Woodworker Vs. Carpenter Vs. Contractor (WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?!)

[@mattdg1981]

Started as an apprentice. Then carpenter. Now I'm a GC. Hope to be able to retire as a woodworker.

[@thesonski93]

what's a GC?

[@warzone822]

@@thesonski93 probebly grand carpenter. Trades have differnt titles to display years of experience and skill in the trade

[@keithmeehan2143]

No it probably stands for general contractor as stated in the video, Matt I have a question for you hopefully you see this, I'm 19 looking into carpentry apprenticeships, I'm just curious how that went for you and how things went once the apprenticeship ended, kinda unsure what to expect

[@kickassclone75]

You aren’t a woodworker unless you get the golden kneepad award from the manhole for the most hardwood turned soft in 60 minutes. Woodworker….lmao people do that as a hobby on the weekends. It’s not that hard.

[@EndlessCampaign]

@@kickassclone75 I think that's the point of retiring as a woodworker. It can be a hobby that is more or less work that you want to put into it in the time you want to, and more fueled by passion for the craft. It doesn't have to be a vicious taskmaster like carpentry or contracting can be.

[@WoodsmokeSelf-Reliance]

A Carpenter from back in the day, like me, wore all 3 hats. My uncle taught me carpentry, then woodworking and as I started my carpentry business in 1980, I wore all three hats. There was no term ‘general contractor’ until the mid-late 80s. In the 90s everyone who worked in construction was suddenly a “contractor.” And the contractors of the era were a joke. Shoddy, half-assed, work. Horrible reputations followed those that claimed to be GCs. Back to a bygone era, true carpenters knew how to perform every aspect of house building. They were referred to as a Housewright or master house builder. I learned my skills in that arena. I learned carpentry, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and even civil engineering. There were very few specialized tradesmen back in those days. The 80s changed everything, some for he better, but most not for the better. Material quality is sorely lacking today, just for one instance.

[@bighands69]

Carpentry tends to mean woodworker. In modern times carpentry started to be associated with construction because they mostly worked in wood.

[@hugehairyfetus]

You describe a problem that pervades Western civilization far beyond the scope of tradesmen, but I think you’re generally correct unfortunately.

[@JonFioro]

Not sure what state you are from (or what planet) but the CSLB was formed in California in 1929, licensing "General Contractors" The term "general contractor" originated in 1540!

[@hugehairyfetus]

@@JonFioro Thank you for that information, but I don't think it's necessary to add the rude comment. In some ways I think it undermines the validity of your point.

[@JonFioro]

@@hugehairyfetus Yes you are absolutely correct on that, I was in a bad mood!!

[@GSchrades]

I know a lot of GC / Contractors that do all carpentry work. Like myself my instance, I call myself a contractor because I have a lot of subs but I do all the carpentry work myself, along with other aspects like flooring, etc etc. But I like this video because it gives a more solid approach for someone like a homeowner who is looking to get work done for projects. A lot of terms can be thrown around in trades.

[@olbabybeard]

So you are a contracting carpenter.

[@GSchrades]

@@olbabybeard nope, more like a self performing GC.

[@olbabybeard]

@@GSchrades so like a carpenting contractor

[@probuilder961]

Yes, sir I'm the same. Been in the business 34 years, 26 on my own. NOT a "Drive-By" contractor. On the job every day doing all the carpentry related work, framing, trim, wood flooring, cabinetry, doors, windows, siding & sometimes painting. I love it.

[@seanmcgrady8688]

My dad did the same. Honest pay!

[@funkophone]

I love how straightforward and plain language your content is.

[@lp1119]

Maybe because he’s not experienced

[@dandixon4034]

👍 thank you, big difference between carpenters and woodworkers, I have been a carpenter all of my life and have done custom trim to perfection as close as it can be, working with wood to the level of woodworking is totally different, I’m trying to get there

[@bighands69]

The words really means the same thing but people know what is meant by a carpenter in that it is construction orientated.

[@nathanrocks2562]

I like that you kept driving home the fact that general contractors DON'T DO THE WORK! They don't. Hell, most of the time they are nowhere to be found.

[@philspd473]

Check the golf course or the bar 👍

[@polrbr734]

I've been trying to explain the same differences to people for years. Well done.

[@bighands69]

Those are American terms. A carpenter is anybody who works with wood but is generally applied to mean a person who works on building houses out of wood or wooden parts of the house such as the roof. Now when people tend to talk about carpenters they are talking about construction but it can just as easily be applied to somebody working with wood.

[@chrisanthony579]

I see so many owners getting into "trouble" when the act as their own GC's. They just don't have enough knowledge to put all the parts and pieces together when it comes to managing subcontractors. Often times they end up spending a whole lot more money not using a GC.

