5 Tips from a Carpenter

With the ongoing cost of living crisis, many households are looking to take on work DIY where possible to keep their expenses down.

In this blog, we’ll look at five tips to take on board for DIY carpenter work, as well as what you should do if looking for a qualified carpenter.

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1. Ensure You Have the Right Tool Kit

Before you can start any carpentry work DIY, you’ll want to gather the correct tools needed for the work at hand.

Among the most important tools required include:

• Measuring tape
• Spirit level
• Pencil
• Chisels
• Hammers
• A range of saws
• Various screwdrivers
• Rasps and files
• Sandpaper
• Additional cutting tools
• Square measuring frame

The exact tool set needed can vary from person to person, depending on the exact work you intend to undertake. If unsure about anything, it’s important to consult with a carpenter for clarity.

2. Always Prioritise a Safe Approach

As with any DIY work, safety must be highly prioritised. After all, when working with sharp tools, heavy materials and complicated tasks, there are a range of hazards to consider.

Here are some of the safety equipment you’ll need for DIY carpentry work:

• Protective eyewear
• Respirator
• Protective gloves
• Earplug
• Work shoes with protective qualities

Along with using safety equipment, you’ll want to ensure you proceed with caution for any and all DIY carpentry work. This matters when it comes to making sure the work is completed correctly but more importantly to keep you safe during work and to keep the wooden installation(s) in question safe over time to the extent possible.

Of course, monitoring and maintenance (as needed) are also important to keeping a wooden installation secure in the years ahead.

3. Be Sure to Make Precise Measurements

Next, you’ll want to measure carefully and double-check your measurements at each turn in a DIY carpentry project. After all, incorrect measurements can befall a carpentry project entirely.

What’s more, the use of quality measuring tools is important too. This may mean investing in high-end and expensive tools that are made to last. On the other hand, if on a tight budget, find measuring tools that offer good value for money and make them last by storing and using them well.

Whatever the case, having the right measuring tools on the ready and always double-checking measurements can result in better outcomes and avoid unnecessary expenses resulting from errors made in DIY carpentry.

4. Make Certain the Right Wood is Used

Whether you want to add a new shelf to your living room or replace an entire flooring in a space in your home, it’s important that you opt for the correct type of wood.

Of course, the type of wood needed for any given carpentry project will depend on a host of factors.

The primary categories of wood, softwood and hardwood each come with their own pros and cons, as do specific wood types, including oak, beech, walnut, maple and parquet. Premium options include engineered wood.

Budget-friendly options include pine, oak and cherry wood floors. Laminate flooring is generally more affordable than real wood floors and comes with its own pros and cons. Whatever the case, be sure to use the right type of wood for the project and not to sacrifice on quality.

5. Secure Several Quotes When Hiring a Professional

When you need to hire a professional carpenter, it’s best to land quotes from several local services.

This way, you can compare their pricing, online customer ratings (if available), and prior experience and projects to figure out which individual or company might be best for you! It’s also worth thinking about who you get on best with when making a decision.

If you'd like some more tips from the professionals, check out these guides too:

• Tips from a builder
• Tips from a plumber
• Tips from a painter and decorator
• Tips from an electrician
• 5 tips from a gardener
• 5 tips from a kitchen fitter