If you've ever looked out during a thunder storm and been thankful that you have a roof over your head, then your thanks should have gone to a roofing carpenter. They specialise in constructing roof frames. Fixing carpenters undertake work such as hanging doors, fixing windows, installing door jambs and skirting as well as fitting a variety of fixtures such as locks and door handles. Some of these structures are pre-fabricated by a joiner, who performs a different but closely related role in construction.
Other carpenters specialise in formwork, building the timber forms into which concreters pour and set concrete. This technique, called boxing, provides a mould for structures such as concrete staircases, walls and foundations. The more prevalent use of tilt-up concrete panelling, however, is reducing the demand for these skills in the commercial area. Most carpenters will also undertake general maintenance duties, such as renovating and refurbishing pre-existing timber structures. A carpenter is required to have a broad knowledge of building and construction methods and the materials and timbers that are used. Much of this knowledge is learnt both on and off the job, during an apprenticeship.