[@dirtfloorgarage8489]

That helped a lot. I’m trying to get my life together little by little and wood working has been an interest of mine for a while. I didn’t know there was that big of a difference

[@taylormorgan4881]

This answered all of my questions! Great video, best I’ve seen, covers all three clearly in one place and you made it concise. Super helpful for me on the start of my building journey.

[@GregPaxson]

Love the videos. Ive been a union carpenter in manhatten for 10 years specializing in ceilings. My only other job before that was a siding mechanic and window and door installer... also a carpenters job. But I do dable with some woodworking in my garage. Mostly just building tables chairs and cabinets for some side money. Keep the videos coming . I love the short informative style of your stuff. Thank you.

[@elvan12581]

Is there more money in carpeting or woodwork ?

[@waynesligar5948]

I've been all 3 and i know exactly what you are saying and now I'm disabled i like woodworking but i have to go very slow, my lower back is messed up

[@elvan12581]

May I ask how old are you? I'm 39 and plan to start out either as a woodworker or carpenter. Just can't decide what will age better with me

[@dylanprice1978]

Wood worker.

[@willbee6785]

Respect, you’ve been there. It’s the sore lower back I respect most. 🔨🪚

[@chrisburns5691]

@@elvan12581 interior finishing carpentry is a good one. Woodworking as well. something like building and installing millwork is a good mix of the two.

[@johnhulsker9123]

Three major spinal surgeries and another coming up,

[@drewclancy5174]

This is possibly the be the best video clarifying the different roles regarding people who might be hired to cut a piece of wood for some reason.

[@2935441]

Thank you. this is something that has puzzled me for a long time.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

You're welcome, F Rep! I've found myself explaining it to so many clients over the years, I knew I wanted to make a video on it eventually just to kind of have it out there on permanent record. I'm glad it was helpful!

[@josef56]

You left me out! Cabinetmaker, millworker! LOL! In tech college we teased the carpenters. We measure with calipers and they measure with wooden shoes! Danish humor!

[@natas0733]

Im an ironworker. Somebody once asked me if i iron clothing all day... i was like 👉 bingo!

[@danielson1037]

lol 😂 when I tell people I’m a carpenter they say, “so like, you put carpet in?”.

[@calf1100]

too funny

[@dekana.h]

Love the video, it's nice to finally get an answer to this topic. I'm from Germany and as an apprentice we had a discussion about our job title in our english class and we weren't quite sure if we would count as woodworkers or carpenters or joiners and after watching this I have to say, we count as both? :D As it turned out there is a different distribution and overlap of who does what as a woodworker/carpenter to the german equivalent Tischler/Schreiner and Zimmerer. I guess to put it simple you could say: Here the Tischler or Schreiner, depending on what region you live in, does most of what a woodworker does but also takes care of for example building drywalls, windows, doors or flooring. That leads to specialized titels later on as Bau-Tischler (On Site Constrution) or Möbel-Tischler (furniture). On the other hand the Zimmerer do mostly (house) constructions but not necessarily smaller repairs, depending on what needs repairing. Construction companies will therefore also offen have both types of Zimmerer and (Bau)Tischler to cover all types of oncoming work that need to be done on-site. I guess you could say a Möbel Tischler leans more toward woodworking, a Bau Tischler is somewhere in between and a Zimmerer is more of a carpenter.

[@simplycampervanconversions]

Great video I’m using this lock down to start my own woodworking journey. Keep the videos coming they’re really helping me.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you Simply Rustic! I'll keep making them. Good luck with the projects, and work safe!

[@simplycampervanconversions]

Little late for that, currently nursing a table saw injury lucky to have my thumb! 🤦‍♂️

[@jamesakaster2632]

Simply Rustic By Stearman and Sons KZbin great work and ouch watch those tables saws! Dangerous tool if used incorrectly!

[@sarahshelly6153]

Simply Rustic By Stearman and Sons KZbin good look and ye stay safe. No more injuries I hope.

[@simplycampervanconversions]

James Akaster thanks and yes safety first from now on. Learned a valuable lesson.

[@MyUnquenchableThirst]

Another way to think about woodworker is an older term; Joiner. they typically don't use nails and screws, they use joinery.

[@vikassm]

This is a good description 👍

[@gellotion]

Not to be confused with a jointer.

[@blakestone1432]

Idk most woodworkers are using kreg joins these days so I disagree

[@mavenfeliciano1710]

@@blakestone1432 exactly what I was going to write. A lot of nails and screws get used. Too much machine work, not enough hand tool usage, at least not commercially ("professionally") because time is money and most customers are not willing to pay for the extra time when it could be done quicker and just as effective, usually.

[@blakestone1432]

@@mavenfeliciano1710 I am reclaiming old Mennonite furniture and even that is made with Kreg jigs. If even those guys are no longer doing joinery then it may really be a lost skill.

