In today’s world of fast media where millions of people are posting DIY videos online it can get confusing really fast about what the correct way to do something is, or just what a specific craft or skill is. This is extremely common with woodworking and carpentry. While its common for these two trades to overlap, they have distinct differences and it’s easier to find the right resources when you understand what those are. Today we are doing woodworking vs carpentry. We will define each, share how they are different, but also how and when the two overlap.
By the end of this article you should understand the differences between these two trades, which matches the skills you want to master, and the best way to grow in each industry.
Guide
What is Woodworking?
The broad definition of woodworking is “making items from wood”. This definition covers everything from chairs, tables and cabinets to small wood carving pieces, decorative pieces and beyond. Basically, if you’ve ever made anything out of wood before, you’re a woodworker. This is not wrong, but this definition fails to mention the quality and craftsmanship that goes into woodworking.
Experienced woodworkers tend to work with high-quality woods, such as mahogany, walnut, maple, etc. Woodworking also tends to involve more custom and decorative pieces.
Woodworking vs Carpentry: is woodworking more creative?
At a glance, woodworking appears to be more focused on quality and creativity than carpentry. However, both trades share an emphasis on quality of materials and construction, and the creative aspect is more on the fine details. Carpentry can be very creative, but the creativity is applied differently. We’ll discuss that more soon.
Woodworking Tools
Woodworkers work with traditional hand and power tools such as hammers, screw drivers and power drills. But specific woodworking tools include:
- Chisels
- Moisture meter
- Wood clamps
- Wood planers
- Wood weathering kits
- Joint kits
- Rasps and steel filers
- Hand saws and specialty knives
- Rotary tool
Carpenters can and do use these tools as well. However, they are not the go-to tools for carpentry. Some woodworking tools are focused on structure and function like clamps and joint kits. Woodworking tools such as chisels, planers, and rotary tools help woodworkers achieve a desired shape or for detailing.
Woodworkers on YouTube
Woodworking skills vary and can have specific niches. You may have to do a little searching to find a reputable woodworker who teaches what you are looking for. But here are a few of our trusted woodworkers on YouTube:
Each of these YouTube pages are a great way to learn woodworking skills, provide specific tutorials, review woodworking products, and are a great resource for woodworkers of all levels.
What is Carpentry?
You can define carpentry as “the art and trade of a carpenter, which involves cutting, shaping, and joining wood to create objects or parts of buildings.”
Different words, but ultimately very similar to the definition of woodworking. This is why people often refer to the two trades interchangeably. Both trade workers build cabinets, tables, chairs, but carpenters are more known for the structures and building they create.
Carpenters often frame and build houses, decks, fences, pavilions and gazebos. All of these are larger than most of the common builds made by woodworkers, and emphasize structural integrity and function.
Yes, I know this sounds “less creative” than woodworking. However, carpenters have tons of opportunity to be creative and it can create better structures. Carpenters can apply a lot of creativity with how their builds work within a space, whether that is challenges with the terrain, creating enough storage, or creating better function and flow.
Woodworking VS Carpentry: are carpentry pieces more functional and have better structure?
Not exactly. Overall quality and function will always refer back to the craftsperson who built the item, whether they are a woodworker or a carpenter. But woodworking pieces should function exactly as they are intended. However, carpentry projects tend to carry more load, you want to build them to be resilient to force and the elements, and they often don’t require specialized care, like a custom mahogany table might.
Carpentry Tools
Here is a quick list of the most common carpentry tools:
These are just some of the most common carpentry tools, which are all important for securing structure and stability. Again, a woodworker could have these tools, but these tools don’t define the woodworking trade.
Carpenters on YouTube
Here is a list of favorite carpenters and carpentry resources on YouTube:
Woodworking VS Carpentry: let’s review
In short, woodworking involves more fine detail work and often custom or one-of-a-kind pieces. Carpentry refers to more of building and repair of wooden structures, and sometimes other materials. These trades shares some of the same tools, but each trade has specific that they depend on more.
Can Woodworking and Carpentry Overlap?
Absolutely, and this is where some of the best creations happen!
Whether its one trade worker with both sets of skills, or two trade workers partnering together, customers can get the best of both worlds when woodworking and carpentry combine. Larger structures can be customized to have the personal touch that is more common with woodworking. A few examples of this are:
- Custom spindles on a staircase
- Decorative wood planks on a fence
- Engraved stair treads
- Custom cabinetry
These are just a few projects where the combination of woodworking and carpentry can come together to create something unique and new.
Final Thoughts
It’s not woodworking VS carpentry, it’s woodworking AND carpentry. It is fairly common for workers from each trade to have skills in the other. Even if you don’t combine them, each are interesting and valuable trades that can be enjoyed as either a hobbyist or a professional.
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