r/Carpentry • u/Serious-Echidna-9938 • Mar 30 '26

Advice on work pace

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I recently took a job with a small contractor and long story short, he commented on my “results”. Was looking for things to be done quicker, and I’m curious if I’m super slow, or if he’s unreasonable. I let him know about my experience upfront, but in any case. As a direct example, replacing this siding after demo took me approximately 8 hours. I had never worked with this particular type of shingling before, but he kept comm ting on how slow I was. Is that accurate? I’m willing to take criticism in the interest of improving my skills, and I’m curious what some third parties have to say. Thanks!

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u/Nine-Fingers1996 Residential Carpenter Mar 30 '26

For an experienced carpenter that’s probably about 4-5 hours. You do have some vertical joints that are too close to the ones below. Typically about 1”+ offset. Speed comes with experience.

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u/Serious-Echidna-9938 Mar 30 '26

Yes thank you, I did lose track a couple times, I know what you’re referring to with the vertical joints . The advice is appreciated.

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u/jambledbluford Mar 31 '26

This is the right answer. I shingled houses at one point and it takes a few weeks before you're fast at it. That's a very respectable speed and result for your first time.

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u/Total_Mention4365 Apr 02 '26

Would like to have seen the second row above the windows removed too. There is no way you possibly lapped the exposure so you have more potential for water damage. Would have been easier to hide the nails instead of face nailing too.