[@Nellz_OTH]

Perfectly explained appreciate you. Now I know I’m a sub-contractor!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@JohnD-JohnD]

Could take that 1 more step and break down different woodworking skill sets as well. Just because someone is a woodworker, doesn't mean they can make everything.. Takes different tools/skills to make tables vs cabinets vs pens, etc.. My wood shop can make tables, shelves, etc.. but I don't get into making cabinets and doors too much due to the space needed. The tools needed by a woodworker are also MUCH more expensive as well, and the market for hand made things like tables is slim because people don't understand it takes 40+ hours over a couple weeks to build a simple table... (Most of that time is planing, sanding, and finishing)

[@janderson8401]

For a carpenter to work directly for a customer in Connecticut one must be either a registered home improvement contractor or a registered home builder. Therefore I am both a carpenter and a Home improvement contractor. When I started almost forty years ago there were still contractors who had employees who were carpenters, masons, or laborers. We did a number of jobs where the only things subbed out were the plumbing, electrical, and sometimes the drywall. Very educational, seeing how everything went together from the footings to the roof.

[@Boz1211111]

Thats how it works here mostly

[@DRCE777]

4:20 Here in the Philippines, Sometimes GCs have a small team of people that exclusively belongs to them and not the subs, I call them "Admin Crew" most often they use these guys to do take over tasks when there are conflicts with the scope of work of the subs and they don't want to do a specific part of the work that they think might not belong to them (it depends on the situation), OR when the subs fuck up on something they send these "Take over crew" to do it for them liquidate the damages. Sorry for my english btw.

[@Blah-blah-sure]

Thank You! Last year when I wanted a closet built I asked the person about which one they were from a professional standpoint they never answered my question & asked me 2 take pics of the area? When I asked them again, they hung up on me.

[@godmode3359]

I have been at this a good long time now and I have been asked this by more students than I can recall. This is the answer I have been giving since the early 80s...For the most part any "good" wood worker can frame a house, or a deck, or a set of stairs, but ask a carpenter for a baroque rocking chair and see what you get...It takes only a year or two to be a good carpenter, it can take years of being a good carpenter to become a mediocre wood worker. Think of wood workers as masters of wood. Carpenters use the wood to build things, engineers use the shape of wood to design things, wood workers can do just that, work the wood. They can shape it, change it, mold it bend it, and turn it into something it was never designed to be. To a wood worker a 2x4 doesn't have to be a stick. It can be anything we dream it to be from a wagon wheel to a patio to a complex machine of moving parts. I have no doubt some young journeyman will not agree with me on this but that's just my opinion on the differences.

[@zackmeeker3334]

I think your opinion hit the nail on the head bud. But I'm sure someone will

[@bighands69]

The main difference is that woodworkers tend to make things and carpenters tend to fit things. Now this is generalization. The word carpenter means the same thing as woodworker.

[@sevenspineiii7524]

It takes a year or two to be a good carpenter? Wow... you really have no basis for that. Hire a carpenter with a year experience to build your house and see what you get. It takes four years to become a journeyman and thats a basic entry level guy that still needs supervision. Keep building your rocking chairs lol.

[@sonyameangwie9737]

@@sevenspineiii7524 That's disheartening. Even if you work your ass off? Bummer.

[@danatkins8240]

I don’t know what sort of carpenters you have there, but you don’t get acceptable never mind good in a couple of years....

[@lotsofwood]

I was a union carpenter and we almost never touched wood. We installed metal frame windows in skyrises and did exterior panel systems. When I was a Carpenter for a contractor he expected me to do tile, plumbing and heating and electrical work. Now I do timberwright work.

[@lotsofwood]

What you call a "woodworker" we call cabinet or furniture makers.

[@MoranGuyVideos]

As a DIY , I can say that I'm doing a bit carpentry (building a fence / shed) , woodworking (building end table / chairs / shelves, etc.) and contact with tradesmen .... nice to know that difference between them :-)

[@bighands69]

The truth is there is no real difference between the words. People generally know what somebody means when they use the word.

[@mavenfeliciano1710]

@@bighands69 absolutely not. When I first started I was completely confused, and it seems not only people who are not in the trades, but even people who are still don't know the difference. Though it is true carpentry technically mean working with wood, the standard definition in the actual trades deals with structural material and fasteners, etc., whereas woodworking is nonstructural. Did you even watch the video?

[@bighands69]

@@mavenfeliciano1710 People generally understand that a carpenter is somebody who works in construction wood working such as building house frames or fittig roofs. A Woodworker and Carpenter means the same thing. A woodworker is anybody who works with wood and can apply to those that are carpenters. It is like the term film and movie.

