220 Carpenters and Joiners

What is the difference between a carpenter and a joiner?

A carpenter is a professional who would typically carry out all wood work on site whereas a joiner will create and build bespoke pieces in a workshop which has all the heavy machinery needed. A joiner would make and create all the pieces that a carpenter would then assemble and fix on site.

A joiner would ‘join’ wood and would be able to create doors, windows, shelving and cupboards just to name a few things. Once the joiner has built the product, a carpenter would construct it at the property. In general, there is a lot of crossover between what a joiner and carpenter does so can be considered as two different specialisms within the same craft. Although there is a broad distinction between the two crafts, there are also exceptions. Some joiners will be involved in finishing and fitting certain pieces of bespoke joinery such as skirting boards and architraves, and many professionals work as both joiners and carpenters.

How do you know if you need a carpenter or a joiner?

When it comes to knowing whether you should hire a carpenter or joiner, it is important to take into account what work you will need doing as some jobs a carpenter can do but for more specialised projects, you will need to hire a joiner.

If your idea is to have something completely unique designed and made from wood, you will most likely need to hire a joiner for that. It may also be the case that you would need a carpenter to install it once it is made. Larger professional firms often employ both carpenters and joiners so that when you hire them, you will be matched with the suitable person for your project.

Where can I find a good carpenter or joiner?

On Houzz there are many professional carpenters and joiners that specialise in providing a full carpentry service or bespoke joinery, whether dealing with fitted or freestanding, traditional or contemporary furniture. Simply search for a joiner or carpenter in the Find Pros category, then add images of designs that you like to an Ideabook and contact those on your shortlist. If you need reassurance beyond photos of their work and reviews of previous clients, then you might check to see if the carpenter or joiner is a member of The Institute of Carpenters (IOC), The Guild of Master Craftsmen, the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) or the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Each asks its members to meet a certain level of expertise and abide by a code of conduct. Have a face-to-face consultation – basic brief and image references in hand – see which joiner or carpenter is the easiest to get along with and who best understands what you’re trying to achieve.

Important questions to ask your joiner or carpenter

• How long have you been a joiner or carpenter?
  
• Do you offer bespoke joinery as well as standard carpentry?
  
• Do you have a portfolio of your previous work?
  
• Who will be working on the project?
  
• Are you a member of a trade organisation such as the Institute of Carpenters or The Guild of Master Craftsmen?
  
• Do you design and build only or will you also fit my bespoke joinery or custom woodwork?
  
• Will there be a range of materials, samples and finishes to choose from?
  
• If I source a material myself, would you be willing to work with that?
  
• How will I know what the final design will look like?
  
• Do you require a deposit and if so, how much?
  
• What is your proposed completion date and what happens if you can’t meet that?
  
• Will you be working at my home or at your premises?
  
• How much do you charge for delivery?
  
• Is your work guaranteed and if so, for how long?
  

Find a carpenter or joiner on Houzz. Narrow your search in the Professionals section of the website to joiner and carpenter professionals. You can also look through photos of woodwork and bespoke joinery by style to find a design you like, then contact the joiner or carpenter that worked on it.

Find carpenters and joiners near me on Houzz

Before you hire a carpenter or joiner, browse through our network of 220 carpenters and joiners. Read through customer reviews, check their past projects and then request a quote from the best carpenters and joiners near you.