Find a carpenter near you

Tell us what you need and we'll try matching you with available pros
Or call us at: (800) 604-2454

Top carpenters near you

Porch Pro Headshot C & A painting
Serves Ashburn, Virginia
Porch Pro Headshot All American Painting Plus, Inc.
Serves Ashburn, Virginia
(660)
When you bring in the professionals from All American Painting Plus in the Ernstville, MD area to paint your home, your walls will look fantastic.
100% response rate
When you bring in the professionals from All American Painting Plus in the Ernstville, MD area to paint your home, your walls will look fantastic.
Porch Pro Headshot Matson Construction LLC
Serves Ashburn, Virginia
(61)
"John Matson and Matson Construction LLC are wonderful! John is one of the most creative and talented carpenters I have ever had the privilege to meet. He is a highly professional, young gentleman, who knows how to add the perfect touch to make the job exceptional. We are having a library built, so...Read more about Matson Construction LLC
"John Matson and Matson Construction LLC are wonderful! John is one of the most creative and talented carpenters I have ever had the privilege to meet. He is a highly professional, young gentleman, who knows how to add the perfect touch to make the job exceptional. We are having a library built, so...Read more about Matson Construction LLC
Porch Pro Headshot AffordaPro LLC
Serves Ashburn, Virginia
(32)
The 5-star-rated AffordaPro LLC in Clear Spring, MD is here for you when you need professional and long-lasting painting services.
The 5-star-rated AffordaPro LLC in Clear Spring, MD is here for you when you need professional and long-lasting painting services.
Porch Pro Headshot RENOVATIONS AND DESIGNS
Serves Ashburn, Virginia
(39)
The 5-star-rated folks at RENOVATIONS AND DESIGNS in Marlton will transform your home's exterior with top-grade vinyl siding services.
The 5-star-rated folks at RENOVATIONS AND DESIGNS in Marlton will transform your home's exterior with top-grade vinyl siding services.
Porch Pro Headshot Carrillo Improvements
Serves Ashburn, Virginia
Carrillo Improvements offers the best in residential house painting and commercial painting in Northern Virginia. We would appreciate the opportunity to serve you. If you are looking for a painting company to deliver high quality work and attention to details, we definitely can help you with your pr...Read more about Carrillo Improvements
Carrillo Improvements offers the best in residential house painting and commercial painting in Northern Virginia. We would appreciate the opportunity to serve you. If you are looking for a painting company to deliver high quality work and attention to details, we definitely can help you with your pr...Read more about Carrillo Improvements
Porch Pro Headshot Adonys Construction LLC
Serves Ashburn, Virginia
(14)
We are a small company that it’s dedicated on providing a professional home remodeling experience with 💯 % customer satisfaction
We are a small company that it’s dedicated on providing a professional home remodeling experience with 💯 % customer satisfaction
Porch Pro Headshot Walter's Painting & Handyman Services
Serves Ashburn, Virginia
(10)
Completely change the look of your home's architecture at night with outdoor lighting from Walter's Painting & Handyman Services in Friendly.
Completely change the look of your home's architecture at night with outdoor lighting from Walter's Painting & Handyman Services in Friendly.
Porch Pro Headshot Chesapeake Construction Services, LLC
We are a small, family owned local business. We attribute our reputation to the lasting customer relationships we’ve developed throughout the years. We believe that all of our customers deserve the highest level of service, and we are committed to providing just that.
We are a small, family owned local business. We attribute our reputation to the lasting customer relationships we’ve developed throughout the years. We believe that all of our customers deserve the highest level of service, and we are committed to providing just that.
Porch Pro Headshot DeCarlo Custom Woodworks
Serves Ashburn, Virginia
DeCarlo Custom Woodworks specializes in creating custom heirloom quality furniture and cabinetry that exceeds our client's expectations. Our passion is to provide outstanding service, high quality one of a kind furniture at a fair price. Our shop is large enough to get any job done but small enoug...Read more about DeCarlo Custom Woodworks
DeCarlo Custom Woodworks specializes in creating custom heirloom quality furniture and cabinetry that exceeds our client's expectations. Our passion is to provide outstanding service, high quality one of a kind furniture at a fair price. Our shop is large enough to get any job done but small enoug...Read more about DeCarlo Custom Woodworks
Porch Pro Headshot PATTERSON'S HOME Inspections
Serves Ashburn, Virginia
Hello, My name is Lawrence Patterson I am 34 years old and I've been in business for four years. I own and run a reliable Home Inspection business I am a very reasonable,dependable and thorough in all my work I do. I also do handyman services and small jobs including landscaping, some construction, ...Read more about PATTERSON'S HOME Inspections
