Author: R. Jack Jones, Willis H. Wagner, Howard "Bud" Smith, and Mark W. Huth

Modern Carpentry is a comprehensive, introductory text that provides detailed coverage of all aspects of residential and light commercial construction, including site preparation and layout, foundations, framing and sheathing, roofing, windows and doors, exterior finish, stairs, cabinetry, and finishing. Special topics, such as chimneys, fireplaces, and decks, are also covered. The text familiarizes students with other aspects of the building trades with chapters on plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.

Table of Contents

Abbreviated Contents

Modern Carpentry 14e, Online Textbook

• Modern Carpentry
• Copyright © 2026 by The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.
• Preface
• About the Authors
• Reviewers
• Acknowledgments
• New to This Edition
• Tools for Student and Instructor Success
• • Student Tools
  • Instructor Tools
• Credentialing Partners and Support
• • HBI Standards
  • NOCTI Certifications
  • YouScience® Industry Certifications
• Features of the Textbook
• • Chapter Opening Materials
  • Additional Features
  • Illustrations
  • Expanding Your Learning
  • End-of-Chapter Content
• Brief Contents
• Contents
• Feature Contents
• • Workplace Skills
  • Construction Careers
  • Procedures
• Section 1 Preparing to Build
• Chapter 1 The Carpenter’s Workplace
• • Chapter 1 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 1 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 1 Introduction
  • 1.1 Economic Outlook
  • 1.2 Working Conditions
  • 1.3 Job Opportunities
  • 1.4 Training
  • 1.5 Applying for a Position
  • 1.6 Succeeding in the Workplace
  • 1.7 Entrepreneurship
  • 1.8 Career Advancement
  • 1.9 Carpentry-Related Occupations
  • 1.10 Organizations Promoting Construction Training
  • Chapter 1 Review
• Chapter 2 Safety
• • Chapter 2 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 2 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 2 Introduction
  • 2.1 Occupational Safety and Health Administration
  • 2.2 General Safety Rules
  • 2.3 Personal Protective Equipment
  • 2.4 Fall Hazards and Fall Protection
  • 2.5 Basic Tool Safety
  • 2.6 Electrical Power
  • 2.7 Compressed Air
  • 2.8 Excavations
  • 2.9 Handling Hazardous Materials
  • 2.10 Fire Protection
  • Chapter 2 Review
• Chapter 3 Building Materials
• • Chapter 3 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 3 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 3 Introduction
  • 3.1 Lumber
  • 3.2 Wood Structure and Growth
  • 3.3 Classifications of Wood and Cutting Methods
  • 3.4 Moisture Content and Shrinkage
  • 3.5 Lumber Defects and Grades
  • 3.6 Lumber Sizes
  • 3.7 Panel Materials
  • 3.8 Wood Treatments
  • 3.9 Handling and Storing Lumber
  • 3.10 Engineered Lumber
  • 3.11 Nonwood Materials
  • 3.12 Fasteners and Bonding Agents
  • Chapter 3 Review
• Chapter 4 Hand Tools
• • Chapter 4 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 4 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 4 Introduction
  • 4.1 Measuring and Layout Tools
  • 4.2 Saws
  • 4.3 Planing, Smoothing, and Shaping Tools
  • 4.4 Fastening and Prying Tools
  • 4.5 Gripping and Clamping Tools
  • 4.6 Tool Maintenance and Storage
  • Chapter 4 Review
• Chapter 5 Power Tools
• • Chapter 5 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 5 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 5 Introduction
  • 5.1 Power Tool Safety
  • 5.2 Portable Power Tools
  • 5.3 Stationary Power Tools
  • 5.4 Power Tool Care and Maintenance
  • Chapter 5 Review
• Chapter 6 Scaffolds, Ladders, and Rigging
• • Chapter 6 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 6 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 6 Introduction
  • 6.1 Types of Scaffolding
  • 6.2 Ladders
  • 6.3 Rigging
  • Chapter 6 Review
• Chapter 7 Plans, Specifications, and Codes
• • Chapter 7 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 7 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 7 Introduction
  • 7.1 Set of Plans
  • 7.2 How to Find Unmarked Dimensions
  • 7.3 Specifications
  • 7.4 Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD)
  • 7.5 Building Codes
  • Chapter 7 Review
• Chapter 8 Building Layout
• • Chapter 8 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 8 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 8 Introduction
  • 8.1 Plot Plan
  • 8.2 Establishing Building Lines
  • 8.3 Using Leveling Instruments
