Timmerlieden

Timmerlieden, the Dutch term for carpenters or joiners, are skilled tradespeople who work with timber to create, assemble, install, and repair wooden structures and fittings. The term covers a range of activities from structural carpentry to interior joinery.

In construction and workshops, timmerlieden build timber frames for houses, install roof structures, doors, windows, stairs, and fitted furniture, and perform restoration work on historic buildings. They may specialize in new-build carpentry, renovation, or shop fitting, and can work for construction firms, timber companies, or operate as independent contractors.

Typical tasks include measuring, cutting, shaping, and fitting timber using a combination of hand tools and power tools. They employ joinery techniques such as mortise-and-tenon or tongue-and-groove joints, and work with various woods and engineered timbers. Safety, precision, and coordination with other trades are important aspects of the work.

Training for timmerlieden generally occurs through vocational education and apprenticeships. In the Netherlands and Belgium, aspiring carpenters may pursue MBO-level programs and gain experience under supervision before advancing to more independent roles. Employment is found in timber-focused companies as well as in broader construction teams.

Historically, carpenters were organized in craft guilds; today the profession is regulated by building codes and professional associations. The field emphasizes safe working practices and the sustainable use of timber, including sourcing from certified suppliers and applying environmentally responsible construction methods.