Hello, My name is Lawrence Patterson I am 34 years old and I've been in business for four years. I own and run a reliable Home Inspection business I am a very reasonable,dependable and thorough in all my work I do. I also do handyman services and small jobs including landscaping, some construction, ...Read more about PATTERSON'S HOME Inspections
Porch Pro Headshot TheWindowMan.com
Serves Ashburn, Virginia
(26)
TheWindowMan.com in Halfway is here for you when you need a broken window repaired in a timely manner.
TheWindowMan.com in Halfway is here for you when you need a broken window repaired in a timely manner.
Porch Pro Headshot Passarelli Remodeling LLC
Serves Ashburn, Virginia
(4)
Take care of your window problems in one fell swoop with some help from the experts at Passarelli Remodeling LLC in the Charlton, MD area.
Take care of your window problems in one fell swoop with some help from the experts at Passarelli Remodeling LLC in the Charlton, MD area.
Porch Pro Headshot Weaver's Construction LLC
Serves Ashburn, Virginia
(11)
"Justin Weaver just remodeled an area of our basement which included laying tile, removing carpet and molding, installing gate and fencing for a dog enclosure. The job went as advertised and Justin did a meticulous job on the tile and barrier. Justin was timely, informative and thorough. His work is...Read more about Weaver's Construction LLC
"Justin Weaver just remodeled an area of our basement which included laying tile, removing carpet and molding, installing gate and fencing for a dog enclosure. The job went as advertised and Justin did a meticulous job on the tile and barrier. Justin was timely, informative and thorough. His work is...Read more about Weaver's Construction LLC
Porch Pro Headshot Apex Construction Services LLC
Serves Ashburn, Virginia
(1)
Apex Construction Services LLC in Travilah, MD possesses an outstanding 5-star rating, making them one of the best painting companies in town.
Apex Construction Services LLC in Travilah, MD possesses an outstanding 5-star rating, making them one of the best painting companies in town.
Porch Pro Headshot Giga construction llc
Serves Ashburn, Virginia
We are a local handyman and construction business that serves all of Dmv Since starting out in 2008, we have always sought to be a professional and reliable company who cares more about the people we serve than we do about a bottom line can do the work and deliver exceptional results. We possess a ...Read more about Giga construction llc
We are a local handyman and construction business that serves all of Dmv Since starting out in 2008, we have always sought to be a professional and reliable company who cares more about the people we serve than we do about a bottom line can do the work and deliver exceptional results. We possess a ...Read more about Giga construction llc
Porch Pro Headshot Optimum roofing and construction
Serves Ashburn, Virginia
Fast, friendly, and fully functional, our professional Construction Company is well renowned throughout the Montgomery County area. Our team is up for every job, managing projects with the skill and experience our clients have come to expect. We always stand behind our work, with customer satisfacti...Read more about Optimum roofing and construction
Fast, friendly, and fully functional, our professional Construction Company is well renowned throughout the Montgomery County area. Our team is up for every job, managing projects with the skill and experience our clients have come to expect. We always stand behind our work, with customer satisfacti...Read more about Optimum roofing and construction
Porch Pro Headshot FHS Construction Inc
Serves Ashburn, Virginia
Check out our website for more information about our expertise and previous projects. For serious inquiries: Email: Fhsconcrete@gmail.com Phone Number: 240-417-6207
Check out our website for more information about our expertise and previous projects. For serious inquiries: Email: Fhsconcrete@gmail.com Phone Number: 240-417-6207
Porch Pro Headshot Cisco Construction Inc
Serves Ashburn, Virginia
We specialize in remodeling, kitchens, bathrooms, basement, electrical, plumbing. We are quality people very serious on details and great results.
We specialize in remodeling, kitchens, bathrooms, basement, electrical, plumbing. We are quality people very serious on details and great results.
Porch Pro Headshot Masterstouch
Serves Ashburn, Virginia
Quality work at reasonable rates
Quality work at reasonable rates
Porch Pro Headshot S .S Enterprise
Serves Ashburn, Virginia
(1)
We remodel house from the ground up. Plumbing electricity demolition decks fence. You have the job we can do it!!
We remodel house from the ground up. Plumbing electricity demolition decks fence. You have the job we can do it!!
Porch Pro Headshot F and R Plumbing and Home Services
Serves Ashburn, Virginia
Porch Pro Headshot Handy Quality Improvements
Serves Ashburn, Virginia

