Joinery: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'joinery' when referring to the craft of making wooden components or furniture by joining pieces together. It is often used in the context of interior fittings, staircases, and custom furniture.

• The joinery work on the new staircase is exquisite.
• He specializes in bespoke joinery for historic buildings.

Use 'carpentry' to describe the broader field of constructing, installing, and repairing wooden structures and frameworks. This can include both rough and finish work in building structures such as houses, bridges, and other large-scale projects.

• He's been working in carpentry for over 20 years, building houses and furniture.
• Carpentry is a fundamental skill in construction.

Use 'woodworking' as a general term for the craft of making items from wood, which can include furniture, decorative objects, and varied artistic pieces. It encompasses a variety of techniques, tools, and skills.

• She enjoys woodworking and has made several pieces of furniture for her home.
• Woodworking can be a relaxing and rewarding hobby.

Use 'cabinetmaking' when talking about the specialized craft of making cabinets and other fine wooden furniture. This term is often associated with high-quality, detailed, and complex woodwork pieces.

• My grandfather was renowned for his cabinetmaking skills.
• She took up cabinetmaking as a hobby and now makes beautiful custom furniture.

Joinery refers specifically to the construction and fitting together of the wooden parts, such as doors, window frames, and furniture. It often involves detailed and precise work.

• He specializes in joinery and can create custom window frames.
• The joinery in that antique cabinet is exquisite.

Woodworking is the general skill or craft of making objects from wood. It includes various techniques such as carving, turning, and joinery.

• She's taken up woodworking as a hobby and makes small furniture pieces.
• Woodworking requires a good set of tools and considerable patience.

Carpentry is a broader term that includes the construction, installation, and repair of wooden structures such as houses, bridges, and frameworks. It's not just limited to fine detailing.

• He has been doing carpentry work for 20 years and can build anything from scratch.
• She hired a carpentry service to renovate her deck.

Craftsmanship highlights the skill and artistry involved in creating something by hand. It doesn't pertain exclusively to wood but can apply to any handmade work demonstrating mastery and expertise.

• His craftsmanship is evident in the fine details of the wooden sculpture.
• They appreciated the craftsmanship of the handmade clock.