When employed by a general building contractor, they may perform many tasks, such as framing walls and partitions, putting in doors and windows, hanging kitchen cabinets, and installing paneling and tile ceilings. Cut and shape materials using hand and power tools, and join materials with nails, screws, staples or adhesives. The work is sometimes strenuous, as it requires prolonged standing, climbing, bending and kneeling. Carpenters risk injury from slips or falls, from working with sharp or rough materials, and from the use of sharp tools and power equipment. Many work outdoors.
Some carpenters change employers each time they finish a job.
Others alternate between working for a contractor and being self-employed. Carpenters employed outside the construction industry do a variety of installation and maintenance work. They may replace panes of glass, ceiling tiles and doors, and repair desks, cabinets and other furniture. They may install partitions, doors and windows. Some pick up skills informally by working under the supervision of experienced workers.