Logan Voss
Every thriving carpenter must start somewhere, and as they do more jobs they do, they learn different techniques and uncover new paths for self-improvement. This is an excellent career in the trades, especially if you’re a hands-on individual who loves creating. Get some essential advice from this guide for becoming a carpenter so that you can excel at your craft.
Harness the Key Skills
When you work in any field, there are key skills that you should have to perform the job. Carpentry is a skill-based job requiring several things, including great communication skills and attention to detail. But you also need good math skills to properly calculate your measurements when working on a job.
Before becoming an apprentice carpenter, polish these skills:
- Time management
- Mechanical skills
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
These are all personal skills that you can build or improve upon in your personal life before signing up for a program. These are all important to your success because you must finish projects according to a client’s order; sometimes, you may encounter problems you need to solve.
Use the Best Tools
The best carpenters also use great tools for each task. Higher quality equipment lasts longer but also makes task completion more efficient. For example, non-visible fasteners give projects like cabinets and furniture a much cleaner finish than nails or screws. Try to familiarize yourself with essentials, such as knock-down fasters and how they work, so that you can invest in the best equipment.
Additionally, talk to your mentor once you become an apprentice and find out what tools and gear they recommend you invest in. There’s nothing like personal advice straight from the source.
Keep Up With Trends
The final tip in this guide for becoming a carpenter is to focus on industry changes. Knowing current design trends is important and gives you a clearer image of the projects you should do and how you should strive to make them look. You’ll also want to decide on your area of expertise so that you know what trends to focus on. Roofers don’t need to know as much about aesthetics as a carpenter building furniture or renovating homes.
Pro Tip
No matter how advanced you get, there’s always room for self-improvement and growth. Set aside work time at least once a month to research upcoming changes in your area of work. Are there new tools or materials you should have? Noting this information helps keep you on top of the industry so that you can thrive as a carpenter.