Where do you need carpenters?

Give us a few details and we can match you
Or call us at: (800) 604-2454

Frequently asked questions about carpenters

What is a carpenter?

Carpentry is one of the oldest professions — for as long as people have needed shelter to live in, there has been some form of carpentry. Today, carpentry has become a very specialized trade and most carpenters have a niche. The hallmark of all types of carpentry is that carpenters are experts in working with wood. There are some small exceptions to this for buildings that use steel studs or other types of metal framing, for example. However, for the most part, when you think carpenters, think wood.

  • Rough carpenters – Rough carpenters are one of the first trades you'll have on-site if you’re building a house. Their expertise is in the overall structure and stability of buildings and the big-picture aspects of building a home.
  • Framing carpenters – Framing carpenters are the pros responsible for putting up the base structure that will become the interior and exterior walls of a building. Framing carpentry goes hand-in-hand with rough carpentry, however, framing is often seen as a specialized skill.
  • Jointers – Joint carpentry involves putting together floor joists that create the surface you'll walk on once it's finished.
  • Cabinet makers – Carpenters specializing in cabinetry are extremely skilled at fine woodworking and excel at precise and detail-oriented work. They are some of the last carpenters that work on a project because cabinetry is a part of the finishing process and is generally one of the last things that are installed.
  • Finish carpenters – similar to cabinet makers, finish carpenters are responsible for the finer details that are not structural but make up the parts of your home that you'll see daily. Finish carpenters will be the ones to install your trim, wood flooring, railings, and handrails and are also sometimes referred to as trim carpenters.

What questions should I ask a carpenter?

Have they done the work being requested before?

This is an important question that can often be overlooked, with potential clients assuming that all carpenters work on all types of projects. As we discussed before, carpentry has several specialized skill sets, so it's important to make sure that any carpenter you're considering has worked on your type of project before.

Are they examples of their work?

Carpenters near you will have pictures of past projects they've done that they can share with you. The building process is impressive, and the change from beginning to end can be staggering, so these proud tradespeople will likely have work they'll be happy to show you.

How much experience do they have in your type of project?

This ties into the first question, however, it’s a bit more detailed. Many clients have fallen into the trap of only asking basic questions, like “Have you done a project like this before?” and failing to follow up with, “How many times?”

In many cases, it may not matter if a carpenter has only done a certain type of work once or twice, but it could make a huge difference if your project is complex — and that’s not something you want to find out mid-project.

Are they licensed (if necessary)?

Many municipalities will require permits for carpentry work, depending on the scale. These permits are only applicable if a certified carpenter will be doing the work. In addition, your carpenter may need to have a Red Seal in carpentry to obtain the correct insurance.

Are they insured?

There are three different types of insurance that carpenters will need to carry to conduct work safely. These are general liability insurance, professional liability insurance, and Worker's Compensation insurance.

Don't be shy about asking a carpenter you're thinking of hiring for proof of the appropriate insurance, and be wary if they can't provide documentation.

Are builders and carpenters the same thing?

The short answer to this question is that a carpenter isn't always a builder, but a builder is most often a carpenter. Don't worry — we’ll clarify what that means below.

Carpenter

As we discussed above, there are many types of local carpenters who specialize in one or more distinct areas of carpentry. Depending on where you are in your construction process, multiple carpenters who are experts in their niche may be needed.

Builder

If a construction professional refers to themselves as a builder, they are likely saying that they are a general contractor or a construction project manager who can take more of a full-scope approach to your project. Most builders are carpenters by trade but have expanded their skillet to encompass more of the building process.

It can be a bit confusing because carpenters do build things, but when someone is referred to as a builder, it generally means that they are experienced in integrating multiple stages of construction and tradespeople on one project.

However, this is definitely a bit of a gray area. Make sure to clarify what type of professional you’re working with when you vet tradespeople, so you know exactly what their specialty is.

Can a carpenter build a deck?

A carpenter is absolutely the right tradesperson to build a beautiful, sturdy deck for you. Depending on what you're picturing for the finished product, however, you might want to look at bringing in both a rough carpenter and a finishing carpenter.

Rough carpenters are experts at putting in the proper foundation to make your deck safe and secure, as well as grading the ground below and ensuring adequate drainage. They'll also be the best people to advise on what types of materials the structure of your deck should be made of, including foundation, stairs, and railings.

It’s important to note here that in most municipalities, you’ll need a permit to build a deck. Your carpenter will need to be licensed to have the expertise and certification to apply for the proper licenses.

Once the structure of your deck is complete, a finish carpenter can give your project a different level of polish and aesthetic appeal, putting that final touch onto your new deck.

If your vision of your new deck involves built-in seating or an outdoor kitchen, a finish carpenter will also be the best tradesperson to help you bring your unique space to life.

Many rough carpenters are very skilled at finishing, and others don’t prefer to do finishing work, so it’s worth it to ask upfront.

Does a carpenter need a license?

