Top 10 Carpenters in San Mateo, CA

Porch Pro Headshot A-Z Handyman Services, Inc.
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California
(145)
Whether you need one window replaced or many windows replaced, A-Z Handyman Services in Belmont, California has you covered.
Whether you need one window replaced or many windows replaced, A-Z Handyman Services in Belmont, California has you covered.
Porch Pro Headshot Horizon Renovation.Co
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California
(8)
"Horizon Renovation recently remodeled my condo in SF. Kent was great to work with as was his office assistant Lianne. The workers on site were courteous and tidy while finishing the various stages of construction. I am quite pleased with how my place came together. Kent and staff and have graci...Read more about Horizon Renovation.Co
"Horizon Renovation recently remodeled my condo in SF. Kent was great to work with as was his office assistant Lianne. The workers on site were courteous and tidy while finishing the various stages of construction. I am quite pleased with how my place came together. Kent and staff and have graci...Read more about Horizon Renovation.Co
Porch Pro Headshot American Building Expert
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California
(2)
American Building Expert, based out of San Jose, is a general contractor. They provide basement remodeling and framing as well as other services. American Building Expert is licensed by the state of California. They are also accredited by the BBB in addition to being insured and bonded.
American Building Expert, based out of San Jose, is a general contractor. They provide basement remodeling and framing as well as other services. American Building Expert is licensed by the state of California. They are also accredited by the BBB in addition to being insured and bonded.
Porch Pro Headshot Varga Construction
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California
Varga Construction is a Bay Area premier construction service specializing in all aspects of Remodeling, Additions, Kitchen and Bathroom Design, Decks, Home Maintenance, New Construction, Custom Furniture and Cabinetry. We are dedicated to serving Northern California homes, offices and commercial re...Read more about Varga Construction
Varga Construction is a Bay Area premier construction service specializing in all aspects of Remodeling, Additions, Kitchen and Bathroom Design, Decks, Home Maintenance, New Construction, Custom Furniture and Cabinetry. We are dedicated to serving Northern California homes, offices and commercial re...Read more about Varga Construction
Porch Pro Headshot Rich Mathers Construction,Inc.
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California
Rich Mathers Construction, Inc. is a full-service general contracting firm based in Los Altos, California, and serving the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded by Rich Mathers in 1983, we have over 30 years experience working on projects large and small, covering a wide variety of construction styles and...Read more about Rich Mathers Construction,Inc.
Rich Mathers Construction, Inc. is a full-service general contracting firm based in Los Altos, California, and serving the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded by Rich Mathers in 1983, we have over 30 years experience working on projects large and small, covering a wide variety of construction styles and...Read more about Rich Mathers Construction,Inc.
Porch Pro Headshot Daniel's Handyman Services
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California
At Daniel’s Handyman, we provide high quality remodeling services for owners of residential and commercial properties in SF Bay Area, CA and the surrounding areas. We have been in business for 5 years. Our experience gives us the ability to undertake an array of remodeling projects. We deliver in an...Read more about Daniel's Handyman Services
At Daniel’s Handyman, we provide high quality remodeling services for owners of residential and commercial properties in SF Bay Area, CA and the surrounding areas. We have been in business for 5 years. Our experience gives us the ability to undertake an array of remodeling projects. We deliver in an...Read more about Daniel's Handyman Services
Porch Pro Headshot CASTRO CONSTRUCTION, INC.
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California
Castro Construction provides quality framing for luxury residential and commercial buildings, completing each project on time and on budget. We deliver for our customers the highest level of quality construction services at fair and market-competitive prices.
Castro Construction provides quality framing for luxury residential and commercial buildings, completing each project on time and on budget. We deliver for our customers the highest level of quality construction services at fair and market-competitive prices.
Porch Pro Headshot Kena & Sons Construction
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California
We are a family business with a whole lot of passion and pride in our work. Fair in pricing, knowledge on how to do the job upto code and well experienced on the field. I have Plenty of references. We are licensed, Bonded and Insured.
We are a family business with a whole lot of passion and pride in our work. Fair in pricing, knowledge on how to do the job upto code and well experienced on the field. I have Plenty of references. We are licensed, Bonded and Insured.
Porch Pro Headshot IXI Design
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California
Porch Pro Headshot U2P Services
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California
(2)
"We contacted these guys to do a multi project deal which included a 260 linear feet fence project, decking, and exterior painting for our 3000 sq ft home which turned out to be the best and beyond what my wife and i had expected since the quote was under 20k to which had me and my wife surprised be...Read more about U2P Services
"We contacted these guys to do a multi project deal which included a 260 linear feet fence project, decking, and exterior painting for our 3000 sq ft home which turned out to be the best and beyond what my wife and i had expected since the quote was under 20k to which had me and my wife surprised be...Read more about U2P Services

Frequently asked questions about carpenters

Carpentry is one of the oldest professions — for as long as people have needed shelter to live in, there has been some form of carpentry. Today, carpentry has become a very specialized trade and most carpenters have a niche. The hallmark of all types of carpentry is that carpenters are experts in working with wood. There are some small exceptions to this for buildings that use steel studs or other types of metal framing, for example. However, for the most part, when you think carpenters, think wood.

