Learn Practical Skills At Home

Your comprehensive lessons are clear, well-organized and beautifully illustrated; easy to follow, yet challenging and stimulating at the same time. Each step by step lesson begins with an introductory note from your instructor, plus a preview outlining the subject matter and study objectives.

Next comes the reading assignment from your text, lesson book, or supplemental references. Practice exercises help you check and review the key concepts you’ve learned. Then, turn in your open-book exam for the lesson, whenever YOU are ready.

To assist you with your studies and help you as you progress through various carpentry projects, we include this quality starter set of hand tools. All are necessities for any serious student of carpentry. You’ll receive a 25 ft. retractable tape measure, utility knife, architect’s scale, and a pair of safety goggles to protect your eyes as you work. Use and enjoy them. They’re all yours to keep!

Enroll online or call 1-800-535-1613 to speak with an Admission Advisor!

Meet Your Instructor

Danny Thomas is the chief instructor of The Professional Carpentry Program. He is a master carpenter and the proprietor and manager of his own home construction business. He is eager to share his vast, hands-on knowledge of carpentry with you.

He'll make sure you progress smoothly through your studies. If you need help or have questions along the way, just write, call, fax, or E-mail us 24 hours a day. Our staff of caring, courteous career tutors will give you prompt, personal guidance.

What You’ll Learn Lesson By Lesson in this Course

Lesson 1, Carpentry, Wood & Lumber. Wood and its properties; hardwoods; softwoods; identifying wood; lumber milling; drying; storage; moisture and shrinkage; lumber defects; grading, sizing, and measuring lumber.

Lesson 2, Wall Panels & Fasteners. Panel and plywood types and strengths; spans; laminated veneer and strand lumber; hardboard; softboard; fiberboard; particleboard; I-beams; screws and nails; bolts; wall fasteners; anchors; glues and adhesives; connectors.

Lesson 3, Using Hand Tools. Drills; braces; drill bits; augers; countersinks; levels; layout and measuring tools; straightedges; bevels; squares; drawing angles and circles; chalk lines; plumb lines; hammers; nailing; screwdrivers; wrenches; pliers; clamps; vises; planes; chisels; knives; cutting tools; scrapers; saws; miter boxes.

Lesson 4, Power Tools. Power saws; circular saws; selecting and using the right blade; saber saws; drills; power screwdrivers; cordless tools; routers; jointer, block, and abrasive planes; sanders; staplers; nailers; specialty blades; sharpening; radial arm and miter saws; dadoing; grooving; rabbeting; table saws; ripping; crosscutting; table saw aids.

Lesson 5, Plans & Building Codes. Blueprints, drawings, and other plans; views; sections; working with specifications; dimensions and scales; modular measures; symbols; abbreviations; floor plans; plot plans; topography; foundations; zoning regulations; building codes; inspections.

Supplement: Time Management Guide. How to plan your study activities, set your priorities, and finish your assignments on time.

Lesson 6, Building Layout. Leveling; plotting elevations and angles; using the transit-level; working from plans; laser levels; establishing foundation lines; staking; how to erect batter boards.

Lesson 7, Concrete And Concrete Forms. Types and properties of concrete; mixing; reinforcing; forms; pouring; curing; precautions; footings; slabs; walls; allowing for openings; columns; supported and suspended stairs; estimating.

Lesson 8, Floor & Exterior Wall Framing. Floor framing; platform, balloon, and post-and-beam framing; girders; sills; laying out and installing floor joists; floor openings; columns; subflooring; termite infestation; plates; studs; headers; trimmers; corner posts; joining partitions; braces; bucking; fitting doors and windows; erecting wall sections; leveling; wall sheathing; estimating materials.

Lesson 9, Interior Rough Work, Ladders & Scaffolds. Bearing and non-bearing partitions; joists; joining the joists and beams; backing; furring strips; blocking; soleplates; gypsum; wood and metal lath; plaster and its applications; steel framing; scaffolds; wall brackets; trestles; ladders and horses; important safety procedures.

Lesson 10, Framing The Roof. Roof types and terms; gable, hip, intersecting, gambrel, mansard, shed, and butterfly roofs; trussed roofs; spans; layout; ridge board; overhang, support; valleys; dormers; lumber and panel sheathing.

Lesson 11, Stairways, Insulation & Ventilation. Stairway design, terms, and types; determining rise and tread run; framing; the stair carriage; landings; basement stairs; types of insulation; insulating walls, floors, ceilings, and crawl spaces; acoustical insulation; condensation.

Lesson 12, Cornice Construction. Cornice types, parts, and design; subfascia; lookout; soffit; molding; box, snub, open, and rake cornices; installing gutters and downspouts; waterproofing.

Lesson 13, Roofing. Roofing terms and tools; preparing the deck; figuring slope; underlayment; asphalt; ridge cap; the starter course; roll roofing; wood shingles; shakes; ventilation; working with steep slopes; flashing chimneys valleys, walls, and vents.

Lesson 14, Windows & Exteriors Doors. Window and glass types; frames; single- and double-hung, fixed, casement, sliding, awning, and jalousie windows; skylights; screens; ordering and installing windows; glazing; door types and parts; assembling a frame; door styles and sizes; prehung doors; fitting and hanging doors; pulls and locksets; hinges.

Lesson 15, Siding, Porches, Decks & Fences. Siding sizes, grades, and patterns; panel, shake, shingle, lap, aluminum, and vinyl siding; preparing the foundation, corners; vapor barriers; planning and installing decks, porches and fences; estimating tips.

Lesson 16, Drywall, Wall Paneling & Wall Tile. Gypsum board; cement board; drywall fasteners; single- and multi-layer walls; ceilings; curved surfaces; baths; showers; concealing fasteners and joints; estimating; paneling types; preparing and erecting paneling; fastening; solid wood walls; tile types.

Lesson 17, Ceiling Finish, Doors & Interior Trim. Suspended ceilings; ceiling tiles; layout; measuring; framing and assembling a variety of interior doors; locksets; types, preparation, and installation of crown and base molding; door casings and hinges; finishing window trim; shimming a door; closets; mantels; other trim.

Lesson 18, Stairways: Finish Flooring. Staircase types; layout; treads; risers; housed and open stringers; balustrades; newel posts; finishing; balconies; types, grades, and patterns of hardwood; the six types of wood flooring; installation; perfect subflooring; layout, and installation of tile and resilient flooring; the importance of underlayment.

Lesson 19, Frames, Drawers, Doors & Countertops For Cabinets. Designing, laying out, and installing manufactured and custom-made wall and base cabinets; cabinets for kitchens, baths, and living areas; cutting and installing countertops; laminated tops; jointing techniques; doors; drawers; making and installing doors; hinges; pulls and knobs; drawer guides.

Supplement: Career Search Guide. Helpful techniques for pursuing careers in the carpentry field.