  • Chapter 8 Review
• Section 2 Foundations and Framing
• Chapter 9 Footings and Foundations
• • Chapter 9 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 9 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 9 Introduction
  • 9.1 Preparing the Site
  • 9.2 Laying Out Building Lines
  • 9.3 Excavation
  • 9.4 Foundation Systems
  • 9.5 Erecting Wall Forms
  • 9.6 Concrete
  • 9.7 Ordering Concrete
  • 9.8 Placing Concrete
  • 9.9 Concrete Block Foundations
  • 9.10 Insulating Block Walls
  • 9.11 ICF Foundation and Wall Systems
  • 9.12 Wood Foundations
  • 9.13 Backfilling
  • 9.14 Slab-on-Grade Construction
  • 9.15 Entrance Platforms and Stairs
  • 9.16 Sidewalks, Steps, and Drives
  • 9.17 Cold Weather Construction
  • 9.18 Insect Protection
  • 9.19 Estimating Materials
  • Chapter 9 Review
• Chapter 10 Floor Framing
• • Chapter 10 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 10 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 10 Introduction
  • 10.1 Types of Framing
  • 10.2 Girders and Beams
  • 10.3 Sill Construction
  • 10.4 Joists
  • 10.5 Special Framing Problems
  • 10.6 Open-Web Floor Trusses
  • 10.7 Subfloors
  • 10.8 Estimating Materials
  • Chapter 10 Review
• Chapter 11 Wall and Ceiling Framing
• • Chapter 11 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 11 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 11 Introduction
  • 11.1 Parts of the Wall Frame
  • 11.2 Plate Layout
  • 11.3 Wall Sections
  • 11.4 Wall Sheathing
  • 11.5 Erecting Wall Sections
  • 11.6 Interior Framing
  • 11.7 Special Framing
  • 11.8 Ceiling Framing
  • 11.9 Advanced Framing
  • 11.10 Structural Insulated Panels
  • 11.11 Estimating Materials
  • Chapter 11 Review
• Chapter 12 Roof Framing
• • Chapter 12 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 12 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 12 Introduction
  • 12.1 Roof Types
  • 12.2 Parts of a Roof Frame
  • 12.3 Layout Terms and Principles
  • 12.4 Laying Out Common Rafters
  • 12.5 Erecting a Gable Roof
  • 12.6 Hip and Valley Rafters
  • 12.7 Special Roof Construction Conditions
  • 12.8 Roof Resilience
  • 12.9 Dormers
  • 12.10 Framing Flat, Gambrel, Mansard, and Other Roof Types
  • 12.11 Roof Truss Construction
  • 12.12 Roof Sheathing
  • 12.13 Estimating Materials
  • Chapter 12 Review
• Chapter 13 Framing with Steel
• • Chapter 13 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 13 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 13 Introduction
  • 13.1 Steel Framing
  • 13.2 Framing Floors
  • 13.3 Framing Walls and Ceilings
  • 13.4 Framing Roofs
  • Chapter 13 Review
• Section 3 Closing In
• Chapter 14 Roofing Materials and Methods
• • Chapter 14 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 14 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 14 Introduction
  • 14.1 Types of Materials
  • 14.2 Roofing Terminology
  • 14.3 Preparing the Roof Deck
  • 14.4 Asphalt Shingles
  • 14.5 Flashing
  • 14.6 Ridge Vents
  • 14.7 Low-Slope Roofs
  • 14.8 Roll Roofing
  • 14.9 Built-Up Roofing
  • 14.10 Rubber Roofing
  • 14.11 Reroofing
  • 14.12 Wood Shingles
  • 14.13 Wood Shakes
  • 14.14 Roofing Tile
  • 14.15 Metal Roofing
  • 14.16 Gutters
  • 14.17 Estimating Material
  • Chapter 14 Review
• Chapter 15 Building Envelope and Control Layers
• • Chapter 15 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 15 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 15 Introduction
  • 15.1 Environmental Separation
  • 15.2 Water Control
  • 15.3 Air Control
  • 15.4 Vapor Control
  • 15.5 Thermal Control
  • 15.6 High-Performance Building Envelopes
  • Chapter 15 Review
• Chapter 16 Windows and Exterior Doors
• • Chapter 16 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 16 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 16 Introduction
  • 16.1 Manufacture
  • 16.2 Parts of Windows
  • 16.3 Types of Windows
  • 16.4 Energy Efficiency of Windows
  • 16.5 Key Design Elements for Windows
  • 16.6 Installing Windows
  • 16.7 Glass Blocks
  • 16.8 Replacing Windows
  • 16.9 Skylights
  • 16.10 Exterior Doors and Frames
  • 16.11 Sliding Glass Doors
  • 16.12 Garage Doors
  • Chapter 16 Review
• Chapter 17 Exterior Wall Finish
• • Chapter 17 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 17 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 17 Introduction
  • 17.1 Cornice Designs and Terms
  • 17.2 Wall Sheathing and Flashing
  • 17.3 Exterior Wood Finishes
  • 17.4 Wood Shingles
