Choosing the Right Carpenter

One thing that I have definitely learned over the last couple of years is that choosing the right carpenter is key to the success of any project. I had no idea that there were so many different types of carpenters; all trained specifically for a particular aspect of woodworking. I thought in this post it might be helpful to define these various types so that choosing the right person for your job might not be so difficult.

Here we go:

A Rough Carpenter is one who does framing, roofing, and other structural or other large-scale work that need not be finely joined or polished in appearance. 

A Framer builds the skeletal structure or framework of buildings. Techniques include balloon framing, stick framing, or timber framing (which may be post-and-beam or mortise-and-tenon framing).

A Roofer specializes in roof construction, concentrating on rafters, beams, and trusses. Naturally, a roofer must be good with heights and have good balance as well as carpentry skills.

A Finish Carpenter is one who does cabinetry, furniture making, fine woodworking, model building, instrument making, parquetry, joinery, or other carpentry where exact joints and minimal margins of error are important.

SHM Designs has been lucky enough to find a incredible finish carpenter for all of our jobs; Mark Strouble. I have talked about him in previous posts but he continues to just amaze me. I  have alot of pictures to show you, but here are a few custom builds he just finished for a client of mine.

This bar is just beautiful!

Look at the wood detail in the glass panels of this built-in.

I love these lockers in the mud room. The detail on the bottom drawers is great.

Incredible curved stairway.

Hope this helps a little when choosing your next carpenter. Can't wait to share more pictures.

Take Care,

Stacy