Affiliated Trades of the Carpenters Union

Since the 1880s when the UBC was formed, construction has changed quite a bit. From new techniques to new materials, our union and our members have adapted to meet those changes. Where general contractors used to employ the workforce that built the entire job, much of the current industry revolves around complex, subcontracting relationships with contractors who specialize in certain aspects of construction. Carpenters and affiliated trades workers in the union work for contractors that provide a variety of work. They are briefly described below.

We also work closely with product developers and manufacturers to learn and create training programs for the most modern systems and products. We're on the cutting edge of technology so that every construction project can take advantage of the newest and most beneficial products and techniques.

Concrete Forms
Though they come after some site work and pile driving, concrete forms are often the first visible sign the public sees on a construction project. For many buildings, forms are set to accept concrete that will serve as the foundation of a building. But for other structures, such as elevated roadways, parking garages and concrete structures, various forms are used throughout the building process. Carpenters set and strip various form systems, from Peri to Symons, depending on the job.

Doors, Hardware and Finish
Putting the final touches on a construction projects takes a bit of planning and finesse. Today's buildings take advantage of doors, hardware and locking systems that can be quite intricate. Making sure they are installed properly and function according to manufacturers' specifications is the job of experienced and skilled carpenters.

Floorcovering
Installing carpeting, hardwood flooring and soft tiles and "linoleum-type" products made of vinyl and rubbers is the work of floorlayers. They install a wide range of decorative floor covering in commercial buildings, hotels, homes and churches. Union contractors and members are also available to install specialty flooring for hospitals, labs and computer environments.

Interior Systems
Once the foundation and structure of a building is in place, carpenters "fit out" the visible space in offices, retail stores and other buildings. From framing and installing ceilings to internal metal framing of rooms and installation of drywall, carpenters give any building its internal look and feel.

Mill Cabinet Production and Installation
The details and fine craftsmanship that go into creating the woodwork, cabinetry and décor in shopping malls, bank buildings, hotels and office buildings are created by shop and mill cabinet carpenters. They cut, shape and assemble wood products including molding and panels. They also fabricate store fixtures, which includes the use of metal, plastics and glass. From design and manufacture of custom pieces to on site installation, these are the carpenters that give your space the look and feel you imagine.

Modular Office Furniture
Interior office cubicles and furniture in office buildings are built and installed by carpenters. From simple room dividers to complex cubicle and cabinet systems, carpenters create the office space that is both appealing and highly functional for your specific needs.

Pile Driving
Often the first workers on site, pile drivers drive metal sheet piling to hold back the dirt during excavations; drive concrete and metal piling as part of the foundation system for large buildings; drive wood and concrete piling to hold up docks, wharfs and bridges; and construct slurry wall systems. In some cases they work on off-shore oil rigs and as commercial divers involve din underwater construction. Pile drivers are also required to install heavy timbers and weld or cut large metal beams.

Windows
Carpenters have been building and installing windows since they became an essential part of any building. Today's products are usually a bit more complex than just a double hung window with a sash. Complex systems such as curtainwall are now commonplace. Union carpenters are fully qualified to handle whatever windows you choose.

Wood Framing/Residential Carpentry
Though times, tools and techniques have changed, framing carpenters perform work that is the most traditionally recognized aspects of the trade. Putting all of the basic tenets and skills of carpentry to work, they produce the basic structure of single family homes, multi-unit residential buildings, health care facilities, bank branches and buildings for many other uses. From off-site panelization and prefabrication followed by on-site assembly, to on-site building from the ground up, framing carpenters build the walls, rafters, trusses and other aspects of wood framed buildings.