Carpentry Course Outline

Wood and its properties; hardwoods; softwoods; identifying wood; lumber milling; drying; storage; moisture and shrinkage; lumber defects; grading, sizing, and measuring lumber.

Panel and plywood types and strengths; spans; laminated veneer and strand lumber; hardboard; softboard; fiberboard; particleboard; I-beams; screws and nails; bolts; wall fasteners; anchors; glues and adhesives; connectors.

Drills; braces; drill bits; augers; countersinks; levels; layout and measuring tools; straightedges; bevels; squares; drawing angles and circles; chalk lines; plumb lines; hammers; nailing; screwdrivers; wrenches; pliers; clamps; vises; planes; chisels; knives; cutting tools; scrapers; saws; miter boxes.

Power saws; circular saws; selecting and using the right blade; saber saws; drills; power screwdrivers; cordless tools; routers; jointer, block, and abrasive planes; sanders; staplers; nailers; specialty blades; sharpening; radial arm and miter saws; dadoing; grooving; rabbeting; table saws; ripping; crosscutting; table saw aids.

Blueprints, drawings, and other plans; views; sections; working with specifications; dimensions and scales; modular measures; symbols; abbreviations; floor plans; plot plans; topography; foundations; zoning regulations; building codes; inspections.

How to plan your study activities, set your priorities, and finish your assignments on time.

Leveling; plotting elevations and angles; using the transit-level; working from plans; laser levels; establishing foundation lines; staking; how to erect batter boards.

Types and properties of concrete; mixing; reinforcing; forms; pouring; curing; precautions; footings; slabs; walls; allowing for openings; columns; supported and suspended stairs; estimating.

Floor framing; platform, balloon, and post-and-beam framing; girders; sills; laying out and installing floor joists; floor openings; columns; subflooring; termite infestation; plates; studs; headers; trimmers; corner posts; joining partitions; braces; bucking; fitting doors and windows; erecting wall sections; leveling; wall sheathing; estimating materials.

Bearing and non-bearing partitions; joists; joining the joists and beams; backing; furring strips; blocking; soleplates; gypsum; wood and metal lath; plaster and its applications; steel framing; scaffolds; wall brackets; trestles; ladders and horses; important safety procedures.

Roof types and terms; gable, hip, intersecting, gambrel, mansard, shed, and butterfly roofs; trussed roofs; spans; layout; ridge board; overhang, support; valleys; dormers; lumber and panel sheathing.

Stairway design, terms, and types; determining rise and tread run; framing; the stair carriage; landings; basement stairs; types of insulation; insulating walls, floors, ceilings, and crawl spaces; acoustical insulation; condensation.

Cornice types, parts, and design; subfascia; lookout; soffit; molding; box, snub, open, and rake cornices; installing gutters and downspouts; waterproofing.

Roofing terms and tools; preparing the deck; figuring slope; underlayment; asphalt; ridge cap; the starter course; roll roofing; wood shingles; shakes; ventilation; working with steep slopes; flashing chimneys valleys, walls, and vents.

Window and glass types; frames; single- and double-hung, fixed, casement, sliding, awning, and jalousie windows; skylights; screens; ordering and installing windows; glazing; door types and parts; assembling a frame; door styles and sizes; prehung doors; fitting and hanging doors; pulls and locksets; hinges.

Siding sizes, grades, and patterns; panel, shake, shingle, lap, aluminum, and vinyl siding; preparing the foundation, corners; vapor barriers; planning and installing decks, porches and fences; estimating tips.

Gypsum board; cement board; drywall fasteners; single- and multi-layer walls; ceilings; curved surfaces; baths; showers; concealing fasteners and joints; estimating; paneling types; preparing and erecting paneling; fastening; solid wood walls; tile types.

Suspended ceilings; ceiling tiles; layout; measuring; framing and assembling a variety of interior doors; locksets; types, preparation, and installation of crown and base molding; door casings and hinges; finishing window trim; shimming a door; closets; mantels; other trim.

Staircase types; layout; treads; risers; housed and open stringers; balustrades; newel posts; finishing; balconies; types, grades, and patterns of hardwood; the six types of wood flooring; installation; perfect subflooring; layout, and installation of tile and resilient flooring; the importance of underlayment.

Designing, laying out, and installing manufactured and custom-made wall and base cabinets; cabinets for kitchens, baths, and living areas; cutting and installing countertops; laminated tops; jointing techniques; doors; drawers; making and installing doors; hinges; pulls and knobs; drawer guides.

Helpful techniques for pursuing careers in the carpentry field.