At least one-half of the work in most building projects involves finish carpentry; many owner-builders subcontract out their house shell and do the finish work themselves. This workshop will focus on developing skills with tools and familiarization with the techniques of finish work: installing doors, windows, flooring, drywall, exterior trim, door and window trim, baseboards and moldings, shelves, building stairs, etc.

Many difficulties in finish carpentry are caused by poor framing, so we will develop your problem solving ability, your “eye” for good work and show you tricks of the trade. We will look at materials as well, and scheduling the proper sequence of finish steps. We will also discuss kit homes and other pre-erected shell options. Hands-on exercises each day will include finish work on a house framed up by Heartwood students in 2006-2007. Tthis course makes an excellent addition for those taking our Homebuilding course during the previous two weeks.

Instructor Will Beemer’s article, ”10 Rules for Finish Carpentry” appeared in the January 1998 issue of Fine Homebuilding.