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What does a Finish Carpenter do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
What does a Finish Carpenter do

Finish carpenters are skilled professionals who perform the final touches on homes after the structure is fully built. These carpenters must carry out various tasks such as installing doors, building bookshelves, and adding designs to window and door trims. They are required to follow work from sketches and drawings to complete the job to the right specifications as well as collecting the correct materials before beginning a job. Finish carpenters must also dismantle and demolish before carrying out repairs or installing new materials.

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Finish carpenter responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real finish carpenter resumes:

  • Install cabinets, vinyl, FRP, carpet, windows, Sheetrock, painting, HVAC
  • Assist with electrical wiring and HVAC installation.
  • Operate tools like lather, drills, sanders and planers.
  • Demo rooms and add on with new framing Sheetrock and flooring.
  • Assist HVAC technicians with changing filters and belts on the air handler units.
  • Complete demo of existing cabinets, tile, drywall, electrical wirings, appliances etc.
  • Install and repair electrical equipment such as circuit breakers, fixtures, wall sockets, plugs, switches.
  • Remodel cabins & other buildings adding kitchens, baths, bringing buildings up to code for commercial use.
  • Cut and bolt up pipe in heating and cooling systems involving steam, ventilation, hydraulics, chemicals and formwork.
  • Accomplishmentshelp finish a new car dealer ship.Skills UsedBasic mathematics.
  • Frame and insulate walls-Completed demo work-instal cabinets, flooring, and new trim-Made and finish trim-Constructed stairway
  • Assist carpenters with demolition, revising and executing scaffolds in designate areas within an industrial plant.
  • Apply caulking compounds by hand or with caulking gun.
  • Finish repairs in a manner that protects customer's investment including caulking, painting, staining, siding, etc.
  • Frame walls, install metal roofs, siding, and trim, set trusses, laid plywood and shingles

Finish carpenter skills and personality traits

We calculated that 19% of Finish Carpenters are proficient in Hand Tools, Custom Cabinets, and Safety Rules. They’re also known for soft skills such as Business skills, Detail oriented, and Math skills.

We break down the percentage of Finish Carpenters that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Hand Tools, 19%

    Boat Builder - use of various power and hand tools in the assembly and detailing of luxury yachts.

  • Custom Cabinets, 13%

    Detailed workmanship on custom cabinets, finished carpentry and other customer inspired ideas with a goal towards complete customer satisfaction.

  • Safety Rules, 7%

    Follow safety rules, and guide my employees to always follow the rules and regulations.

  • Drywall Installation, 4%

    Performed demolition, framing, drywall installation, painting, moulding installation, roofing and concrete work.

  • Door Hardware, 4%

    Installed cabinetry, entry and interior doors, commercial entry doors, and door hardware in both commercial and residential buildings.

  • Window Installation, 3%

    Repaired furniture, Furniture making, Window Installation, Cabinet Installation, Carpet and Hardwood floor Installation.

Common skills that a finish carpenter uses to do their job include "hand tools," "custom cabinets," and "safety rules." You can find details on the most important finish carpenter responsibilities below.

Business skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a finish carpenter to have is business skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "self-employed carpenters must conduct activities such as bidding on new jobs, tracking inventory, and directing workers." Finish carpenters often use business skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "install cabinets, counter tops, elevations, etc., in stores and businesses all over the united states. "

Detail oriented. Another essential skill to perform finish carpenter duties is detail oriented. Finish carpenters responsibilities require that "carpenters must be able to precisely cut, measure, and modify the materials they work with." Finish carpenters also use detail oriented in their role according to a real resume snippet: "designed, built, and installed detailed cabinetry for custom homes completed final punch lists in all trades to close-out homes. "

Math skills. finish carpenters are also known for math skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to finish carpenter responsibilities, because "carpenters frequently use math skills, including basic trigonometry, to calculate the area, size, and amount of material needed for the job. ." A finish carpenter resume example shows how math skills is used in the workplace: "used mathematics to measure the angles needed for every cut. "

Physical strength. finish carpenter responsibilities often require "physical strength." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "carpenters use heavy tools and materials that weigh up to 100 pounds." This resume example shows what finish carpenters do with physical strength on a typical day: "performed tasks involving physical labor at building construction projects. "

Problem-solving skills. Another crucial skill for a finish carpenter to carry out their responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." A big part of what finish carpenters relies on this skill, since "carpenters may work independently with little guidance." How this skill relates to finish carpenter duties can be seen in an example from a finish carpenter resume snippet: "performed maintenance solutions such as: carpentry, window installations, and painting. "

