Snekkeryrket

Snekkeryrket, or carpentry, refers to the building trade focused on wood and wood-based materials used in construction and furnishing. Carpenters design, construct, install, and repair structural elements such as framing, floors, walls, roofs, stairs, and finish trim. The field can be divided into rough carpentry, which deals with structural work, and finish carpentry, which handles precise fitting and decorative details.

Training typically combines formal instruction with on-the-job experience. In many countries, aspiring carpenters enter an apprenticeship or trade school, learning geometry, reading blueprints, safe handling of tools, and adherence to building codes. Core skills include measuring, cutting, framing, joinery, and installing components such as doors, windows, cabinetry, and mouldings. Tools range from hand tools to power tools and machines; materials include softwoods, hardwoods, plywood, and engineered wood products.

Carpentry is a central activity in residential and commercial construction. Work is project-based and may occur on-site in various weather conditions, requiring physical stamina and teamwork. Safety training, personal protective equipment, and compliance with regulations are important. The trade has diversified into specialized areas such as timber framing, cabinetmaking, and furniture production. Economic cycles in construction significantly affect employment prospects, with many carpenters self-employed or employed by construction firms or contractors.