Stolari

Stolari is the plural form of stolar in several South Slavic languages, notably Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian and Montenegrin, and it refers to carpenters or joiners—skilled workers who cut, shape, assemble, install and repair wood-based structures and objects. The occupation covers a range of activities including rough carpentry on construction sites, timber framing, and finish work such as cabinetmaking, furniture production, doors and window frames, and stairways.

Stolari work in workshops and on construction sites, often combining manual skill with measurement accuracy and adherence to safety standards. Training typically occurs through practical apprenticeships or vocational schooling, with progression into specialized areas such as furniture making, carpentry, or timber construction. In many regions they may be organized under professional associations or trade guilds that set standards and provide certification.

Tools commonly used by stolari include saws, planes, chisels, hammers, levels and tape measures, as well as modern power tools and sometimes computer-controlled equipment in larger shops. Core techniques involve joinery, planing, cutting to precise dimensions, and the installation of structures and fittings.

The term reflects a long-standing craft within the broader construction and furniture industries in the South Slavic linguistic area, where stolari have traditionally contributed to both new builds and the repair or restoration of wooden elements. In contemporary contexts, the profession remains a standard trade, with training and regulation aligning with national construction and vocational education systems.