What is the Difference Between Carpentry and Joinery?

What is the Difference Between Carpentry and Joinery?

When planning a woodworking project, there are two key disciplines to consider: carpentry and joinery. Both have their own applications, but what’s the difference? And which one do you need?

Learning the difference between these two woodworking trades is key to getting the right expert for the job. Let’s take a closer look at carpentry and joinery to help you make the best choice for your project.

What Sets Carpentry and Joinery Apart?

While carpenters and joiners both specialise in working with wood, they often contribute to different aspects of a project. Here are their key differences:

What is Carpentry?

Carpenters typically work on-site, specialising in the construction, installation, and repair of the wooden structural elements of a building. This includes various tasks such as:

• Construction of roof trusses, joists, and wall frameworks.

• Installing doors, windows, and staircases.

• Building outdoor features and structures like decking, fencing, and shepherd huts.

• Adding finishing touches such as mouldings, skirting boards, and cabinets.

What is Joinery?

Joiners typically operate from a workshop, specialising in creating bespoke wooden pieces such as furniture, fittings, and frames that require sophisticated components. Joiners work on elements of construction projects such as:

• Designing and building custom furniture and shelving.

• Creating bespoke staircases, handrails, and bannisters.

• Producing detailed timber doors and windows.

• Crafting ornamental features like mouldings and arches.

How Carpentry and Joinery Can Overlap

For some projects, carpentry and joinery complement each other. For example, a joiner might create bespoke doors in their workshop, while a carpenter ensures they are installed correctly on-site. Depending on the scale of the project and the complexity of the components, you may need one or both of these professions to ensure a smooth completion.

How to Decide Whether Your Project Needs Carpentry or Joinery

If you’re still wondering whether to call a carpenter or joiner, start with the specifics of your project. Here are the key factors to consider:

The Scope of Your Project

If your project involves building or installing frameworks, decking or roofing, you’ll need a carpenter. For custom-crafted furniture or bespoke wooden details, a joiner is the right choice. In some cases you’ll likely require both.

Location

Tasks that require on-site construction are best handled by a carpenter. As mentioned, joiners complete components in their workshop, to be delivered and installed later. However, you might need both for projects that span both locations, like a custom staircase that requires crafting and later installation.

Budget

Another significant factor to consider is your budget. As joinery requires more specialised tools and time, making custom pieces can potentially be more expensive than general carpentry.

If a bespoke solution isn’t essential to your project, then a standard approach could meet your needs without placing a strain on your budget.

Desired Aesthetic

Your choice can also depend on the look you are trying to achieve. If you want intricate detail or craftsmanship for period restorations or high-quality finishes, joinery may be the best route to take.

Carpentry and Joinery FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Carpentry or Joinery Project?

The timeline varies depending on the scope of the project. For example:

• Carpentry work like framing or installing doors can usually be completed within a day or a few days.

• Joinery projects, such as custom furniture or detailed staircases, could take weeks because of the craftsmanship involved.

Can a Professional Help Me Design My Project?

Yes, both carpenters and joiners can provide valuable input during the design phase. Joiners, in particular, can usually assist with planning bespoke projects and recommend design solutions based on your space and requirements.

What Types of Wood are Typically Used for Carpentry and Joinery?

Carpenters often work with woods like pine, oak and cedar for structural projects, whereas joiners may use hardwoods like walnut, ash or beech for more detailed or decorative work.

Your choice of wood will also depend on durability, cost and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.

Are Carpenters or Joiners Environmentally Conscious?

Many woodworking professionals consider sustainability when selecting materials, opting for responsibly sourced wood. It’s a good idea to discuss this with your carpenter or joiner if eco-friendliness is important to you for your project.

What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Carpenter or Joiner?

When choosing a prospective carpentry or joinery professional, here are a few questions you may want to ask:

• What is your estimated timeline and cost?

• Will you handle sourcing materials, or do I need to provide them?

• Have you worked on similar projects before?

• Can you provide references or examples of previous work?

Can the Same Professionals Handle My Entire Project?

Yes, some businesses may offer both carpentry and joinery services.

At Greendown, for example, our skilled team combines expertise in both crafts to provide bespoke, high-quality shepherd huts for your location. From crafting details in our Somerset workshop to on-site installations, we ensure every stage of your project is handled with care.

Greendown Shepherd Huts – Crafting Projects with Passion

At Greendown, we understand the need for carpentry and joinery at different stages of your project. Our range of shepherd huts comprise the finest carpentry and joinery work and are a luxury solution for those looking to enhance their outdoor space.

If you’re looking for personalised, high-quality craftsmanship to bring your project to life, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch today to discuss your project specifications with our expert team.