Dexterity. Another skill commonly found on finish carpenter job descriptions is "dexterity." It can come up quite often in finish carpenter duties, since "carpenters use many tools and need hand-eye coordination to avoid injuring themselves or damaging materials." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day finish carpenter responsibilities: "operated lifts and saw to construction of roofing elements. "

Most common finish carpenter skills

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Compare different finish carpenters

Finish carpenter vs. Mason

A mason is responsible for shaping artificial mineral products, concrete blocks, stone pieces, and bricks to create structures essential for construction or other building purposes using various machinery and equipment, following the highest safety standards and production procedures. Masons analyze schematics and blueprints, applying the clients' specifications and customization to their product expertise. They also inspect tools and equipment, ensuring that the materials are free from any defects to avoid hazards and construction delays.

The annual salary of masons is $3,013 lower than the average salary of finish carpenters.Even though finish carpenters and masons are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require construction projects, power saws, and commercial buildings in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, finish carpenter responsibilities require skills like "hand tools," "custom cabinets," "safety rules," and "drywall installation." Meanwhile a typical mason has skills in areas such as "masonry," "scaffolding," "safety regulations," and "dump truck." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

The education levels that masons earn slightly differ from finish carpenters. In particular, masons are 3.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a finish carpenter. Additionally, they're 1.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Finish carpenter vs. Construction foreman

A construction foreman is responsible for overseeing construction operations and determining the construction progress by monitoring plans and schedules. A construction foreman allocates tasks to the workers and ensures that everyone adheres to the safety guidelines and regulations, preventing potential hazards in the work area and avoiding construction delays. They also identify cost-reduction opportunities by handling negotiation with trusted suppliers and third-party vendors. A construction foreman inspects the quality of materials, including the equipment and machinery, allocates adequate resources for production, and resolves issues immediately.

On average, construction foremen earn a $10,134 higher salary than finish carpenters a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both finish carpenters and construction foremen have skills such as "hand tools," "safety rules," and "construction projects. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, finish carpenter responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "custom cabinets," "drywall installation," "door hardware," and "window installation." Meanwhile, a construction foreman has duties that require skills in areas such as "work ethic," "cdl," "osha," and "strong work ethic." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Construction foremen may earn a higher salary than finish carpenters, but construction foremen earn the most pay in the professional industry with an average salary of $62,811. On the other hand, finish carpenters receive higher pay in the construction industry, where they earn an average salary of $50,876.In general, construction foremen achieve similar levels of education than finish carpenters. They're 0.1% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Finish carpenter vs. Journeyman

A journeyman is an experienced worker whose role will vary on the line of industry where one is involved. They work without supervision from a master craftsman. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around performing manual work such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical and mechanical tasks, and other forms of trade. Furthermore, a journeyman can choose whether to work independently or to be part of a business entity. They can also recruit and train an apprentice, or even pursue to become a master in their preferred field.

On average scale, journeymen bring in higher salaries than finish carpenters. In fact, they earn a $10,695 higher salary per year.finish carpenters and journeymen both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "hand tools," "power saws," and "commercial buildings," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a finish carpenter is likely to be skilled in "custom cabinets," "safety rules," "drywall installation," and "door hardware," while a typical journeyman is skilled in "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "safety procedures," and "plumbing."

Journeymen earn the best pay in the construction industry, where they command an average salary of $62,379. Finish carpenters earn the highest pay from the construction industry, with an average salary of $50,876.When it comes to education, journeymen tend to earn similar degree levels compared to finish carpenters. In fact, they're 0.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Finish carpenter vs. General foreman

Using their knowledge and expertise of all construction disciplines, a general foreman plans and oversees operations within a construction site to ensure that everything is running smoothly. They are typically in charge of conducting regular inspections, coordinating with engineers and architects, managing the budget and expenditures, supervising workers, and ensuring that the project moves according to the desired time frame. Furthermore, a general foreman implements all safety regulations and policies to ensure a safe and productive work environment for everyone.

General foremen typically earn higher pay than finish carpenters. On average, general foremen earn a $1,530 higher salary per year.While their salaries may vary, finish carpenters and general foremen both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "safety rules," "construction projects," and "power saws. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between finish carpenters and general foremen, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a finish carpenter might have more use for skills like "hand tools," "custom cabinets," "drywall installation," and "door hardware." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of general foremen require skills like "safety procedures," "osha," "quality standards," and "oversight. "

General foremen enjoy the best pay in the construction industry, with an average salary of $54,753. For comparison, finish carpenters earn the highest salary in the construction industry.general foremen reach similar levels of education compared to finish carpenters, in general. The difference is that they're 1.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of finish carpenter

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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