Licensing for carpenters can be complicated. Not everyone who refers to themselves as a carpenter is a licensed carpenter, handypersons often do carpentry work. Only some states require carpenters to be licensed for specific types of work.

In many cases, licensing is required in order to ensure that a carpenter has an adequate level of knowledge and experience. There are plenty of unlicensed carpenters with a wealth of experience and talent, but the licensing process is a way for employers and clients to feel secure that a tradesperson has a standardized level of knowledge and experience. Most licensing programs require four years of work experience and the passing of a certification exam.

Below, we’ll go through some common questions and misconceptions to help you untangle the licensing web.

States that require carpenters to have licenses

Alabama, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah have state-level requirements for carpenters to be licensed to do certain types of carpentry work. While each state has its own list, some common types of carpentry often require licenses:

  • Millwork
  • Framing
  • Structural work
  • Cabinetry
  • Installing metal studs or framing

When can you hire a carpenter that does not have a license?

In some cases, lighter carpentry work on non-structural areas of a home doesn’t require a carpenter to carry a license. This may also mean they don’t have the proper workplace insurance, so make sure to ask those questions and weigh the risks accordingly.

Locations that fall outside city or municipal regions may have fewer restrictions on building permits. If you’re confident, you can have a non-licensed carpenter do structural work. This varies by location, so research the rules that cover your property before agreeing to have any work done.

Can a carpenter build a house?

Carpenters are integral to the home-building process, and their various areas of expertise are what allow the vision of a home designer or structural engineer to go from vision to reality.

If you’re unfamiliar with the home-building process, you may be surprised at first to learn that, in many cases, one carpenter does not handle the entire process. Particularly on large or complex projects, you’re likely to have several different types of carpentry experts. Beginning with rough carpentry to create the foundation and structure of your home, you’ll bring in framing carpenters for the exterior and interior walls, joint carpenters, roofing carpenters, and finish carpenters and cabinetmakers.

Depending on your location, finding the right carpenters near you can be simple, or you may have to look at bringing in the right pro from a larger city or town.

Other trades will need to work alongside carpenters during the building process. Homes are built in many layers and stages, so you can expect to have several trades working simultaneously at certain times.

Here’s a list of other trades you’ll need to build a house:

  • Machine operator
  • Electrician
  • Plumber
  • Gasfitter
  • Drywaller
  • Septic installer

Recent reviews for

433130

Did not show up for appointment

- Paul Jackowski
78678

I had an out door living space created by this company They did an amazing job. They took my initial ideas and just exceeded my expectations. The time line was on point and the team effort was great. Everything from the deck and pergola to the patio and p...

- Tim Blevins
78641

My wife and I had our Washington DC property renovated by 305 Building Luxury. We have a row house located int he NE side of town, when we bought the property it was in bad shape. We hired this company and from the initial meeting to the completion it was...

- Billy Bland
435519

Great company with an amazing staff. Our bathroom looks fantastic!! What a difference our newly finished basement looks. We couldn't be more pleased. Thank You Guys

- Renovations and Designs
78789

We have a commercial building in Washington DC area in the NW section. We had 305 Building Luxury renovate the entire 4 story space. On the bottom level (stree view) we incorporated commercial space. On the other levels we had them rezone for residential ...

- Kelly Hansen
125491

Our experience with Renovations and Designs has been a grateful one over the past few years so much so that we (GOTHAM CITY DEVELOPMENTS) have now become partners with them. Together we have completed projects through out Washington DC, residentially as w...

- Wayne VH
78684

305 Building Luxury Provided us with serveral services for our row house renovation in the North East part of Washington DC on D St. We are actually once of the featured projects they have in their profile. Basically they preformed a complete tear down an...

- ACS Electric
158447

I had Cesar come and paint my living room and bedroom, very professional and clean job, I will highly recommend Cesar and of course hire him for future requests.

- Napoleon Ayala
91090

The only positive thing I can say about them is they were on time. The owner Charles Vechery is a very mean and scary person and I unfortunately found that out after I hired him. His work was deplorable and unacceptable. He charged way too much money ...

- Annette Crisafi
10365

AffordaPro helped prepare my house to sell. They know how to economically make improvements and repairs and do them right! They helped me pick paint colors, did the work quickly and expertly and were polite and professional throughout the process. I wi...

- Dan Boughton
33186

Great Service, Great Quality and Outstanding Professionalism.

- Ricardo Serrano

Why use Porch?

Quotes for big projects
Compare pro reviews, licenses, and quotes so you can find the local company that works for you.
We do the small stuff
Porch Services can do lots of work for you directly. Easy to book, prices are fixed and upfront.
Text or call us if you need help
We have a knowledgeable staff ready to help with tips and advice along the way.

Top cities for carpenters