Carpentry

13 articles

CPUT graduate Phaphama Ngalimani proudly inspects a wooden furniture piece in his bustling carpentry workshop, showcasing his successful transition to entrepreneurship.
Trades

CPUT graduate picks carpentry business over teaching career

Phaphama Ngalimani, a Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) graduate, now earns in one week from his carpentry business what he previously made in three months as a contract teacher, accordin

Rick Donovan·June 9, 2026
Northeast Iowa Community College carpentry and electrician students proudly stand in front of a newly completed 2,000-square-foot single-family home in Calmar.
Projects

NICC carpentry and electrician students finish Calmar project home

A 2,000-square-foot, single-family residence in Calmar now stands as a testament to the practical skills gained by students from Northeast Iowa Community College's carpentry and electrician programs,

Scott Ramirez·May 13, 2026
Close-up of a carpenter's hands expertly cutting a mortise and tenon joint with hand tools in a well-lit woodworking shop.
How-To

11 Best Woodworking Joints for DIY and Pro Carpenters

In controlled tests, the mortise and tenon joint withstood an average of 172 pounds of breaking force, significantly outperforming simpler alternatives, according to Woodgears .

Scott Ramirez·May 10, 2026
Young students proudly sign commitment papers for skilled trades careers at a National Signing Day event, celebrating their future in vocational fields.
Trades

Young people flock to skilled trades careers, boosting student engagement initiatives

Last year, enrollment in vocational-focused community colleges surged by 16%, reaching its highest level since 2018, signaling a powerful shift in student career aspirations.

Rick Donovan·May 8, 2026
Close-up of skilled hands cutting a dovetail joint with precision, showcasing the art of woodworking joinery.
How-To

What Are Essential Woodworking Joints and How Are They Used?

A basic butt joint, held together by only screws, nails, or glue, is considered the weakest in woodworking, contrasting sharply with the robust, four-sided support of a mortise and tenon joint.

Scott Ramirez·May 5, 2026
Close-up of skilled hands creating a precise mortise and tenon joint in a piece of wood, showcasing traditional woodworking craftsmanship.
How-To

What Are Mortise and Tenon Joints and Why Are They So Strong?

In controlled tests, mortise and tenon joints consistently outperformed dowel joints by an average of 25%, revealing a significant difference in structural integrity.

Scott Ramirez·April 23, 2026
Diverse young adults learning welding, carpentry, and electrical skills in a bright, modern training facility, symbolizing future career opportunities.
Trades

Scout programs open new facilities for skilled trades training

The Boy Scouts of America will open 50 new skilled trades education centers by 2025, backed by a $150 million investment.

Rick Donovan·April 21, 2026
Split image showing a modern AI data center and skilled tradespeople learning carpentry and plumbing, symbolizing Lowe's investment.
Trades

Lowe's Pledges $250 Million for Skilled Trades Training

A Wisconsin town recently restricted AI data centers, while Lowe's is investing $250 million over the next decade to train 250,000 skilled trades professionals.

Rick Donovan·April 12, 2026
Diverse young adults learning skilled trades like plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work in a modern workshop, symbolizing Lowe's $250 million investment in workforce development.
Trades

Lowe's Pledges $250 Million to Combat Skilled Trades Shortage

The Lowe's Foundation is pledging $250 million over the next decade to train plumbers, carpenters, and electricians, a direct response to the critical skilled trades shortage facing the U.S. construction and home improvement industries.

Rick Donovan·April 9, 2026
Diverse students learning skilled trades like plumbing, electrical, and carpentry in a modern vocational training center, symbolizing the Lowe's Foundation's investment in future professionals.
Trades

Lowe's Foundation Pledges $250 Million for Skilled Trades Training

In a major move to combat the national labor crisis, the Lowe's Foundation has committed $250 million over the next decade to fund skilled trades training for 250,000 new professionals.

Rick Donovan·April 7, 2026
Close-up of a woodworker's hands expertly assembling a complex wooden joint, showcasing the precision and craftsmanship involved in creating strong, lasting woodworking projects.
Projects

A Guide to the Types of Joinery in Woodworking Explained

Discover the fundamental skill of woodworking joinery and how different joint types impact a project's strength, durability, and appearance. This guide explains common joints, their uses, benefits, and drawbacks to help you build lasting pieces.

Scott Ramirez·April 3, 2026
A homeowner diligently reviews blueprints and a checklist on a workbench, surrounded by organized tools and materials, symbolizing the critical importance of preparation in DIY projects.
Projects

Your DIY Project Is Doomed Without This One Crucial, Overlooked Step

Many DIY home improvement projects fail due to a fundamental lack of preparation. Expert carpenters confirm that meticulous planning and prep work are crucial for success, saving you time and money.

Scott Ramirez·April 1, 2026
Skilled hands demonstrating a precise woodworking joint, such as a dovetail or mortise and tenon, in a well-lit workshop, emphasizing craftsmanship and the detail of wood joinery.
How-To

A Basic Woodworking Joints Guide for DIY Projects

Discover the 9 essential woodworking joints every DIYer should know. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you build stronger, more durable projects from frames to furniture.

Scott Ramirez·March 30, 2026