How to post a carpentry or joinery job
Carpentry can mean fitting internal doors, repairing stairs, laying timber floors or building storage. Joinery may involve workshop-made components with exact materials and finishes. A clear job post helps the right professional identify whether the work is site carpentry, bespoke manufacture or a combination.
You do not need production drawings to request interest. You do need measurements, useful photographs, the intended result and a clear statement of who supplies materials, hardware and finishing.
Name every item and location
- Count doors, shelves, cabinets, steps, skirting lengths or damaged elements.
- Name each room and whether the property is occupied.
- Give approximate width, height and depth for made-to-measure pieces.
- Describe walls, floors and surrounding materials where items will be fixed.
- Separate essential repairs from optional additions.
Photograph context, details and access
Take one photograph of the whole room or opening, then closer images of joints, damage, hardware and obstructions. Include a tape measure where it safely shows scale. For stairs, high work or structural concerns, photograph from a safe floor position and leave final investigation to the professional.
Define materials and finish
Say whether you want painted MDF, veneered board, plywood, softwood, hardwood or a match to existing work. Mention colour, sheen, edge details, handles, hinges and visible grain where relevant. If you are open to options, explain the performance and appearance you want instead of guessing a product.
Clarify design, supply and making good
- Who measures and produces final drawings or a cutting list?
- Who orders timber, sheet material, hardware and ironmongery?
- Is workshop manufacture, delivery and installation included?
- Who removes old items and repairs surrounding walls or flooring?
- Does the quote include filling, sanding, priming, painting or oiling?
Compare written scope and sequencing
CCPC guidance recommends comparing several quotes and agreeing a contract that records the scope, timeline, payment schedule and important details. For bespoke work, also agree drawings, samples, change approval, deposit stages and ownership of unused materials before manufacture begins.[1]
Copyable carpentry job description
Example: 'Design, make and install fitted alcove storage in a Dublin 8 living room. The two alcoves are approximately 112 cm wide by 38 cm deep and 246 cm high. We want closed base cabinets, adjustable shelves above and cable access for lighting. Painted MDF is acceptable, with a finish close to the existing warm white walls. Photos show both alcoves, sockets, skirting and access from the street. Please include final measuring, drawings, materials, hardware, workshop manufacture, fitting, making good and finishing, with painting shown separately.'
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between carpentry and joinery?+
Carpentry often describes work fitted or constructed on site, while joinery commonly includes workshop-made components. Many professionals provide both.
Are approximate measurements enough?+
They help professionals assess the enquiry, but final manufacturing dimensions should be confirmed by the person responsible for the work.
Should finishing be included in the quote?+
State whether you expect filling, sanding, priming, painting, staining or oiling and ask for exclusions to be explicit.
What should I attach for fitted furniture?+
Include room photographs, approximate dimensions, sockets and obstructions, plus inspiration images labelled as references rather than exact plans.
How should bespoke work be paid for?+
Agree written milestones tied to design approval, materials, manufacture, installation and snagging instead of an unclear payment schedule.
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