In the UK, the terms ‘carpenter’ and ‘joiner’ are often used interchangeably by the public, but traditionally, they represent two distinct specialisms in the timber trade, each with its own focus on where and how the timber is worked. Understanding this split is crucial for budgeting accurately, defining expectations, and ensuring the right level of precision for your project.
The simplest way to think about it is geography:
- The Joiner: Works primarily in a workshop setting (joining pieces of wood) to make items that require precision, complex traditional joints (like dovetails or mortise and tenon), and a high-quality finish before they are delivered for installation.
- The Carpenter: Works primarily on site (the building itself) to construct and install the larger elements of a structure. This work is less about fine detail and more about structural integrity and practical assembly.
The two fixes: Structural vs. finishing
The distinction is most clearly defined by the concept of “first fix” and “second fix” carpentry:
First fix: The carpenter’s domain (structural)
First fix carpentry involves all the rough, structural work necessary to get a building to the plastering stage. This wood will often be hidden behind plasterboard or finished surfaces, so while accuracy is essential for structural safety, the aesthetic finish is not a concern.
| First Fix Component | Detail |
| Roof Construction | Installing rafters, purlins, king posts, and queen posts to form the roof structure and secure against uplift. |
| Floor & Ceiling Joists | Laying the horizontal timbers that support the floors and ceilings, often requiring precise load-bearing calculations. |
| Stud Walls & Partitioning | Building the internal timber framework (the skeleton) for walls and internal room divisions. |
| External Window/Door Frames | Fitting the initial frames into the external walls, often without the sash or door itself. |
Second fix: The joiner’s and finishing carpenter’s domain (aesthetic)
Second fix carpentry refers to all the aesthetic, fine-detail work that happens after plastering and before decoration. This wood is visible and defines the quality of the final interior. While a general carpenter can often handle basic second fix work, a joiner’s skill set shines here.
| Second Fix Component | Detail |
| Skirting Boards & Architraves | Cutting, fitting, and scribing decorative mouldings precisely to walls and around doors/windows. |
| Hanging Doors | Fitting pre-made doors into frames, trimming them to size, and routing for hinges and locks (ironmongery). |
| Fitted Furniture | Assembling and installing custom or pre-built units like kitchen cabinets and bespoke storage solutions. |
| Timber Flooring | Laying, levelling, and finishing engineered or solid wood flooring systems. |
The joiner’s specialism: Bespoke manufacturing
A joiner is often the better choice when the solution must be crafted from scratch, tailored to non-standard dimensions, or requires traditional, interlocking joints for strength and beauty.
- Staircases: Designing and building complex structures like cut-string or winding staircases, where precision joinery is vital.
- Period Windows and Doors: Crafting bespoke timber sashes, casements, and full external door sets to match existing period features or to a high performance standard. This is a complex workshop job involving complex weatherproofing and drainage details.
- Cabinetry: Manufacturing high-end, free-standing, or built-in furniture that involves veneering, routing, and complex drawer mechanisms.
Making the right hire for your project
Choosing the right tradesperson is primarily about assessing the core requirements of the job—is it structural or aesthetic?
| Project Type | Who to Hire | Rationale for Choice |
| Erecting a Garden Shed/Log Store | Carpenter | This is a structural, on-site assembly job that requires weatherproofing and sound construction, not intricate joinery. |
| Installing a New Timber Deck | Carpenter | The work involves ground preparation, installing large joist networks, and securing deck boards—all external, structural work. |
| Reproducing a Victorian Mantelpiece | Joiner | This requires high-level detail, precision routing, and potentially turning or moulding in a controlled workshop environment. |
| Fitting Skirting & Architraves in a New Extension | Carpenter/Joiner | Most modern tradespeople can handle this “second fix” installation, but look for evidence of precise mitre and scribe joints in their portfolio. |
| Complex Built-in Alcove Units | Joiner | While the installation is on-site, the cutting, assembly, and finishing of the units themselves require workshop-level joinery skills. |
Vetting your tradesperson: Essential checks
When requesting quotes, always ask prospective tradespeople these key questions:
- “Do you have a workshop for custom fabrication?” If the answer is yes, they likely have true joinery skills beyond basic on-site assembly.
- “Can I see examples of your fine finish work (e.g., scribed skirting, built-in units)?” This helps assess their attention to aesthetic detail.
- “Are you insured for structural work, and do you have experience with relevant UK Building Regulations?” Essential for any ‘first fix’ or load-bearing carpentry.
By understanding that a carpenter builds the bones of the house and a joiner provides the beautiful, functional furniture and fixtures within it, you are well-equipped to hire with confidence and achieve a superior result on your next home improvement project.
With Rated People, you have the power to get it done. Find a trusted, local tradesperson today.