[@Xxjoeynumber1xX]

Same thing happens in "Masonry" A lot of different specific trades within it. Some guys can lay brick and block but have no idea what to do with stone. Or concrete guys getting calls for a fireplace. A lot of specialized work in any specific trade

[@kbenk108]

inside the woodworker category there are gradations like the joiner - window frames, door frames, stairs, cupboards/kitchen cabinets & the cabinet maker - makes high-end furniture

[@Saladon89]

i had a general contractor renovate my house, he did the work himself with a few workers under him, demo, framing, sheet rock, painting, etc. Was much cheaper than to hire ppl who specialized in each of these fields. he said he also does plumbing and electrical, but i hired others who specialized in these fields since i considered those the most intricate work and will cost a lot down the road if its not done right

[@mimosveta]

this was interesting. I'm not native english speaker, so I usually used to say my grandpa was a carpenter. but from your story, it turns out he was mostly woodworker.

[@1988dgs]

“Woodworker” as a maker is an American term, in the UK foresters are “woodworkers”, the name for a maker of small wooden items would be a “cabinet maker”

[@kodoan411]

40 years ago, Carpenters used to be either "rough" or "finish" carpenters. Rough carpenters were usually younger, less experienced - the guys laying foundation, framers, roofers, etc. Drywall and stucco were usually the "experienced" rough carpenters. Finish carpenters were usually older guys that "graduated" to stuff like trim work, installing cabinets & countertops, etc.

[@bighands69]

It is just two different specialism and you can find people that do both. A Glazier fits windows but you could just as easily find a carpenter who does that or a joiner.

[@kodoan411]

@Francis Marion Foundation work is where I started on the job as a kid - and I mean a kid - I was 14! Paid under the table - nobody cared as long as I didn't complain or get hurt. There was usually one guy reading off of blue prints and laying string lines. The rest of us were newbies with 4 lb sledges and set the forms, the ties, etc. The 'one guy" (foreman or sometimes just the contractor) inspected after. If it was good to go, the cement truck came in and we laid concrete in the forms. After it set, we removed the 2x12 forms. It was very hard work but a monkey could do it (or newbie 14 year old). Back then, nobody did slab foundations. I think it was superior in many ways. Plumbers and electricians had crawl spaces to work. However, it did require more skill to lay out the lines. I did a fair amount of drywall too. This was before "drywall screws". We used a small finish hammer and "drywall nails". Afterwards, the more talented guys did the tape and mud - that actually took some talent! Screw that up and you'll see it forever once it was painted. Sometimes, we threw "orange peel" on the drywall. "Tape and texture". I always felt like a pro when I got to do that! I think the reason that the "experienced" rough carpenters did more drywall and stucco wasn't a question of requiring more talent so much as it was less physical labor. Some parts did require talent but, in general, newbies did the grunt work, experienced guys did the less back breaking stuff. In general, if it was stupid grunt work, it went to the enthusiastic newbie. If it required finesse, the "older hands" did it.

[@brucemou1]

Contractor: promises job completion 3-6 months before actual completion.

[@JWHEdwards]

Isn't that the truth! Watch the movie "The Money Pit" 1986 a comedy too close to the truth. See if the phrase "Two Weeks" sounds familiar?

[@Owieczkin]

...berates trades people for working too slowly, a part of the team quits, job completion is delayed further. Rinse and repeat xD

[@timmitchell5588]

Nice vid james. Yes you can't bet a good Carpenter, I've been one for over 40yesrs. Great to hear from our American brothers. All the best cobber. Love from Australia. 🤗

[@GentlemanH]

Thanks for these comments. Is anyone familiar with the term "Project Manager" - this is a person who has organizing skills and people skills but not necessarily "hands on" skills. I agree that many fellows fall between these descriptions or do both simultaneously.

[@chrisburns5691]

yes, I've known many. Typically the best ones are those who were carpenters, or did the hands on work, enough to actually know what the work entails, beyond scheduling the people who do the work.

[@garycarpenter2932]

i was a remodeling carpenter who did tile(s) work, including 'mud' walls and floors, flooring, plumbing, electrical, roofing, siding, windows, framing, flat and footing work. drew my own plans, sold the jobs, dealt with the inspectors, customers, my guys, and those i contracted out to on my jobs. now i'm getting older, so a woodworker who makes jewelry boxes, bird houses/feeders, cabinets et. al. (on a small scale) what an interesting life. oh, worked on all my own vehicles too. insatiable need for knowledge. i get calls now to show up and teach people how to do their own work. nothing like the trades. it's really too bad kids just don't seem to want to work anymore.

[@stephenwilliams163]

I was taught to build houses by my uncles who are general contractors that also do the framing.

[@Deebles_Star]

I generally work as a cabinet maker, and sometimes furniture. Many people think those skills will automatically translate to rough carpentry. Sometimes it's like softball vs baseball, sometimes baseball vs cricket.

[@roberthesse157]

I've built cabinets and concrete forms, jewelry boxes and houses. I've bid jobs and run crews for others. I just consider myself a carpenter because I work with wood.

