Each specialization below represents a different kind of work environment and workflow. Selecting one will take you to a diagnostic survey designed to evaluate fit for that path.
Finish Carpentry
Interior trim and detail work focused on visible elements such as doors, casing, baseboards, and built-ins.
Framing
Structural construction work involving walls, floors, roofs, and load-bearing components on active jobsites.
Cabinet Making
Shop-based carpentry focused on building cabinets and casework using repeatable, measured processes.
Rough Carpentry
Functional construction tasks such as decking, forms, blocking, and structural support where appearance is secondary.
Restoration Carpentry
Repair and rebuild work on existing structures, often involving older buildings and non-standard conditions.
Custom Furniture
Design-driven carpentry focused on building individual furniture pieces from concept through completion.
About Carpentry and Why These Diagnostics Help
Carpentry isn’t one “thing.” It’s a broad trade that includes everything from fast structural work to slow, highly visible detail work. Two people can both be “carpenters” and have completely different days: jobsite chaos vs shop routines, heavy framing vs trim perfection, problem-solving in old houses vs repeatable cabinet systems.
That’s why these diagnostics exist: not to test talent, but to test fit. A lot of people don’t fail because they’re incapable — they fail because they pick a lane that fights their temperament every day. If you naturally like speed, variability, and field problem-solving, one path will feel energizing. If you naturally like precision, consistency, and clean finishes, a different path will feel “right.” Same trade name. Different workflow.
These quizzes are quick self-assessments that help you notice where you’re likely to thrive: jobsite vs shop, speed vs precision, repetition vs variety, systems vs improvisation, and visible standards vs rough tolerances. They’re not career advice and they’re not guarantees — they’re a fast way to get a clearer signal before you commit time, money, or identity to the wrong lane.
What you’ll get
A practical “alignment signal” about which carpentry environments match how you operate — and which ones are likely to feel like friction.
What you won’t get
A promise, a prediction, or a label that defines you. Use results as a starting point, not a verdict.
Best next step
Take one quiz, read “What it looks like,” then compare two specializations that seem close. After that, validate in real life: shadow, help, or do a small starter project.
If you’re interested in carpentry, don’t overthink it. Start with a diagnostic and follow the lane that matches your preferences — then test it in the real world.