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Finish Carpentry

Once the house has a roof and windows, once the drywall is up and the floors are laid, then the finish carpenters roll up their sleeves and go to work. Finish carpentry — the installation of trim, cabinets and shelving, stairs and other details — is what transforms a house from a work-in-progress into a completed home.

Finish work is often about details, and carpenters draw on long experience to execute them precisely. Whether it’s crown molding, baseboard, or a built-in bathroom cabinet, the results will be among the first things that anyone entering a room will notice. Flaws like mismatched grain or joints that don’t line up exactly the way they’re intended are the bane of any finish carpenter.

And so most finish carpenters have learned a trick or two about getting it right. Is there a simple way to outline an elliptical doorway? Yes. Can shelving be attached to the wall without any visible means of support to look as if it’s floating? Of course. Is there a way of building a custom cabinet that rolls under an adjacent counter when not in use? You bet. Fine Homebuilding’s authors have been there.

New construction is one thing. Restoration carpenters and remodelers, of course, face wholly different challenges. They’re working with an existing building where floors are rarely level and walls perfectly plumb. That calls on finish carpenters to know not only the basics, but also how to adapt these techniques to a house that’s far from perfect.

Whether the house is old or new, and regardless of the materials or architectural style in which the project has been designed, Fine Homebuilding’s collection of articles and videos will get you headed in the right direction.

 

  • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings

    Making mitered head casings is a breeze with this simple system.

  • Making and Installing Wood Wall Paneling

    An expert carpenter details the steps of building and installing veneered wall paneling.

  • Installing Prefinished Cabinet Molding

    Use these assembly techniques when installing crown risers and molding to minimize visible gaps and nail holes.

  • Window Glazing with Traditional Putty

    Discover the benefits of using linseed oil–based products when glazing and finishing window sash.

  • Sand Smooth Contours

    Sand the recessed areas of a cabinet door without burning through raised edges using a homemade combination of sanding pads.

  • Building a Flush Interior Door With Carpenter Casey Knips

    Get a closer look at the building process for this durable, flush, lightweight door.

  • That Modern Look

    Veneered wall paneling is popular for its clean style, but it's a surprisingly complex trim carpentry job to do well.

  • Template for Bullnose Base Corners

    Use a simple jig made from scrap boards to measure the length of base trim for a curved corner.

  • Simple Miter Measurements

    Align the workpiece and the tape measure on the edge of a saw base for easy measuring and marking.

  • Installing Wainscots

    Wall finishes in wood, beadboard; using salvage; raised-panel repairs.

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Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

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