[@mavenfeliciano1710]

Most people title themselves on what they do most, but it does bring confusion to those not in the industry, or even in the industry because of this isn't generally discussed. Not sure about formal training, but about half the trade population doesn't have formal training. A lot of people learn on the job.

[@roberthesse157]

@@mavenfeliciano1710 I was also in the carpenters union for 30 years which has a 4 year apprenticeship. Besides the classes at the apprenticeship school they learn on the job which is in my opinion the best way to learn. There's no better way to learn that beats working beside an experienced journeyman.

[@jamesholder5613]

Super helpful! Is there a best way to get training and experience as a carpenter while still working a separate full-time job?

[@itsIouie]

Hey man. I'm guessing you have 2 days off working full time? Use those 2 days to pick up small gigs. Look at it as a paid hobby on the side for yourself. Even just 2 days every week, will start giving you the work experience and knowledge you gain over time. You'll start recognizing the same hardware pieces for different items to assemble. You'll start learning the proper tools and equipment needed for whatever job you take on and so on. A little bit goes a long way.

[@donalddean2113]

Outstanding!!! Thank you for breaking it down for us, well done.

[@damianooi8261]

I am 33 this year and I would like to change career to this... Where do I start? Recently attended one day basic woodwork workshop and I loved it. I have built a crate with my own hands

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Hey Damian, check out your local community college! That’s the best path towards getting into the trades, which can be difficult otherwise. Good luck!

[@morriskuria6595]

Jolly good explanation mate. Thanks alot u cleared the air for me there. Especially on the part of the contractor.

[@Hoellewood_Solutions]

Having a hard time defining myself. I do Contractor work cause my father is an architect and contractor, but I also do various carpentry work, drywall, specialized repairs, and I even do some welding and fabrication. I also make furniture and small objects at home. My specialty is definitely carpentry, but I’ve even made money on things as far as leatherwork.

[@Hoellewood_Solutions]

I also do maintenance work for one of my clients. Sometimes some minor electric and plumbing. GC seems close, but I’m not really licensed as one, granted I would like to get my GC, at least a B license. I’m also into recycling and repurposing.

[@acarpentersson8271]

Depends on the day as to whether or not I am a woodworker or carpenter. I would work in the shop nearly every day if it was possible. The only thing I would leave the shop to do is trim and built-in closets, cabinets and mantle pieces. But, I end up doing it all.

[@BillHartCooks.]

I am a professional project manager. (Contractor) But I like to Make things. (Woodworker... Maker, because i make things but not always out of wood.) Sometimes I make things that are big, made onsite, with portable tools. (Carpenter.) Professionally I am a project manager. And I some times use contactors to do part of a project, that requires multiple steps that use multiple trades. But in my spare time I make things that make me or someone who I love/like happy.... MAKER! Just my opinion. But I very much like yours too.

[@elizabethhood3263]

Just started watching your channel... Very good... I would love to see you do a video on what a " handy man" is.... because thats how I get my work... And as a result have run in to some minor trouble....

[@frenstcht]

"...whom to call...." I heard that! Nice. That's one of those little things that does wonders for one's credibility.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

🤓

[@haifamarkets3561]

Thanks for clearing this out. I have a question though, who makes more money?? which one is easier, carpenter work or woodworking work? I like wood and would like to enter in either one of those. Thanks again

[@jonasostrich6381]

Thank you for the helpful video. But what means a joiner in comparison with the other designations?

[@gellotion]

Shop Craftsperson is my actual job title. I build sets for TV and Movies, which involves framing, trim work, making windows, doors, cabinets, furniture, etc. There's a high level of precision required, but being that we work mainly with pine I feel I'm a level below woodworkers who regularly work with finer hardwoods.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

That’s interesting, d b! As sort of a repair carpenter who took interesting commissions when they came along over the years (wardrobes, doors, built-ins), I feel the same way. Cool job!

[@gellotion]

@@TheHonestCarpenter thanks for the reply. I really love the job! After years of home improvements and renovations its great to not have to pitch jobs, look for clients, hire guys who don't show up/drink on the job/text all day, write estimates and bills, chase checks, shop for materials, load the truck, etc. The ONLY downside is that I miss all of the other parts of the job... drywall, taping, tile, plumbing and electrical, painting, etc. Now I'm just a carpenter.

[@ruefulquail5071]

This is a nice breakdown. I am a woodworker and I hate getting asked to build something permanent into a house or expected to know how to build a deck/fence. I tell clients they need a carpenter and they just look at me like I am crazy.

[@trampisporter5477]

Good information; but you left out jointers! This is an old term and might be only regionally used now. But a Jointer builds the house and the the doors, windows, trim, cabinets, and wooden furniture all on site.

