What does a carpenter do on the job?

I'm interested in becoming a carpenter, but I want to know more about the variety of tasks involved. Is it just building things, or does it include design work as well?

Carpentry is indeed a versatile profession and involves more than just "building things." Carpenters deal with many aspects of construction, ranging from building frameworks for houses to installing fixtures in a completed building.

Carpenters typically interpret blueprints or sketches to construct and install structures and fixtures. They also need to calculate dimensions, measure, and cut materials accordingly. Additionally, carpenters often need to inspect and replace damaged framework or other structures and fixtures, and sometimes they have to install doors, windows, and cabinetry.

Another part of a carpenter’s role can be working with clients or construction managers to determine what work is needed, or providing cost estimates for potential work. Occasionally, they may also supervise construction workers or apprentices on a site.

While the primary role of a carpenter usually doesn't involve design per se, a depth of understanding about design principles is certainly beneficial and relevant to the job. Some carpenters do specialize in areas such as creating custom furniture, which would necessitate more design skills.

So you're definitely on the right path by thinking about the various aspects of the carpentry profession – it's a diverse field offering many potential opportunities.