  • Rough carpenters – Rough carpenters are one of the first trades you'll have on-site if you’re building a house. Their expertise is in the overall structure and stability of buildings and the big-picture aspects of building a home.
  • Framing carpenters – Framing carpenters are the pros responsible for putting up the base structure that will become the interior and exterior walls of a building. Framing carpentry goes hand-in-hand with rough carpentry, however, framing is often seen as a specialized skill.
  • Jointers – Joint carpentry involves putting together floor joists that create the surface you'll walk on once it's finished.
  • Cabinet makers – Carpenters specializing in cabinetry are extremely skilled at fine woodworking and excel at precise and detail-oriented work. They are some of the last carpenters that work on a project because cabinetry is a part of the finishing process and is generally one of the last things that are installed.
  • Finish carpenters – similar to cabinet makers, finish carpenters are responsible for the finer details that are not structural but make up the parts of your home that you'll see daily. Finish carpenters will be the ones to install your trim, wood flooring, railings, and handrails and are also sometimes referred to as trim carpenters.

Have they done the work being requested before?

This is an important question that can often be overlooked, with potential clients assuming that all carpenters work on all types of projects. As we discussed before, carpentry has several specialized skill sets, so it's important to make sure that any carpenter you're considering has worked on your type of project before.

Are they examples of their work?

Carpenters near you will have pictures of past projects they've done that they can share with you. The building process is impressive, and the change from beginning to end can be staggering, so these proud tradespeople will likely have work they'll be happy to show you.

How much experience do they have in your type of project?

This ties into the first question, however, it’s a bit more detailed. Many clients have fallen into the trap of only asking basic questions, like “Have you done a project like this before?” and failing to follow up with, “How many times?”

In many cases, it may not matter if a carpenter has only done a certain type of work once or twice, but it could make a huge difference if your project is complex — and that’s not something you want to find out mid-project.

Are they licensed (if necessary)?

Many municipalities will require permits for carpentry work, depending on the scale. These permits are only applicable if a certified carpenter will be doing the work. In addition, your carpenter may need to have a Red Seal in carpentry to obtain the correct insurance.

Are they insured?

There are three different types of insurance that carpenters will need to carry to conduct work safely. These are general liability insurance, professional liability insurance, and Worker's Compensation insurance.

Don't be shy about asking a carpenter you're thinking of hiring for proof of the appropriate insurance, and be wary if they can't provide documentation.

The short answer to this question is that a carpenter isn't always a builder, but a builder is most often a carpenter. Don't worry — we’ll clarify what that means below.

Carpenter

As we discussed above, there are many types of local carpenters who specialize in one or more distinct areas of carpentry. Depending on where you are in your construction process, multiple carpenters who are experts in their niche may be needed.

Builder

If a construction professional refers to themselves as a builder, they are likely saying that they are a general contractor or a construction project manager who can take more of a full-scope approach to your project. Most builders are carpenters by trade but have expanded their skillet to encompass more of the building process.

It can be a bit confusing because carpenters do build things, but when someone is referred to as a builder, it generally means that they are experienced in integrating multiple stages of construction and tradespeople on one project.

However, this is definitely a bit of a gray area. Make sure to clarify what type of professional you’re working with when you vet tradespeople, so you know exactly what their specialty is.

A carpenter is absolutely the right tradesperson to build a beautiful, sturdy deck for you. Depending on what you're picturing for the finished product, however, you might want to look at bringing in both a rough carpenter and a finishing carpenter.

Rough carpenters are experts at putting in the proper foundation to make your deck safe and secure, as well as grading the ground below and ensuring adequate drainage. They'll also be the best people to advise on what types of materials the structure of your deck should be made of, including foundation, stairs, and railings.

It’s important to note here that in most municipalities, you’ll need a permit to build a deck. Your carpenter will need to be licensed to have the expertise and certification to apply for the proper licenses.

Once the structure of your deck is complete, a finish carpenter can give your project a different level of polish and aesthetic appeal, putting that final touch onto your new deck.

If your vision of your new deck involves built-in seating or an outdoor kitchen, a finish carpenter will also be the best tradesperson to help you bring your unique space to life.

Many rough carpenters are very skilled at finishing, and others don’t prefer to do finishing work, so it’s worth it to ask upfront.