[@rigobertuzo7828]

What's the category of the cabinet maker? I'm thinking that the one who builds the cabinets is the woodworker, the one who installs them is the carpenter, and the one who got the job is the contractor. Is this correct? Also, can it be done by one person? Thanks for the video, it was really helpful!

[@richarddaugherty8583]

Great video! My question is where does a Handyman fit in? Seems like that would be a Jack-of-all-Trades kind of thing. What say you?

[@rtgray7]

Is a plumber or electrician a separate category from a carpenter or a sub-category?

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Totally different categories, Wang. They’re specialty trades, or technical trades. They also tend to make a lot more than carpenters.

[@rtgray7]

@@TheHonestCarpenter I always wondered about that. Thanks! You're content is so helpful.

[@natehoover5266]

I've never really knew what to call myself. My specialties are siding, roofing, windows, doors, decks and gutter. Basically home exteriors from decks to roofs but I do a lot of flooring and kitchen and bath remodeling and some painting and minor drywall repair. I hate the term handyman because I feel like it has a negative connotation....like I'm not a skilled tradesman. And I feel like carpenters deal mostly in wood and the exterior stuff I'm most skilled at is mostly comprised of vinyl, aluminum and other materials.

[@patrickkimberlin3209]

I've always said woodworking is to the 32nd", carpentry is to the 1/4", contractors, they use the "eye"crometer....

[@carlomiranda3799]

34 year old self taught Woodworker going to vocational school to learn Carpentry. I love creating and building things.

[@bighands69]

The main difference between woodworking and carpentry is that a woodworker makes things and a carpenter tends to fit them. The two words actually mean the same thing but people understand what is generally meant by a carpenter and that they tend to work in construction.

[@jomichat1975]

You certainly made it perfectly clear. Thanks.

[@topsaw]

I teach high school woodshop and also a contractor. The program name changes depending on the times but the skills are all pretty much the same.

[@joshuabauwens5816]

I'm from Belgium and a woodworker here makes more than what you say, your right that the don't work in the fields but a lot of things that carpenter places is maked by a woodworker, like doors,windows and stares.

[@DRCE777]

3:46 Majority of times this happens in the Philippines mostly but not limited to projects involving residential houses. Saves A LOT of money in my experience.

[@ImALefty08]

There are a lot, and I mean A LOT, of frauds though. Those who call themselves "carpenter" but know very little when it comes to doing the actual job and don't really know quality if it hit them in the face. That's why I forced myself to learn how to do things on my own and became a woodworker. I've had many bad experiences with those people enough to last me a lifetime.

[@amya7778]

One of my cabinets was damaged and removed. I kept the doors and drawers to the kitchen cabinets before they were thrown out. I would like to find someone to build a cabinet to match my others exactly. Who would i call? A carpenter or a contractor? I also need some floor moulding.

[@chrisburns5691]

call a millwork shop. If you can find the original builder of the cabinets ,that would be best. But a custom shop should be able to do it.

[@bighands69]

@Alice alice I would suggest getting either a kitchen fitter or cabinet maker in to do the work.

[@ricksargent8754]

Since you’re talking about the subject, you might want to tell people to check local laws. In the states where I am licensed to contract, Hawaii and California you can’t just hire a Carpenter that’s not a contractor to frame your house. You can hire a handyman to do work if the cost of the materials and labor is under a certain dollar amount typically $500-$1000 total.

[@davidrowe8747]

Very interesting video. Ethan, do you use the term "joiner" in the US? It's one we use here in the UK. I *think* a joiner puts together the bits of timber (lumber) that a carpenter then assembles on-site - but I'm not 100% sure!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Hey David, joiner doesn’t get used much in the states! I think it was common earlier in the 1900’s here, but somehow got phased out. Maybe I can revive here on the channel 😄

[@chrisburns5691]

here in Canada they are different trades- The Joinery trade, and the Carpentry trade. Joinery is cabinet making and other shop woodworking/millwork. Carpentry is the building on site. There is some overlap- installing millwork, doors and mouldings, could be done by either.

[@bighands69]

@David Rowe A carpenter was classically somebody who worked with wood either to build houses, boats, farm fences, bridges and so on. Today a carpenter tends to means somebody who works in construction constructing a building. In the UK there are Bench Joiners who make things such as a table, fence, gate, doors, windows and so on. Carpenters would actually fit these things on site such as hanging a door or fitting a roof. Now just to complicate things more there are also Carpenters and Joiners as one trade in the UK but it tends to be aimed at carpenters who fit things but also make them as well. An example would be a person who makes a set of stairs and then fits those exact same stairs or somebody who maybe makes a bench and then does the build in.

[@audibleadventures9004]

You're right but in the trade no one uses the term carpenter you're just called a joiner or chippy.

