Carpentry and Joinery: Framing and Finishing — CSEC Building Technology
Carpentry and joinery are the woodworking trades used in construction and finishing.
Carpentry vs joinery
- Carpentry — structural woodwork carried out on site, such as roof and floor framing and formwork.
- Joinery — finer finishing woodwork, such as doors, windows, stairs and cabinets, often made in a workshop.
Tools
- Saws — e.g. the tenon (back) saw for fine, accurate cuts.
- Plane — smooths and levels a timber surface.
- Chisel — cuts and shapes wood (e.g. removing waste from a joint).
- Hammer — drives nails.
- Try square and marking gauge — for accurate marking out.
Common joints
- Butt joint — simplest but weakest.
- Halving (lap) joint — pieces overlap flush.
- Mortise and tenon — a strong joint for frames and doors.
- Dovetail — strong interlocking joint for drawer corners.
Finishing
Timber is sanded smooth, then protected and beautified with a finish such as varnish, paint, lacquer or oil.
Method (frame joint)
- Measure and mark out the joint.
- Cut the joint accurately.
- Test the fit and assemble.
- Apply glue/fixings and finish.
Exam tips
- Carpentry = structural (roofs/floors); joinery = finishing (doors/cabinets).
- Learn tools: tenon saw, plane, chisel, hammer.
- Know joints: butt, halving, mortise and tenon, dovetail.
- Finishes: varnish, paint, lacquer, oil.