Learn How to Make Things from Timber
Carpentry is a broad trade that includes constructing small items of furniture, doors, windows, building frames, wooden flooring, outdoor structures. Or repairing and reconfiguring already built structures. Many carpenters go on to specialise in specific areas of carpentry like cabinet making, furniture making, house frame construction, making musical instruments, or whatever interests them.
This online course in woodwork and carpentry techniques will help you to understand which materials to use for each job, how to distinguish different types of wood, ways to cut and join timber, how to cope with shrinkage, what tools to use and how to maintain them, the right nails, screws and bolts for each job, and how to preserve your masterpiece! This course is generic in nature as it covers many different aspects of carpentry. There are endless possibilities when woodworking, so doesn't cover such specialties but instead it is a solid introduction to carpentry and its many applications.
The course includes a couple of small woodwork projects where students get to choose to make something.
Study to learn:
- Different types of timber, their qualities and uses.
- Cutting and joining timber using tools or machines.
- Different types of carpentry like windows, doors, and basic furniture.
- Timber repairs and finishes.
- How to plan and set out carpentry projects.
Course Duration: 100 hours
COURSE CONTENT
There are 10 lessons in this course:
Lesson 1. Scope and Nature of Carpentry
- Scope and Nature of Carpentry
- Understanding Wood
- Resistance to Rot, Fire
- Defects in Timber
- Turning Trees into Timber
- Ways of Cutting Logs
- Shrinkage Effects
- Seasoning Timber
- Moisture content of Wood
- Stress Grading
- Types of Wood
- Types of Composites
- Buying Timber
Lesson 2. Carpentry Tools, Equipment, Materials and Safety
- Carpentry Tools, Equipment, Materials and Safety
- Hand Tools: saws, hammers, chisels drills, planes, screwdrivers, other tools
- Power Tools: nail guns, saws, electric drills, planer, sander, router
- Materials: sandpaper, steel wool, nails, wood screws, glues, wood filler
- Safety
- Tool Maintenance
- Sharpening techniques
- Sharpening tools: planes, chisels, saws
- Cutting and Joining Timber
- Storage: toolboxes
- Hiring tools
Lesson 3. Cutting and Joining Timber
- Types of joints: edge, butt, angled, mitres, framing, dovetail, mortise and tenon, housing joints, halving joints, etc.
- Nails
- Screws
- Staples, bolts, connectors, straps, corrugated fasteners, glues
- Glue blocks, dowels, biscuits, splines
- Cutting and shaping timber
Lesson 4. Small Carpentry Projects
- Hanging tools on a wall
- The work bench
- Making a work bench
- Making a simple 2 door cupboard
- Making a coffee table
- Making a bookcase
Lesson 5. Outside Construction
- Choosing timber
- Pests: termites
- Timber preservatives
- Keeping timber off the ground
- Using timber in the garden
- Recycled timbers
- Outdoor furniture
- Building a wood deck
- Building a wood fence
- Where to build in the garden
- Constructing a wall with railway sleepers
Lesson 6. Constructing Small Buildings
- Types of foundations
- Framing
- Roofing
- Building a wooden cabin
- Building a wood gazebo
- Building a cubby house
Lesson 7. Understanding House Construction
- Timber framed buildings
- Timber floors
- Doors and door frames
- Door Construction
- Door frames
- Architraves and skirting
- Windows and frames-sash, sliding sash, casement, pivot, slat
- Roofs: single, double, trussed, etc.
Lesson 8. Handyman Repair Work
- Fitting a lock
- Repairing a sash window
- Fitting and hanging doors
- Hanging a cupboard door
- Form work for concrete foundations
- Relaying floorboards
- Resurfacing timber floors
- Repairing a broken ledge and brace gate
Lesson 9. Finishing Wood
- Creating smooth surfaces -using a plane, sanding, etc.
