Part II: Why a cabinet maker is not a carpenter and visa versa!

Hello Again,

In continuation of my Blog from last week, Why a cabinet maker is not a carpenter and visa versa!, there is more to be said about this relatively unknown fact. It’s rather obvious to me that most people believe a skilled cabinet maker is the same thing as a skilled carpenter and visa versa. I’m writing this to thoroughly dispel that preconceived notion that all of us skilled folks are all the same by building on from my last post. I’ll continue with my line of reasoning and seek to communicate with those who are curious and wish to learn something here. The benefit is like this, for you as a consumer – you’ll know who to call for what type of job you need done and you won’t get any puzzled looks on your face. For us, well we’ll be happy knowing that you’ll know the difference.

Ok, so lets go back to that photo comparison in my last post. I’m referring to the guy with the hat, beard and glasses who looks amazingly like my son Michael. So for right now, for the sake of simplicity, lets just call this guy in the photo (with the beard, glasses and hat), Mike. I seriously doubt anyone who walked into Mike’s shop would ask him if he’d build a house for them. If he was asked that question, its quite possible that he’d be so taken back by that question that it would almost appear as if he was interested. He might even consider building a prefabricated home for a second if he had the applicable experience to do so. But in the end, the answer would be an obvious enthusiastically spoken, “no I don’t build houses here. But, I could certainly build you cabinets for it!”

Now lets go over towards our partner the carpenter. His field is broken down into various sub fields and can be just as confusing! Examples of this would be, a framing carpenter – one who builds the framework for houses. Or a trim carpenter as one who sizes, cuts and installs all the nice molding in your homes. Then there are trim carpenters who are also, finish carpenters who do lot of interior and exterior finish work involving trim, shutters, fascia etc. etc. You could also find finish carpenters installing cabinets in your kitchen and bathroom. But remember…. they are not cabinet makers just because they are installing them. 😮

Here are some various photos of carpenters of all types in action! I’m thinking that you’re going to start seeing the difference here very soon and if not, stayed tuned to part III of, “Why a cabinet maker is not a carpenter and visa versa”..