specialises in cutting and fitting joints and wood without screws, nails or metal fasteners. Joiners rely on heavy machinery such as circular saws, lathes and sanding wheels. This machinery is not portable, so joiners do most of their work off-site in a workshop.

Joiners specialise in:

What is a second house called?
What is a second house called?

People sometimes use the terms ""investment property"" and ""second home"" interchangeably to describe real property that isn't their primary...

Read More »
How do you heat and cool a small cabin?
How do you heat and cool a small cabin?

However, there are still many feasible options you might consider to get the right level of warmth. Mini split system. ... Electric heaters. ......

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Making bookshelves and tables

Making window frames

Making interior and exterior doors

Making fitted furniture

Making staircases

What work do carpenters specialise in?

Carpentry is a trade that works with both wood and metal but fitting and joining them together with a variety of materials. Carpenters use portable and lightweight tools, which gives them great flexibility as to where they work. They are often found on-site, assembling and constructing structures.

Carpenters specialise in:

Fitting roof timbers

Fitting partition walls

Fitting floors

Fitting staircases

Fixing window frames

Installing skirting boards

Installing cupboards and shelving

How to choose between joiner and a carpenter?

When deciding between a joiner and a carpenter, the best advice is to pick craftspeople according to their expertise relative to the needs of your project. In many cases, you may decide to hire one of each. For example, if you need a wooden staircase in your house, you might hire a joiner to make it and hire a carpenter to install it. Or if you need a bespoke wooden door, a joiner can do a beautiful job to your exact specifications, and a carpenter can skilfully hang and balance the door in your home to ensure a perfect fit. It’s very common for joiners and carpenters to work together on larger, more complex projects such as building a house or house renovation. Bear in mind that a good joiner will know the basics of carpentry and a good carpenter will know the basics of joinery. But for the best results, remember this simple rule: get the joiner to build it and the carpenter to fit it. Need something made of wood for your home? At Parsons Joinery we can make you all types of custom-make joinery, including wooden windows, wooden doors, wardrobes, bespoke timber furniture and kitchens. We’re on or at enquiries@parsonsjoinery.com to help you with ideas or for a no-obligation quote.

Do you need a shed base on concrete?
Do you need a shed base on concrete?

If you're getting a shed without a built-in floor you're going to need a concrete pad. The walls of your shed will actually get anchored to the...

Read More »
Are pavers cheaper than concrete?
Are pavers cheaper than concrete?

The up-front cost of pavers can run anywhere from $8 to $25 per square foot, while concrete runs about $3 to $6 per square foot. Jul 11, 2022

Read More »
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »
Does a concrete driveway need footings?
Does a concrete driveway need footings?

A concrete slab foundation needs footings in order to: Provide support to the walls of the building built on the foundation. Resist heaving and...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Can I install a garage door myself?
Can I install a garage door myself?

Although you can receive full-service garage door installation from most garage door retailers — which includes disassembling and disposing of your...

Read More »