A finish carpenter’s job entails measuring, cutting, and installing elements of a home or building that will be visible to the owner when they move in. Trim, stairs, siding, roofing, and custom cabinets are examples of these. The knowledge and experience of a good finish carpenter is required in most upper-end homes because even the tiniest discrepancy in the trim and other areas will be noticeable.
Often, the finish carpenter begins his or her career as a rough carpenter. This is the person who constructs the structure’s frame as well as the exterior walls. He may begin to do various types of finish work as he improves his ability to make precise cuts and use precision tools with greater accuracy and detail. Practicing on pieces that will not be used in the home is often a good idea, because items like trim and molding must be finished precisely and with great care.
Occasionally, a carpenter will do both rough and finish work on the same project. This may be more convenient for him because if a separate rough carpenter does not install the walls or flooring to his specifications, he will have a difficult time making up for those errors while installing the trim. He ensures that everything is measured and cut correctly doing both jobs.
Often, a finish carpenter will begin his career as an apprentice to a more experienced carpenter. He’ll probably have to use hand tools, do some rough carpentry work, and pay close attention to how the more complicated jobs are completed. Apprentices are typically paid a low wage for their work, but once properly trained, an experienced finish carpenter can earn a very good living.
A carpenter may also install components that will be visible from the outside of the house in some cases. Siding and roofing materials are examples of this. Both of these items must be installed, and because they will be the first thing that owners notice, they must be done correctly. Although many tradesmen are skilled in multiple areas of construction, additional training or experience may be required to provide these additional services.
In most areas, a finish carpenter is not required to have any kind of specialized formal education. The majority of skills are learned on the job, though this varies location and employer.