The History of Carpentry

Carpentry is one of the oldest professions worldwide. It has been necessary for carpenters to exist even before people started living in houses instead of grass huts. Woodworkers are revered, knowledgeable people that have a trade craft.  Not just societal paths, but religious paths too. It has come a long way since its inception and continues to grow today.

Carpentry can be traced back to ancient Greece. The structures that are on display with incredible artwork and carvings were done by carpenters. Carpentry and woodworking can also be seen mentioned in historic books and biblical verses. As early as the seventh century, carpentry can be seen displayed in Japanese culture. Some of the building are still standing and have scroll work and images that have been carved into them by master craftsmen.

Woodworking, over the centuries has been passed down from father to son as a way of life. Temples, government building and houses had to be done by master builders. If there was no son to take over the family business, the best hope a father had was either a son-in-law or another member of the family to pass the trade. A great example of carpentry in history would be Colonial Wiliamsburg. Trusted craftsmen built housing for people and animals, businesses and most, if not all, furniture.

Early English terminology would have a carpenter termed as a "wright". Wainwright, boat-wright and wheelwright are all terms for a builder of a specific item. Carpentry can be hard labor and requires a lot of outdoor work. The craft started because of the necessity to have stronger dwellings. Wood made the possibilities almost endless for the era. The tools for the trade have come a long way. The first rudimentary tools were lackluster in what they could do.

A master craftsmen could use the tools of his trade to beautify the wood that he was working with. Today's tools make it possible to create a work of art in much less time that a hammer and chisel could.