Licensing for carpenters can be complicated. Not everyone who refers to themselves as a carpenter is a licensed carpenter, handypersons often do carpentry work. Only some states require carpenters to be licensed for specific types of work.

In many cases, licensing is required in order to ensure that a carpenter has an adequate level of knowledge and experience. There are plenty of unlicensed carpenters with a wealth of experience and talent, but the licensing process is a way for employers and clients to feel secure that a tradesperson has a standardized level of knowledge and experience. Most licensing programs require four years of work experience and the passing of a certification exam.

Below, we’ll go through some common questions and misconceptions to help you untangle the licensing web.

States that require carpenters to have licenses

Alabama, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah have state-level requirements for carpenters to be licensed to do certain types of carpentry work. While each state has its own list, some common types of carpentry often require licenses:

  • Millwork
  • Framing
  • Structural work
  • Cabinetry
  • Installing metal studs or framing

When can you hire a carpenter that does not have a license?

In some cases, lighter carpentry work on non-structural areas of a home doesn’t require a carpenter to carry a license. This may also mean they don’t have the proper workplace insurance, so make sure to ask those questions and weigh the risks accordingly.

Locations that fall outside city or municipal regions may have fewer restrictions on building permits. If you’re confident, you can have a non-licensed carpenter do structural work. This varies by location, so research the rules that cover your property before agreeing to have any work done.

Carpenters are integral to the home-building process, and their various areas of expertise are what allow the vision of a home designer or structural engineer to go from vision to reality.

If you’re unfamiliar with the home-building process, you may be surprised at first to learn that, in many cases, one carpenter does not handle the entire process. Particularly on large or complex projects, you’re likely to have several different types of carpentry experts. Beginning with rough carpentry to create the foundation and structure of your home, you’ll bring in framing carpenters for the exterior and interior walls, joint carpenters, roofing carpenters, and finish carpenters and cabinetmakers.

Depending on your location, finding the right carpenters near you can be simple, or you may have to look at bringing in the right pro from a larger city or town.

Other trades will need to work alongside carpenters during the building process. Homes are built in many layers and stages, so you can expect to have several trades working simultaneously at certain times.

Here’s a list of other trades you’ll need to build a house:

  • Machine operator
  • Electrician
  • Plumber
  • Gasfitter
  • Drywaller
  • Septic installer

Recent reviews for San Mateo Carpenters

265114

WHAT A JOKE. We hired them to wallpaper a bedroom and a bathroom; I'm experienced in wallpapering, but pregnant so figured we'd hire a pro to make sure the nursery was perfect. The first day he showed up (late) and said the job would take 3.5 hours. He le...

- Sahra Brandt
154180
54646

Dear fuzzy I want you cut all the sideboard real machine saw

- andre dinh

Everything You Need to Know About San Mateo Carpenters

How does invoicing/payment work for most Carpenter projects in San Mateo?

Every project differs, but you should ask any carpenter for an estimate, before they do any work. In fact, ask for their general payment terms before any carpentry services work is done.

If the job is large and going to take longer than a day, it's common practice for carpenters to request a down payment. Usually, this will be around 25% so they can commence work on your carpenter project.

If it's a quick job, you'll likely be given an invoice/bill when the job is complete. Then it's up to you and the carpenter to determine if you pay immediately or can send payment at a later date.

Can I browse unscreened Carpenters in San Mateo?

We do our best to screen all of our carpenters. However, there are still some carpenter professionals in San Mateo that have not been pre-screened. This means that their licenses may not be up to date to operate in San Mateo or CA. Always be sure to pre-screen them yourself before hiring. Here are some unscreened professionals offering carpentry services:

  • Davis & Lohse Fine Cabinetry:
    • Services Offered: Carpenters
    • Active/Verified License: No, current status is inactive
  • Douglas Woodworks:
    • Services Offered: Carpenters
    • Active/Verified License: Yes, Current Status is Active
  • Designer Custom Cabinetry:
    • Services Offered: Carpenters
    • BBB Rating: NA
    • Active/Verified License: No, current status is inactive

Should I hire carpenters with lower ratings in San Mateo to save money?

The type of carpenter company that you should hire really depends on the difficulty and specifications of your project. Keep in mind that lower ratings could be a sign of unsuccessful jobs or simply that the professional or company has not done many jobs quite yet. Either way, you will still want to contact any Carpenters you are considering and inquire about their work history. There are plenty of great Carpenters in San Mateo that have very few or low ratings.

