Carpenters & Joiners Business Insurance

Carpenters and joiners may seem similar, but their roles differ in key ways that are important when choosing specialized insurance. Carpenters typically focus on on-site construction work such as framing, roofing, and structural repairs. Joiners, on the other hand, are more likely to work in workshops, crafting precision woodwork like doors, windows, or bespoke furniture. Equipment used by Joiners tends to be stationary, large and usually heavy, such as electric circular saws and sanding wheels. Whereas equipment used by carpenters tends to be more mobile, therefore relatively light and easier to use for on-site work.

While both joinery and carpentry are wood-based trades, they share a number of key similarities as well as several differences. Understanding these key differences helps illuminate the need for different insurance coverage.

These distinctions mean that carpenters face greater on-site risks, including working at heights or operating heavy machinery, while joiners encounter unique challenges related to workshop tools and equipment. Understanding these differences ensures that your insurance coverage is tailored to your specific trade, protecting you against the unique risks you face. Thimble offers specific coverage options for both carpenters and joiners.

How do you know if you need carpenter’s insurance or joiner’s insurance?

It is very common for joiners and carpenters to work together on a project. A simple rule of thumb to distinguish the difference is remembering that the joiner typically builds the wood-based project, and the carpenter usually fits and installs it.

Whether you specialize in interior or exterior work, onsite or in-shop, or you do it all, as a carpenter or joiner you see firsthand the hazards that come along with building, creating, fitting and installing something. Dust flies, wood splinters, and glass shatters. Heavy-duty equipment and power tools are involved, and other people or subcontractors can be involved in this risk. Even when you take the utmost care and precision with your carpentry or joinery work, accidents can happen—sometimes through no fault of your own.

Clients may ignore your warnings to stay out of a worksite and sustain serious injuries when they trip and fall on your equipment. One of your newer crew members may lose their grip on a power tool and smash a client’s family heirloom.

Unhappy clients can sue you in any of these incidents, alleging claims of bodily injury, property damage, or advertising injury. The costs that can arise from these claims can be astronomical, even if they don’t end up in court. Associated investigation, defense of the claim, medical costs, and reimbursement for property damage can be too much for a small business owner to bear.

To help protect your carpentry or joiner business (and your reputation), you need Carpenters or Joiners Insurance. General Liability insurance provides coverage for many types of claims of bodily injury or property damage that may arise because of your work. Get the coverage you need, so you can keep building your carpentry business or joiner business with confidence.