Carpenter vs Framer (It’s All About Their Specialty)
This is a question that had been on my mind for a long time. The thing is, I couldn’t make a conclusive answer.
The reason for this is that, without having tried out both of these specialties, you cannot possibly know which one is for you.
It’s a really important decision too, because once you go down one path, it’s going to be a huge decision to switch to the other.
The conclusion I came to was that the only way to be sure of which one I was into was to try them both out.
So that’s what I did, I tried out both specialties. That, and because I really enjoyed carpentry anyway, so I would have regretted not having tried it out if I hadn’t done so.
What a Carpenter’s Work Involves
Well, as we are all aware, carpentry is a skilled trade which focuses on the use of wood to construct, install, and repair structures and objects. It requires proficiency in woodworking tools, methods, and materials, and involves tasks like cutting, shaping, and joining timber.
Carpentry ranges from constructing and maintaining buildings to crafting furniture or artistic pieces. It’s subdivided into specialties including rough carpentry (roofing, etc.) and finish carpentry (trim, cabinetry), each requiring unique skills and techniques.
So, How Is Framing Different to Carpentry?
Well, the main difference is that framing is all about speed and efficiency. That’s the key thing here.
Framers start work before everyone else, as they are the ones that build the structure of the building. They’re not the ones that fit the doors, windows, and floors. That’s the job of the carpenters who come after.
That’s why I said that framing is all about efficiency. Framers are always on the clock, so they need to be as efficient as possible.
That’s why they use a nail gun for everything. It’s not just because it’s faster, but also because it’s more efficient. There’s no need to make pre-drilled holes for screws. Just blast in the nails with the nail gun.
The “efficiency” factor is also why framers use a framing square instead of a regular square. A regular square is too small for laying out entire walls quickly. A framing square is what you want here.
Another reason why framers like to use a framing square is that it’s a great tool for checking if things are square. That’s right, you can use it to check if your wall is square by measuring the diagonals.
If your wall is square, then the length of each diagonal will be the same. If they’re not, then your wall isn’t square. It’s as simple as that.
Framers are always checking if things are square as they go along, because if you find out that your walls aren’t square at the end of the job, then you’re going to have to go back and fix it all up.
That’s not good news for framers, as they are paid by the square foot. The more they can do in a day, the more money they’ll make.
Of course, that’s all well and good, but the thing that makes framers a real specialty is that they are the only ones with the skills to frame a house.
Sure, carpenters can frame a small structure like a shed or a pergola, but when it comes to a big project like framing an entire house, you’re going to need a framer.
That’s why framers don’t just get paid more than carpenters — they get paid a lot more.
However, the major downside is that framers are always working outside. They have to work in all weathers, and there’s no way around it. A framer is always going to be outside, doing their thing.
That means they’re going to have to be a lot more robust than carpenters. They’re going to have to work hard in the heat of the summer, and they’re going to have to work hard in the freezing cold of the winter.
Actually, when you think about that, it’s pretty amazing that framers are always so productive. The fact that they are able to work so hard in such difficult conditions is something that I really respect about them.
If you feel the same way, then you should definitely try out framing. It’s not for everyone, due to its harsh conditions, but for those who can handle it, it’s a very rewarding career.