In Australia, carpenters perform a wide variety of tasks on residential, commercial and industrial worksites. They’re qualified to construct a building’s framework, formwork for concrete pouring and even tunnel bracing for mining operations.
While carpenters usually work on construction sites, they can also help you with your interior renovations, including laying timber flooring or adding skylights, as well as outdoor projects like building gazebos and decking.
To discover if you need to hire a carpenter for your project or if you’re interested in calling carpentry your profession, our guide has all the answers.
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3 Types of Carpenters in Australia
Residential carpenters
As you might’ve guessed, residential carpenters work on liveable dwellings. Their work includes building the framework for new buildings, interior and exterior walls, roofs, timber flooring, decks and more.
While Interior pieces, like stairs, doors and cabinets, may be prefabricated off-site by more specialised woodworkers, residential carpenters can construct and install these pieces into your home. It’s also worth noting that while carpenters primarily work with wooden construction materials, residential types may also lay floor tiles and carpet.
The average cost to hire a residential carpenter is roughly $50 per hour, but this will depend on the size and complexity of your job. You will normally also need to pay for material costs on top of labour.
Commercial carpenters
The work done by a commercial carpenter, when compared to that of a residential carpenter, is much more considerable. Their worksites generally consist of hospitals, schools, hotels, office buildings and shopping centres.
While their actual skills are very similar to a residential carpenter, there are additional tasks a commercial carpenter will perform. These include working with load-bearing and light-gauge steel for exterior framework and interior partitions, as well as formwork for concrete walls.
Industrial carpenters
As they work on civil and industrial projects like dams, bridges, power stations and mines, the work performed by industrial carpenters is on a larger scale than both residential and commercial carpenters.
The work of industrial carpenters includes tunnel bracing and partitions for mining operations, concrete formwork for dams and bridges and scaffolding for a host of different worksites. Industrial carpenters in Australia will commonly be hired by governments or councils to assist with the constructions of highways and other large roadworks.
3 Things a Carpenter Can do For You in 2020
1. Build a pergola, gazebo or deck.
Pergolas, gazebos and decks are one of the most common home additions. While they’re known to help increase a property’s value, not building them to code can cost you in fines later on down the track.
Hiring a carpenter near you to build your outdoor entertainment area will ensure everything is done properly. Plus, you may even save on material costs and your own time in trying to do it yourself.
2. Knock up a timber retaining wall.
Another great way to update your home and garden is the addition of a timber retaining wall. A good timber retaining wall can help you reshape your yard giving it a new look and feel.
However, if your retaining wall is poorly built, the costs to repair any damages can be quite large, but this can all be avoided by hiring a reputable carpenter. As carpenters are required to do their work to code to keep their licencing, you can be confident the work you’re getting is done properly.
It should be noted that some retaining walls over a certain height will require approval by your local council and as such, become the work for structural landscapers.
3. Install a skylight.
A great way to add more light into any room of your house is by installing a skylight. As a skylight is located in the roof of your home, they allow light to shine directly into your home, even when the sun is at its peak.
Skylights are also one of the few improvements you can make to a home that affects both the interior and exterior look of your home. This makes them a great way to add a little extra value to your property and is a job most carpenters can do for you.
If your skylight isn’t installed properly, you run the risk of water leaks, poor heat retention and even structural damage. These problems can be avoided by hiring a reputable carpenter to ensure your skylight installation is top-notch.
How to Become a Carpenter in Australia
When you hear the most experienced carpenters in Australia earn around $107,250 a year, becoming one sounds tempting. However, learning the carpentry trade isn’t as easy as it looks.
To become a carpenter in Australia, you’ll need to:
- Have achieved a year 10 high school certified, at least.
- Complete a carpentry apprenticeship to learn on the job.
- Once you’ve started an apprenticeship, complete your study of a Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery CPC32011 at a TAFE institute.
- Attain and hold a White Card through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
There may be other requirements depending on your state and if you wish to specialise in a particular area.
Now you know what a carpenter can do for you, find one near you on localsearch.com.au!
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