Blog>Expert Advice>Joiner vs Carpenter: what’s the difference, and who should I hire?
Last updated: 18 November 2024
Joiner vs Carpenter: what’s the difference, and who should I hire?
Are you trying to figure out whether you need a joiner or a carpenter? Learn the key differences and tips for hiring the right tradesperson for the job.
Don’t know your joiner from your carpenter? You're not the only one.
In this article, we help you decide which tradesperson you need for your house project – and how to hire them.
Joiner vs Carpenter: what’s the difference?
Joiners and carpenters are two highly skilled trades working with wood. It’s hardly surprising that the two roles get confused. But here’s the difference.
Joiners
A joiner constructs timber structures by joining pieces of wood together using intricate techniques, such as tongue-and-groove and dovetail joints.
This is mostly done in a workshop with high-powered machinery.
Carpenters
Meanwhile, a carpenter typically works on-site, making or repairing larger wood components as part of a house build. This could be anything from repairing staircases to building garden pergolas.
When to hire a joiner for your home project
Are you looking for someone to help craft built-to-last, custom-made fitted wardrobes to fit in the alcoves of a room? Or perhaps you’re after a bespoke storage solution beneath the stairs? Then, a joiner is the tradesperson for the job.
Building from a workshop and using specialised equipment, a joiner also works on the following:
Door frames
Custom-made furniture
Staircases
When to hire a carpenter for your home project
Have you got a new roofing framework that needs building as part of an extension? Or perhaps you need some floorboards replaced? Then, you’ll need a carpenter for the job.
Other on-site woodwork jobs best suited to a carpenter include:
Repairing wooden door frames
Repairing staircases
Installing wood flooring (including composites)
Repairing wooden fencing
Constructing a wooden shed or a pergola
Questions to ask before hiring a joiner or carpenter
To help you see the wood from the trees, here are a few suggested questions to ask:
Can you provide references or examples of past work?
If you’re looking for a tradesperson to help build bespoke built-in wardrobes, hiring someone with plenty of experience building bedroom storage solutions makes sense.
They’ll have good ideas for maximising your bedroom’s space and problem-solving if you have an awkward-shaped room.
Do you have liability insurance?
Carpenters and Joiners' public liability insurance might not be a legal requirement, but many professional tradespeople offer it.
After all, your tradesperson could be working on integral parts of a home build, such as a roof framework or a staircase.
For added peace of mind, if you book through Checkatrade, we guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.
Will your quote include labour time and materials?
Requesting a detailed quote is essential so you know exactly what you’re paying for upfront.
Most joiners and carpenters will provide quotes for both materials and labour. However, some tradespeople charge by the hour, so it is wise to check what is included in advance.
Joinery and carpentry prices vary, but to give you a general steer, you can expect to pay a day rate of around £300 for most jobs**.**
There’s also plenty more information about the costs involved in our carpentry cost guide.
What are your payment expectations?
Most joiners or carpenters in the UK typically expect an initial deposit or upfront payment at the start of a project.
Additional payments follow this as the work progresses and more materials are required.
A final payment is usually due upon completion of the project once you’re happy with the finished job.
A tradesperson asking for the full payment upfront is unusual – and an alarm bell.
Hire right, hire once
By taking the time to do your own research and using Checkatrade, you should end up with a shortlist of quality tradespeople to speak to and quote on your job.
How to find an experienced joiner or carpenter with Checkatrade
Ready to find experienced and reliable joiners or carpenters near you?
Here are three simple ways to help nail down your search:
Read online reviews
A review from a previous customer is one of the best ways to check a tradesperson's professionalism.
At Checkatrade, we check all online reviews to ensure they're from real people and that trades meet our high standards.
We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.
Compare quotes
Get at least three quotes from experienced joiners and carpenters. That way, you can be sure you're getting the best tradesperson and price for the job.
Use Checkatrade
Save time by finding a carpenter or joiner on Checkatrade.
Not only will you be able to find joiners and carpenters near you, but you can also view past reviews and photographs of their work. As they say, the proof is in the pudding!
Simply search with your postcode below to get started.
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Key takeaways
The average day rate for a joiner or carpenter is around £300
A workshop joiner crafts bespoke furniture and storage solutions
An on-site carpenter works on larger builds and repairs in the home
Always try to hire a tradesperson with experience and ask to see examples of their past work
FAQs
Is a carpenter better than a joiner?
Both are high-skilled trades. They just work on different types of jobs.
Are carpenters and joiners the same trade?
No. Carpenters tend to work on-site for larger build projects and repairs and use screws and fixtures to join wooden components together.
Meanwhile, joiners tend to be based in workshops and use intricate joining techniques to build bespoke furniture and other custom-made pieces.
How can I tell if I need a workshop joiner or an on-site carpenter?
In a nutshell, you’ll need a workshop joiner for bespoke furniture and other storage solutions. Meanwhile, you’ll need a carpenter for larger build projects on-site and in the garden.
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