The Difference Between a Joiner and a Carpenter

What work do joiners specialise in?

It can be difficult to differentiate between the roles of carpenters and joiners, as both carry out similar work. The terms are often used interchangeably, yet there are distinct differences between their roles. To make sure you hire the right person for the job, it is important to understand what kind of work each profession does and the differences that exist between them.

Joiners focus on interior work such as creating built-in furniture, installing staircases, skirtings, window frames, flooring, door frames and more. The primary difference between joinery and carpentry is that joiners create products from raw materials, whereas carpenters mostly take pre-made products and fit them, such as when taking measurements and cutting materials to size. 

Most joiners begin by measuring precise measurements of the area they will be working with and then prepare a design that fits. Once the design is finalised, they will move on to the task of cutting, shaping, glueing and assembling the finished product. Joiners use a range of tools such as saws, chisels and routers, depending on the type of job they are completing. 

The Difference Between Carpentry and Joinery

Carpentry is another form of construction work and is the process of building or assembling components after they have been manufactured or cut to size. Carpenters usually take pre-cut components, such as frames and shelves, and assemble them. They use tools such as hammers, saws and chisels to precisely measure and fit the materials to create the desired result, such as furniture or doors. Carpenters may also be called upon to hang doors, build frames, lay flooring or repair existing structures. 

When to Choose Between a Joiner or Carpenter

It is important to understand the difference between a joiner and a carpenter when deciding which one to hire for a project. If you require modifications or repairs to existing furniture, then a carpenter would be the best choice. If however, you require something to be designed and built from scratch, then you would need to employ a joiner. 

What is the difference in the equipment that carpenters and joiners use?

Both carpenters and joiners use a variety of hand tools, including chisels, saws, drills and sanders. However, joiners also use specialist tools such as jigs, clamps, routers, biscuit joiners and dowel cutters to help create intricate shapes that are not achievable using normal tools. In addition, joiners may also use CNC machines to craft components with greater accuracy and precision. 

Do carpenters and joiners share the same skills?

Although there is some overlap between the skills of carpenters and joiners, each profession has its own specific set of skills. Carpenters typically have a good understanding of building methods and processes, in addition to the experience of working with various types of materials. Joiners have a great eye for detail and must have an advanced knowledge of timber and materials in order to craft specialised pieces of joinery. 

In conclusion, whilst carpenters and joiners carry out similar work, their individual roles are very different. Carpenters are usually called upon for any repair work or tangible projects, such as laying flooring, hanging doors and building frames. Joiners are needed for designing and constructing complex creations from raw materials, such as frames and furniture. When deciding who to hire for a job, it is important to consider the skillset each profession brings.