- Paints, stains and varnishes
- Polyurethane
- Shellac
- French polishing
- Stains
- Paints: defects in painted surfaces, repainting
- Veneering
- Preparing outdoor surfaces
- Tips for outdoor finishes
Lesson 10. Planning and Setting Out a Project
- Setting out
- Making a setting out rod
- Introduction to technical or trade drawing
- Drawing instruments
- Types of drawings: plans, sections, elevations, etc
- Setting out a technical drawing
- Building regulations
- Measuring up
- Working out quantities
- Preparing and surveying a site for construction
Frequently Asked Questions!
Who is this course suitable for?
It is suitable for aspiring carpenters, DIY enthusiasts, builders, tradespeople and anyone interested in woodworking.
What equipment and supplies do I need?
Most students can complete the course using basic carpentry and woodworking tools. The specific equipment required will depend on the practical activities you choose to undertake. Common items may include measuring tools, hand tools, timber, fasteners, sandpaper, hammer, chisel, flathead or Phillips screwdriver (or electric screwdriver - corded/cordless), hand saw (panel saw or electric jigsaw/circular saw), tape measure, square, pencil, spirit level and basic finishing materials. Students are responsible for sourcing their own tools and materials.
How do I complete the practical side of the course?
Practical learning is completed through a series of hands-on projects and activities outlined in the study guide. You can carry out these tasks at home, in a workshop, or in another suitable environment where you have access to the required tools and materials. Practical work is documented and submitted as part of your assessments.
Is this a trade qualification like an apprenticeship?
No. This course is a professional development and skills-based training program, not a nationally recognised trade qualification or apprenticeship. It is designed to help you develop knowledge and practical skills in carpentry and woodworking, whether for personal interest, employment enhancement, or preparation for further study.
What will I be able to do with this course?
After completing the course, you will have a better understanding of carpentry materials, tools, construction methods, repairs, timber finishes and project planning. You may apply these skills to home improvement projects, woodworking hobbies, property maintenance, entry-level construction support roles, or further education within the building and construction industry.
Will I be able to work for myself or others?
This course can help develop practical skills that may be useful when working alongside tradespeople, undertaking maintenance tasks, or operating a small woodworking or handyman business where permitted by local regulations. However, some carpentry and construction work may require specific licences, certifications, trade qualifications or regulatory approvals depending on your location and the type of work being undertaken.
Types of Carpentry Careers
| Residential Carpenter |
Commercial Carpenter |
Formwork Carpenter |
Framing Carpenter |
| Constructs, renovates and repairs homes and residential buildings. |
Works on offices, retail buildings, schools, hospitals and other commercial projects. |
Builds temporary moulds and structures used for pouring concrete. |
Constructs the structural framework of buildings, including walls, floors and roofs. |
| Finish Carpenter |
Joiner |
Cabinet Maker |
Shopfitter |
| Installs doors, windows, skirting boards, cabinetry and decorative timber features. |
Manufactures and assembles timber products such as furniture, cabinetry, stairs and fittings. |
Designs and builds kitchen cabinets, wardrobes and custom furniture. |
Installs fixtures, displays and fittings in retail and commercial spaces. |
| Furniture Maker |
Deck & Pergola Builder |
Maintenance Carpenter |
Construction Supervisor |
| Creates custom furniture and timber products. |
Specialises in outdoor structures and landscaping features. |
Repairs and maintains buildings, fixtures and timber structures. |
Oversees building projects and coordinates trades and contractors. |
| Building Inspector |
Property Maintenance Contractor |
Woodworking Business Owner |
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| Assesses construction work for compliance and quality standards. |
Undertakes repairs and improvement projects for residential and commercial properties. |
Operates an independent woodworking, furniture-making or specialist timber products business. |
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Thinking of Enroling? Get in Touch!
Our friendly staff understand the importance of making the right choices when it comes to studying. We can help you to choose the right course! Whether you would like to study for personal interest, upskilling, professional development, a new career, or a career change - we can make recommendations on your next step.
Enquire here! | Email admin@acs.edu.au | Call (Australia) 07 5562 1088