  • 17.5 Plywood Siding
  • 17.6 Fiber-Cement Siding
  • 17.7 Vinyl Siding
  • 17.8 Stucco
  • 17.9 Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems
  • 17.10 Brick or Stone Veneer
  • 17.11 Shutters
  • Chapter 17 Review
• Section 4 Finishing
• Chapter 18 Thermal and Sound Insulation
• • Chapter 18 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 18 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 18 Introduction
  • 18.1 How Heat Is Transmitted
  • 18.2 Thermal Insulation
  • 18.3 Moisture Control
  • 18.4 Installing Insulation
  • 18.5 Stopping Air Infiltration
  • 18.6 Estimating Thermal Insulation Materials
  • 18.7 Acoustics and Sound Control
  • Chapter 18 Review
• Chapter 19 Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish
• • Chapter 19 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 19 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 19 Introduction
  • 19.1 Drywall Materials
  • 19.2 Single-Layer Construction
  • 19.3 Special Gypsum Wallboard Applications
  • 19.4 Cement Board Backing
  • 19.5 Tiles
  • 19.6 Hardboard
  • 19.7 Solid Lumber Paneling
  • 19.8 Ceiling Tile
  • 19.9 Suspended Ceilings
  • 19.10 Estimating Materials
  • Chapter 19 Review
• Chapter 20 Finish Flooring
• • Chapter 20 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 20 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 20 Introduction
  • 20.1 Wood Flooring
  • 20.2 Wood Strip Flooring
  • 20.3 Alternatives to Solid Wood Flooring
  • 20.4 Underlayment for Nonwood Floors
  • 20.5 Resilient Floor Tile
  • 20.6 Sheet Vinyl Flooring
  • 20.7 Porcelain, Ceramic, and Stone Floor Tile
  • Chapter 20 Review
• Chapter 21 Stair Construction
• • Chapter 21 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 21 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 21 Introduction
  • 21.1 Understanding Stair Design
  • 21.2 Stair Calculations and Layout
  • 21.3 Treads and Risers
  • 21.4 Types of Stringers
  • 21.5 Balustrades
  • 21.6 Staircase Variations
  • Chapter 21 Review
• Chapter 22 Doors and Interior Trim
• • Chapter 22 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 22 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 22 Introduction
  • 22.1 Interior Door Frames
  • 22.2 Hinged Doors
  • 22.3 Door Installation
  • 22.4 Door Locks
  • 22.5 Non-Hinged Interior Doors
  • 22.6 Moldings
  • 22.7 Window Trim
  • 22.8 Crown Molding
  • 22.9 Baseboard and Base Shoe
  • Chapter 22 Review
• Chapter 23 Cabinetry
• • Chapter 23 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 23 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 23 Introduction
  • 23.1 Factory-Built Cabinets
  • 23.2 Cabinet Installation
  • 23.3 Cabinet Doors and Shelves
  • 23.4 Countertops
  • Chapter 23 Review
• Chapter 24 Painting, Finishing, and Decorating
• • Chapter 24 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 24 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 24 Introduction
  • 24.1 Paint and Environmental Health Hazards
  • 24.2 Caulks and Sealants
  • 24.3 Painting and Finishing Tools
  • 24.4 Painting, Finishing, and Decorating Materials
  • 24.5 Preparation and Application
  • 24.6 Painting Wood Exteriors
  • 24.7 Interior Painting
  • 24.8 Working with Stains and Clear Finishes
  • 24.9 Wallcoverings
  • Chapter 24 Review
• Section 5 Special Construction
• Chapter 25 Chimneys and Fireplaces
• • Chapter 25 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 25 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 25 Introduction
  • 25.1 Masonry Chimneys
  • 25.2 Masonry Fireplaces
  • 25.3 Factory-Built Chimneys
  • 25.4 Factory-Built Fireplaces
  • Chapter 25 Review
• Chapter 26 Post-and-Beam Construction
• • Chapter 26 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 26 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 26 Introduction
  • 26.1 Advantages of Post-and-Beam Construction
  • 26.2 Structural Members
  • 26.3 Nonstructural Members
  • 26.4 Alternatives to Solid and Built-Up Beams
  • 26.5 Prefabricating Post-and-Beam Structures
  • Chapter 26 Review
• Chapter 27 Systems-Built Housing
• • Chapter 27 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 27 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 27 Introduction
  • 27.1 Factory-Built Components
  • 27.2 Types of Systems-Built Homes
  • 27.3 On-Site Erection of Systems-Built Homes
  • Chapter 27 Review
• Chapter 28 Green Building and Certification Programs