[@chuckfinley5206]

But some of us woodworkers can do almost anything. I use to install flooring one day and other days install cabinets. Sometimes you may see me installing cabinets but making a custom piece at home. My box truck is what I call a shop in wheels. I would always rather be at home building things like tables or cabinets. The carpentry stuff was what paid the bills.

[@splitlip100]

Joiners work slowly in MM and inches, Carpenters work fast in inches and GC's don't know the different.

[@catfishcave379]

So a cabinetmaker is a specific type of woodworker? This was were helpful. I’ve usually had contractors who were both woodworkers and carpenters so I was always confused on the differences.

[@andrewgarratt5191]

Catfish Cave A cabinet maker is not a woodworker,but a woodworker can build you cabinets if you are uber-rich and like to show off.... The modern day production cabinet maker couldn’t tell you the difference between black walnut and cocobolo. They are more like trim carpenters who’s dads left them a lot of money when they died...for broadly speaking it is not an art,it is operating machines and nail guns,strictly production,no art,and doing what a computer print out tells you to do. This world has all but completely erased woodworkers with the exception of hobbyists,dabblers,and part-timers.

[@chrisburns5691]

here in Canada the trade is known as "joinery" and is a 4 year apprenticeship, similar to carpentry. They will build cabinets, also desks and other millwork- custom doorframes and sometimes doors, bookshelves, whatever else is spec'd by the customer, often for a commercial job, or say built ins for a customer. They may install all this as well, there is some overlap between a joiner and carpenter.

[@aadittoshen]

Interesting take-home for me, from this video, is how the same words in a "language" can have different meanings - given a different cultural/ social milieu! I come from a country with 25+ officially declared "National" languages, with as many dialects or more, to each of them - where each language is completely alien to the next! However, being an erstwhile 'Colony' of the British Empire, ENGLISH is *still* one of the two "Official Languages of the Union Government" - and, it is also the "bridge" language that we use to communicate *between* those 25 (x25) language-speaking communities! But, in "INDIAN ENGLISH" (that's actually an official term now!) - we refer to these three words in a RELATED, but curiously DIFFERENT sense... And the REASON behind that - I think - is mostly related to climatic/ socio-cultural factors! For us ~ "Woodworker" = Crafts-person who works with wood "Carpenter" = Person who builds things with wood "Contractor" = Person who organises OTHER workers to get a project executed [BUT, more often than not, is ORIGINALLY a worker himself - who did "well enough" to climb "up the ladder"!] Though, at first that seems exactly the same as what you described in this video... HOWEVER, in a tropical country like India - houses are almost NEVER MADE OF WOOD!!! So, a "Carpenter" here MOSTLY makes FURNITURES/ CABINETS/ DOORS/ WINDOWS... But then again, in rural areas - where houses are still made of earthen cob structures - the ROOFS have wooden/ bamboo gratings. And the SAME "Carpenters", who generally build furniture, do that work too! A "woodworker" in my culture - on the other hand - is someone who does really "crafty" work... like a sculptor who uses wood as a medium - or, at most, a person who makes "refined" wooden stuff - that basically can sit on a table.

[@kennethmatondi3981]

I have worked as a site supervisor for 3 different remodeling companies. When I gave my notice to 2 of them I said “ I have forgotten more about good building practices than you will ever know”. Example Company owner. “Ken can you build a new set of stairs, ie skirts , risers , oak treads etc…….OVER the old. You can’t make this shit up. Don’t get me started on architects and so called designers!!!!

[@danielcolley7230]

I do all these things and I'm proud to call myself a carpenter

[@rickjack78]

I need a carpenter badly in Dallas, but can't find anything but renovation companies. What's a good service to find pro carpenters locally?

[@black_dragon-carpentry]

Carpenter = a person who works with wood or joinery (even rebar tying) mainly works with information from architects and engineers. Wood worker = a carpenter that typically does non structural work. Mainly works with information from architects. Contractor is some one who deals with work related contracts. Typically initiating jobs and carrying insurance and bonds. All carpenters woodworkers contractors deal with material.... Not exclusively wood anymore ( solid surface, drywall, metals below a certain thickness)

[@elvan12581]

I'm not sure if I could start a career in Woodworth or carpeting can you help me figure this out. I do like the quiet and focus work of woodworkers. But which one pays better in the long run? Oh and also I'm 39 years old.

[@jameskollmann3616]

go for woodworking taking a job on a production framing crew would kill you

[@mavenfeliciano1710]

As a extra, you could add some more confusing yet relating titles of the laborers and remodelers. Labors do most of the repeated simple tasks, but some also are jack of all trades kind of people. Remodelers are somewhere between a carpenter, jack of all trades, and laborers that work mainly in home renovations, doing framing, masonry, trim, foundation, pretty much any building aspect except, generally, most plumbing and electrical, though some basics may be done occasionally. What is also confusing as you mentioned yourself, is the overlap. Some people do both woodworking and carpentry, or GC and carpentry, or all three, etc.

