Framing Carpenter

A framing carpenter (also known as a rough carpenter or framer) is a construction trade professional who builds the structural skeleton of buildings using wood (or sometimes metal) framing. They create the framework that supports walls, floors, and roofs, providing the "bones" of a structure before insulation, drywall, electrical, plumbing, and finishes are added. This role comes before drywall hanging in the construction sequence—the framer erects the studs, joists, and rafters that drywall hangers later cover with panels. Key Responsibilities

Reading blueprints and layouts to determine dimensions and materials. Cutting and assembling lumber (typically 2x4s, 2x6s, etc.) for walls, floors, and roofs. Erecting wall frames on the foundation, standing them up, and bracing them. Installing floor joists, subfloors, roof trusses or rafters, and sheathing (plywood/OSB on exterior). Ensuring everything is plumb, level, square, and meets building codes for structural integrity. Using tools like framing nailers (pneumatic guns), circular saws, hammers, squares, levels, and sometimes cranes for trusses.

Framers work in teams, often outdoors in all weather, and the job is fast-paced on production sites.How to Become One Most framing carpenters learn through apprenticeships (3–4 years via unions like the United Brotherhood of Carpenters or contractor programs), combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction on safety, codes, and math. No college degree is required, but physical strength, stamina, math skills (for layouts), and comfort working at heights are essential. It's one of the most demanding trades—heavy lifting, heights, power tools, and exposure to elements—with higher injury risk than finishing trades.