• • Chapter 28 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 28 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 28 Introduction
  • 28.1 Green Building Considerations
  • 28.2 Development of the Green Home Market
  • 28.3 Green Building Codes, Standards, and Programs
  • 28.4 Green Building System
  • Chapter 28 Review
• Chapter 29 Remodeling, Renovating, and Repairing
• • Chapter 29 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 29 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 29 Introduction
  • 29.1 Renovating a Structure
  • 29.2 Design of Old Structures
  • 29.3 Replacing Rotted Framing
  • 29.4 Preparing for Limited Demolition
  • 29.5 Providing Shoring
  • 29.6 Framing Openings in a Bearing Wall
  • 29.7 Small Remodeling and Repair Jobs
  • 29.8 Building Additions onto Homes
  • 29.9 Responsible Renovation
  • Chapter 29 Review
• Chapter 30 Building Decks and Porches
• • Chapter 30 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 30 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 30 Introduction
  • 30.1 Structural Materials
  • 30.2 Decking Materials
  • 30.3 Fasteners and Connectors
  • 30.4 Deck Planning and Layout
  • 30.5 Constructing the Deck
  • 30.6 Pergolas
  • 30.7 Porches
  • Chapter 30 Review
• Section 6 Mechanical Systems
• Chapter 31 Electrical Wiring
• • Chapter 31 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 31 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 31 Introduction
  • 31.1 Tools and Equipment
  • 31.2 Electrical System Components
  • 31.3 Basic Electrical Wiring Theory
  • 31.4 Reading Prints
  • 31.5 Electrical System Installation
  • 31.6 Electrical Troubleshooting
  • 31.7 Home Security and Automation Wiring
  • Chapter 31 Review
• Chapter 32 Plumbing Systems
• • Chapter 32 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 32 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 32 Introduction
  • 32.1 Plumbing Regulations
  • 32.2 Water Supply and DWV Systems
  • 32.3 Plumbing Tools
  • 32.4 Plumbing Materials
  • 32.5 Reading Prints
  • 32.6 Installing Plumbing
  • 32.7 Replacing Plumbing Parts
  • 32.8 Wells and Pumps
  • Chapter 32 Review
• Chapter 33 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
• • Chapter 33 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 33 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 33 Introduction
  • 33.1 Basic Heating and Cooling Theory
  • 33.2 Conservation Measures
  • 33.3 Heating Systems
  • 33.4 Air Cooling Systems
  • 33.5 Air Exchangers
  • 33.6 Heat Pumps
  • 33.7 Ducts
  • 33.8 Thermostats
  • Chapter 33 Review
• Appendix A Carpentry Math Review
• • Why Math
  • Calculators
  • Whole Numbers
  • Fractions
  • Reading a Ruler
  • Decimal Fractions
  • Converting Common Fractions to Decimal Fractions and Rounding Off
  • Converting Decimals to Common Fractions
  • Metrics in Construction: Reading a Vernier Scale
  • Equations
  • Area Measure
  • Volume Measure
  • Exponents
  • Working with Right Angles
  • Computing Averages
  • Percent and Percentage
  • Graphs
  • Estimating
• Appendix B Technical Information
• • Contents
  • Standard Abbreviations for Use on Drawings
  • Slump Testing
  • Plywood Siding Joints
  • Fire-Resistant Construction
  • Metrics in Construction
  • Millimeter-Inch Equivalents
  • Conversion Table: US Customary to SI Metric
  • Conversion Table: SI Metric to US Customary
  • Standard Sizes, Counts, and Weights
  • Guide to Hardwood Flooring Grades
  • Common Nail Applications
  • Gypsum Wallboard Application
  • Standard Thickness of Insulating Glass
  • Drywall Screws
  • Welded Wire Fabric Reinforcement
  • Floor Joist Span Data
  • Ceiling Joist Span Data
  • Roof Rafter Span Data
  • Roof Decking Span Data
  • Manufactured 2″ × 4″ Wood Floor Trusses
  • Length of Common Rafters
  • Sizes for Performance-Rated I-Joists
  • Spans Allowed for Performance-Rated I-Joists
  • Clear Spans for Wood I-Beam Rafters
  • Fink Truss Design
  • Roof Trusses
  • Ventilation
  • Insulation Values
  • Design Temperatures and Degree Days
  • Sound Insulation for Walls and Floors
  • Branch Pipe Sizes
  • Plastic Pipe Types and Applications
  • Copper Pipe Types and Applications
  • Insulated Wire Coverings
  • Conductor Applications
  • Conductor Colors
  • Electrical Switches
• Appendix C SkillsUSA—Preparing Students for Leadership in the World of Work
• • Introduction to SkillsUSA
  • SkillsUSA Leadership Opportunities
  • SkillsUSA Competitions
• Glossary
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