The trade encompasses a wide range of specialties, often divided into rough and finish work:

Unlike the unique, handmade character of traditional woodworking, modern carpentry often prioritizes standardized production and quick turnarounds to meet large-scale construction needs.

Carpenters are often the first tradespeople on a job site and the last to leave, playing a pivotal role in every stage of a building's lifecycle, from the initial layout to the final coat of varnish. Modern Carpentry 13e, Textbook

Modern training places heavy emphasis on safety protocols, including the correct operation of advanced power tools and the use of scaffolds and rigging. Scope of Modern Carpentry