Carpentry

What is carpentry?

Carpentry is the trade of building, creating, or repairing of things made out of wood.

What should I look for in an online carpentry school?

The best online carpentry schools should possess either regional or national accreditation from an accrediting body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

In addition, you can often recognize top online carpentry schools based on:

• The school's name and status
• The school's history
• Teacher credentials
• Alumni network

In choosing the best online carpentry school for you, you should consider the following factors:

• Admission requirements
• Residency requirements
• Class and teaching style
• Testing methods used
• Course content and presentation
• Program length
• Class size
• Student-teacher interaction
• Technology use
• Tuition and financial aid
• Transferability of credits
• Availability of a dedicated administration team and resources

What levels of online carpentry programs are available?

The following levels of carpentry degree online programs are available:

• Online Carpentry Certificate Programs
• Online Associates in Carpentry
• Online Bachelor in Carpentry

How long does it take to get an online carpentry degree?

The amount of time it takes a student to earn an accredited online carpentry degree depends on the level of carpentry degree being pursued and the pace of the student.

Typically, the breakdown is as follows:

• Online Carpentry Certification Programs - 6 months to 1 year
• Online Carpentry Associates Degree - 2 years
• Online Carpentry Bachelor Degree - 4 years

What are some examples of online carpentry courses?

Carpentry courses in top online carpentry degree programs are both theoretical and hands on as students learn to work with wood and create designs. Some courses could include the following:

• Cabinetmaking

  In this course students learn how to create custom built cabinets through course work and hands on application using basic box cabinets to learn sizing and design.

• Stair Design

  An in-depth study of staircase design and construction, this course examines tread and riser installation, construction mathematics, drawing and building code requirements, and design and millwork for handrails.

• Roofing

  Students learn about different kinds of roofs and roofing materials, including gable roofs, hip roofs, and valley intersections, and how to work with them through measuring and cutting of framing materials, load specifications, span requirements, and materials estimation.

• Residential Remodeling

  Students interested in becoming contractors or carpenters will learn how to remodel a home from start to finish as they perform carpentry projects to refinish basements or attics, or renovate existing areas.

• Residential Framing

  This basic course introduces students to residential house framing, including layout techniques, roof and wall framing, planning for windows and doors, and the pouring of a foundation.

What areas of carpentry specialization are available?

Carpentry specializations in a good online carpentry degree program may include:

• Framing
• Finish Carpentry
• Renovation
• Marine Carpentry
• Furniture

What can I do with a carpentry degree?

A carpentry degree from an accredited online carpentry program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter into a woodworking profession. Some careers could include:

• Framer
• Finish Carpenter
• Cabinet-Maker
• Boat-Maker
• General Contractor

What is a carpenter?

A carpenter is a skilled woodworker adept building houses or other wooden constructs.

What does a carpenter do?

Carpenters work to construct, install, and repair structures made of wood or wood products. They work from blueprints or customer specifications and may be either self-employed or work for construction firms. Depending on their specialization, they may work framing houses or boats, installing sills, wainscoting, and other interior finish details, renovating houses, or making cabinets and other furniture.

How much does a carpenter earn?

A carpenter earns an average of around $18.44 per hour, with an expected growth of about 13% through the year 2018 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This projected growth is related to population increase and a general need for housing, and the need to replace professional carpenters who are retiring and leaving the workforce.

How do I become a carpenter?

A degree from an accredited online carpentry program is the first step in how to become a carpenter. Many carpentry occupations require an apprenticeship for a period of time dependent upon the requirements of local carpentry unions. There are also certifications earned as an apprentice, then journeyman, then master carpenter. While professional education and training are useful steps on the path of how to become a carpenter, experience under a master carpenter remains a necessity for employment.