For example, right now in San Mateo there are:

  • 1 5-star rated companies/professionals

All Carpenters in San Mateo, CA

Porch Pro Headshot MrFixIt Handyman & Construction Services
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California
I provide personal handyman and construction services throughout the SF/Bay area for anyone needing home related repairs and new construction services. I am very skilled in all areas of work including, but not limited to, foundation work, frame work, plumbing, electrical, deck builds and repair, rem...Read more about MrFixIt Handyman & Construction Services
I provide personal handyman and construction services throughout the SF/Bay area for anyone needing home related repairs and new construction services. I am very skilled in all areas of work including, but not limited to, foundation work, frame work, plumbing, electrical, deck builds and repair, rem...Read more about MrFixIt Handyman & Construction Services
Porch Pro Headshot MELD CRAFT CO
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California
MELD is the design and work of Malachi Riddle. We make modern furniture with a focus on timeless design and functionality. Our work is highly inspired by Mid Century Modern design, but we love to design and build many genres of furniture and woodwork to meet each client's desired aesthetic.
MELD is the design and work of Malachi Riddle. We make modern furniture with a focus on timeless design and functionality. Our work is highly inspired by Mid Century Modern design, but we love to design and build many genres of furniture and woodwork to meet each client's desired aesthetic.
Porch Pro Headshot True Precision Trades
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California
Here are true Precision trades we do it right the first time so you don't have to call back a second we believe in excellent customer service
Here are true Precision trades we do it right the first time so you don't have to call back a second we believe in excellent customer service
Porch Pro Headshot D Boyer
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California
I’m a do it all kind of person. I currently restore Victorians, but I’m looking to expand and use my skills and experience to help out homeowners who need quality work done on their homes.
I’m a do it all kind of person. I currently restore Victorians, but I’m looking to expand and use my skills and experience to help out homeowners who need quality work done on their homes.
Porch Pro Headshot NCM Painting
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California
(44)
Porch Pro Headshot Top Notch Carpentry Inc.
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California
We specialize in fine craft woodwork as well as general finish Carpentry.
We specialize in fine craft woodwork as well as general finish Carpentry.
Porch Pro Headshot Handy Loni
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California
Porch Pro Headshot Pride construction services company
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California
Porch Pro Headshot Cnbuilds
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California
Id like to say we are here because of the blessings and experiences that puts us crossing paths with the wonderful peopl we've helped and helped us out. Customers becoming the foundation of why we are able to become a business and are able to succeed everytime we get the opportunity to establish a ...Read more about Cnbuilds
Id like to say we are here because of the blessings and experiences that puts us crossing paths with the wonderful peopl we've helped and helped us out. Customers becoming the foundation of why we are able to become a business and are able to succeed everytime we get the opportunity to establish a ...Read more about Cnbuilds
Porch Pro Headshot AAgeneralcontractor
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California
Here at AA General Contractor, we take pride in providing the best services and satisfying our customer needs. We specialize in General Contractor, Contractor, Home remodeling, New Construction, Electrical services, Deck installation, Home Repairs, Interior and Exterior Paint, Flooring, Retaining Wa...Read more about AAgeneralcontractor
Here at AA General Contractor, we take pride in providing the best services and satisfying our customer needs. We specialize in General Contractor, Contractor, Home remodeling, New Construction, Electrical services, Deck installation, Home Repairs, Interior and Exterior Paint, Flooring, Retaining Wa...Read more about AAgeneralcontractor
Porch Pro Headshot Parquet’s landscaping  maintenance and repair
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California
Family landscaping best prices.
Family landscaping best prices.
Porch Pro Headshot All true builders
Carpenters
Serves San Mateo, California

Latest projects near San Mateo

Recent projects booked on Porch
Belmont 94002
Deck Construction
Start Date
Within 48 hours
Existing deck
No
Approximate size of deck to build
100-250 sq ft
Decking and railing materials
I'm not sure
Deck features
Roof over deck
Other deck features
No, thanks, just the deck
Extent of design or prep work
Yes, I have professional plans and designs
San Mateo 94401
Deck Construction
Start Date
Within a month
Existing deck
No
Approximate size of deck to build
500-1000 sq ft
Decking and railing materials
I'm not sure
Deck features
Stairs, raiking
Other deck features
BBQ grill
Extent of design or prep work
Yes, I have sketches and a basic idea of what I want
Belmont 94002
Deck Construction
Start Date
Within a month
Service requested
Replace deck
Deck removed
No, pro should remove existing deck
Plans, drawings, blueprints
No, but I know what I want
Deck size (SQFT)
100 to 250 square feet
Surface and railing material
Composite, Wood
Structure material
I'd like a professional recommendation
Structural features
Roof, awnings, other overhead coverings
Supplemental features
Benches, planters, or built-in storage
Materials included
No, pro must provide materials
Foster City 94404
Carpentry
Service needed
Carpentry
Start Date
I'm flexible