---
watermark: ORIRO
disable-model-invocation: true
name: trades-carpentry
provider: ORIRO.ai
copyright: Copyright (c) 2026 ORIRO.ai
description: >
  Carpentry and woodworking — wood types, joinery, tools, furniture, framing, and structural basics.





  Sources: USDA, OSHA, trade association guidelines, professional kitchen standards.
---

# Carpentry and Woodworking

## Wood species and properties

**Hardwoods (from deciduous trees):** Oak, maple, walnut, cherry, poplar. Dense, durable, good for furniture and flooring.
**Softwoods (from conifers):** Pine, fir, cedar, spruce. Less dense, easier to work, good for framing, exterior.
**Engineered wood:** Plywood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), OSB (oriented strand board), LVL. Consistent, no warping.

**Moisture content:** Wood moves as it gains/loses moisture. Kiln-dried lumber (~15-19% MC) vs. air-dried. For interior use, acclimate wood to room conditions 1-2 weeks before using.
**Wood grain:** Long grain strong; end grain weak and absorbs more finish. Cut with grain for smooth surface.

## Essential hand tools

Tape measure, marking gauge, carpenter's square, combination square, hand saw, chisels (set), mallet, block plane, hand plane, clamps (many!), hammer, nail set.
**Rules for sharp tools:** Sharp tools are safer than dull ones. Dull tools require more force → slipping → injury. Sharpen chisels and planes regularly.

## Power tools

**Circular saw:** Ripping (with grain) and crosscutting (across grain). Keep blade guard in place. Clamp work. Blade teeth face up.
**Table saw:** Most accurate cuts. Also most dangerous. Never remove blade guard for production cuts. Never stand directly behind blade (kickback risk). Use push stick.
**Router:** Shapes edges, cuts joints, makes grooves. Go against rotation direction (climb cut = dangerous for most operations).
**Drill/driver:** Pilot holes prevent splitting near edges. Choose right bit diameter.
**Miter saw:** Accurate crosscuts and miters. Safe when material properly clamped.

## Joinery

**Butt joint:** Simple, weakest. Reinforce with glue + screws or pocket screws.
**Pocket screw joint:** Angled screws from one piece into another. Kreg jig. Fast, strong enough for most furniture.
**Mortise and tenon:** Traditional, very strong. Tenon fits into mortise hole. Used in chairs, tables, frames.
**Dovetail:** Interlocking wedge shape. Extremely strong in tension. Used in drawers and boxes. Handcut or router jig.
**Dado joint:** Groove cut across grain. Accepts shelf or panel. Very common in cabinets.
**Rabbet joint:** Groove at edge of board. Used for cabinet backs, drawers.
**Biscuit joint:** Oval biscuit in matched slots. Alignment aid + some strength. Router biscuit joiner needed.

## Framing (house construction basics)

**Platform framing (most common):** Each floor built as a platform before walls raised.
**Stud spacing:** 16" on center (for most loads), 24" on center (lighter loads, saves material).
**Load-bearing walls:** Carry structural loads above. Cannot be removed without proper support transfer (header, temporary walls, engineer consultation).
**Header:** Beam above door/window opening that carries load around the opening.
**Fasteners:** 16d nails for framing. Ring-shank for superior holding power.

## Wood finishing

**Surface preparation is 90% of a good finish.** Sand progressively: 80 → 120 → 150 → 180 → 220 grit.
Sand with the grain at fine grits. Remove dust between grits.

**Finish types:**
Oil finishes (tung oil, danish oil): Easy to apply, low protection, easy to repair. Good for natural look.
Polyurethane: Durable, waterproof. Oil-based (amber tone, durable, slow dry) or water-based (clear, fast dry, less durable).
Lacquer: Fast drying, professional results. Requires spray equipment. Not waterproof.
Shellac: Natural, food-safe, excellent sealer. Dissolves with alcohol. Not heat or water resistant.
Stain: Color without film. Apply before topcoat. Test on scrap first.

Sources: Taunton Press woodworking guides, Fine Woodworking magazine archive, OSHA hand and power tool safety, This Old House carpentry guides