When you imagine your dream build, you probably think about how it will look when it’s finished — the warm timber, the perfectly hung doors, the beautiful hand-built staircase. What you don’t always think about is how many hands it actually takes to get it there.
In reality, the carpentry on a new build is rarely handled by just one type of tradie. Carpentry is a craft with many specialties, and each carpenter brings their own skills, tools, and expertise to a specific phase of the build.
Let’s walk you through 9 different kinds of carpenters you might meet on your house-building journey — and why they’re each so important.
When You Need Them: Right at the start – before anything else can happen.
These are the people who literally shape the ground your project is built on. Form carpenters create the molds and frames that hold wet concrete in place while it sets, forming the footings, slabs, and foundations.
What Makes Them Special:
They’re precision builders who aren’t afraid to get dirty. A millimeter out at this stage, and everything above can go wrong. They make sure your house has a solid, square start.
When You Need Them: Early in the build, after the foundations are poured.
These are the big-picture builders. They construct the walls, floors, and roof skeleton – the essential frame that shapes the building.
What Makes Them Special:
They work quickly, often in rain, wind, and mud. They thrive on getting things level, plumb, and square. They’re the “get it up and get it strong” crew, usually operating under the first fix stage of construction.
When You Need Them: As soon as the house frame is up.
Roofing carpenters are the specialists who put a lid on your project. They install roof trusses, rafters, and sometimes even the roof coverings themselves.
What Makes Them Special:
Working at heights isn’t for everyone. These carpenters are sure-footed and skilled at building solid, watertight roofs that can withstand whatever the weather throws at them.
When You Need Them: For bespoke or exposed timber frame projects.
If you’re building something a little out of the ordinary — maybe a house or extension with beautiful exposed beams or intricate timber structures — you’ll need these specialists. They often work with large timbers and complex joints.
What Makes Them Special:
They’re traditional craftsmen who take pride in visible, structural timber work. It’s big, heavy, detailed, and stunning when done right.
When You Need Them: After the main house is sealed up.
A deck carpenter brings the indoors out. They build your decks, outdoor stairs, handrails, and terraces.
What Makes Them Special:
They know how to choose and work with weather-resistant materials, ensuring your outdoor spaces are safe, stylish, and long-lasting.
When You Need Them: When the structure is up and ready for internal access.
Stairs aren’t just functional — they’re often a centerpiece. A skilled stair carpenter will make sure they’re beautiful, strong, and safe.
What Makes Them Special:
Stair work is highly precise. These carpenters are part engineer, part artist. They understand the fine balance between form, function, and flow.
When You Need Them: When the house is watertight and ready for interiors.
These carpenters add the polish. They install doors, skirting boards, moldings, kitchen units, fitted furniture, and more. They’re usually working during the second fix stage.
What Makes Them Special:
They’re the perfectionists. Every cut is visible, every joint matters. Their work is the kind you’ll see and touch every day.
When You Need Them: Near the end of the build, when the structure is complete.
If you want bespoke kitchens, wardrobes, shelving, or hidden storage, you’ll need a cabinet maker. They often work off-site, carefully crafting units to exact specifications.
What Makes Them Special:
These are the master woodworkers. Their work combines function with fine craftsmanship — the kind of pieces that fit like a glove.
When You Need Them: Right before final decorating and painting.
Trim carpenters bring the final finesse to a project. They install delicate features like window casings, crown molding, and decorative trim.
What Makes Them Special:
Their work is the cherry on top. It’s the fine details that pull the whole room together and make a house feel complete.
Let’s bust a common myth: not all carpenters do everything.
Some are brilliant at big framing jobs but wouldn’t touch fine cabinetry. Others are masters of detail but don’t set foot on-site until the roof’s on. When planning your project, make sure you understand the difference between first fix carpenters (the heavy, structural stages) and second fix carpenters (the interior, finishing stages).
At Mottaghan Reid, we know exactly where our strengths lie – and we’ll happily tell you when something’s not our field. We believe that’s how you get the best results: by using the right craftspeople at the right time.
If you want to talk through your project or need help understanding which carpentry teams you’ll need, get in touch. We’re always happy to chat and guide you through the process.
👉 Contact us on 01785 747246 or drop us an email on sales@mottaghanreid.com