Joiner Jobs

Jobs in joinery include working with wood, working on building sites or in the workshop. Joiners make, fit or repair doors, windows, staircases, floorboards, roof trusses and partitions. Joiners use traditional woodworking tools, as well as specialised power or hand tools, for cutting, shaping, smoothing and finishing.

There are four different types of Joiners, bench joiners who are mostly based in workshops, using woodworking tools and machinery to make parts such as doors, roof timbers and skirting boards, site joiners who work on site, fitting the prefabricated parts into buildings, shopfitters who specialise in producing and fitting shop fronts and interiors.

Responsibilities of a Joiner

Work with designers and planners on construction projects.
Defers to the contractor's orders on large construction projects.
Matches materials to requested design specifications.
Measures building materials and spaces for installation accurately.
Orders building materials as needed.
Creates materials that fit the client's expectations
Assembles sturdy and well-constructed floorboards, skirting boards, window frames, doors, door linings, staircases, fitted furniture, cabinetry, shelving.
Incorporates fixtures like door handles and locks, cabinet handles, stairway railing, and other fixtures into design and implementation.
Builds temporary housings and supports for setting concrete (shuttering)
Builds the framework of a building, bridge, ship, or other large-scale construction project.
Crafts furniture with fine detail work and/or utmost sturdiness and quality.
Utilizes skills in other related trades such as plumbing, roofing, bricklaying, painting, tiling, plastering, etc.
Participates in first fixing as well as second fixing work.
Combines carpentry work with joining work.
Repairs and refurbishes existing building work.
Replaces damaged wood in hardwood floors and outdoor decks.
Uses power tools and other tools to cut and shape wood, metal, and other materials.
Communicates with the rest of the construction team.

As well as working on new buildings joiners may include working in a variety of different areas such as building maintenance and repair, adding fittings and extensions in existing houses, and working for building contractors, local authorities and shopfitting companies. Many carpenters are self-employed.

It may be possible to train to become a joiner through an Apprenticeship.

Experienced joiners may be able to move into construction management, or set up their own specialist firm. There may be opportunities for joiners to take place abroad on contracts.