[@homefrontforge]

I wear all three hats, plus a number of other trade skills. I find it amusing when people assume winter is my slow time. My slow time is when I don't answer my phone.

[@curtiswilliams7638]

Back a hundred years ago a carpenter had a much bigger responsiblity because most cases they had to custom build kitchen cabinets out of wood, requiring alittle bit of woodworking knowledge so cool the old school guys!

[@Whistlin10Speed]

Some GCs do self perform a lot of work in some cases

[@ZagPC]

The good ones do XD

[@andrewgarratt5191]

I’ve met one....once.

[@randybartlett3042]

That was good. So, in your way of thinking... if I construct the major pieces of a build-in, then take them to a jobsite and install them. Is that all trim carpentry or some woodworking and some trim carpentry?

[@cas1557]

Sooo...breaking through these descriptions I understood it like that: The contractor is kind of an architect or the boss of a building company or something like this,managing every trade on the construction... The carpenter makes the big constructions like the support for a house but can also go down to bigger furniture like a joiner...? And the woodworker varies from making furniture,windows and doors like a joiner or doing even more precise things like a turner? Me myself being a german apprentice as a joiner...like these 3 words seem to vary decently sooo...we germans have more precise names for all of that so no one ever confuses these trades

[@MarioChavenet-im9dx]

Thanks you very much for this video.

[@ALLworldCONSTRUCTIONLLC]

I’m a GC and do all three. I don’t agree with your GC description. GC do know how to do the work, and they can/did… but reached a new level after years of hard work. To get a GC license, you need a four year apprenticeship… you don’t need those for yours for the other two

[@sdkid6059]

Licensing & Building Permits are also a consideration ?? Depending on your local area, a GC may need to sign off on some projects for insurance or local building code purposes ?? Legal issues. Just as you described with needing a Structural Engineer. Rural America may consider projects differently, on a farm for example, maybe. Barn or shed that you tried to build, & failed on your own property may be different to even begin planning to build. Otherwise, if your "homemade" fence falls down on your neighbor's car, & no permit, you're in trouble ?? Woodworker like me, if your table falls down, hey, I tried . Tried to make something aesthetically pleasing, not withstand forces of nature & gravity; need a Pro for that, a licensed one maybe as well. Thanks.

[@daveclark8337]

I've got a neighbor that's a Woodworker. He spends countless hours in his garage building chess boards and bird houses. Meanwhile his actually house is crumbling all around him in disrepair. I could gut and remodel his entire kitchen (which really needs it) in the time he spends making one jewelry box.

[@blakestone1432]

Ok, so?

[@Elkompamando]

Would woodworkers and finished carpentry fall under the same umbrella?

[@13elad49]

Thank you for the clarification!

[@MarioChavenet-im9dx]

❤❤❤❤ thanks you very much for this video.

[@anthonytrujillo4415]

You hit the nail on the head

[@kodoan411]

I see what you did there...

[@johnkelley9877]

That explains a lot. Thanks for sharing this.

[@557ronb9]

so now I still don't know what I am, lol I frame, build decks, install windows and siding, as well as roofing electrical, plumbing, tile work, dry wall, and build cabinets, and lay flooring, ect, ect, and for the most part work alone. I am good at what I do and own all my own tools. I am always busy....to busy...people love my work.

[@elizabethhood3263]

I feel like some people also can confuse handy men with general contractors.... and have unrealistic expectations for the completion of large multi faceted projects in the time frame they are hoping for.... They like the hourly rate but fail to recognize the fact that for the most part you're the only guy who is actually physically going to perform the work... which obviously will take longer than a team, or multiple teams for that matter

[@joseraygoza7808]

I'm a mill worker, cabinet maker, Installer, finish carpenter and a wood worker. What does that make me?

[@sebastianibanez2808]

Very well explained. Thanks !

[@jesseback3536]

So I'm a carpenter? I learned something new today.

[@frostyfiveoh8334]

dude again I love your videos but I have been working as a slab to finish guy and I want to become a carpenter but I have been UTT since i was in highschool....

[@glennlienhop342]

You can call me a carpenter or Contractor or wood worker I do it all but don't call me late for dinner ! 😂

[@sonyameangwie9737]

So you can do both? Awesome.

[@chaselee86]

How about joiners? Is this term obsolete?

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

We just don’t use it in the US much anymore! But I think it’s still fairly popular amongst tradespeople in the UK. 🙂

[@jaynelson5793]

After many years, they melt into each other. That is when you become a Master Carpenter. Take Norm Abram for instance.

[@novabrown4405]

came here to make sure i was signing up for the right class (carpentry and masonry)

[@gellotion]

Weird that they're combined. I'm a carpenter who's worked with masons. They're a whole other breed