lead carpenter/deck builder

Build Quality Work. Build Your Skills. Help Build a Company.

Stillpoint Builders is a Durham-based deck building company at a pivotal growth point. We're an owner-operator business building our core team—and we need a reliable lead carpenter who can run projects, solve problems independently, and help us scale from small operation to real company.

If you're the kind of carpenter who's tired of cutting corners for someone else's profit margins and want to grow with something you help build, this might be your shot.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a lead carpenter role on a small, growing team. That means:

• Real autonomy: Lead builds from layout to client walkthrough. Make decisions. Solve problems without waiting for permission or micromanagement.
• Quality over speed: We're not a volume shop racing to the bottom on price. We build decks the right way—proper structural details, clean execution, satisfied clients who refer us to their neighbors. You'll actually be proud of the work.
• Help us move upmarket: Right now we're doing solid custom work (composite decking, aluminum and composite rail systems, proper flashing and code compliance). Where we're headed: premium hardwoods, cable rail, multi-level designs, complex structural solutions, and the kind of projects that win referrals from architects. You'd be part of building toward that.
• Shape how we grow: Early team member = real influence. You'll help set jobsite standards, choose tools and systems, influence hiring decisions, and define how we operate. Your voice matters here.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Lead deck builds from foundation to finish:

• Layout, footings, framing, and decking installation
• Ledger attachment, flashing, and structural details (beam sizing, joist spacing, code compliance)
• Railing systems (composite, aluminum, cable)
• Client communication on-site—you're the face of quality, not just hands on tools
• Occasional repairs and smaller carpentry projects between larger builds

The reality: It's physical work in North Carolina weather—carrying lumber, mixing concrete, installing hidden fasteners on your knees, and working on ladders in the heat and cold.

But you're also thinking three steps ahead: catching drainage problems before they happen, explaining options to clients who trust your judgment, and building structures that'll still be solid in 30 years.

As we grow, you'll take on more complex projects, learn new systems and premium materials, mentor additional crew members, and potentially run your own crew. Teaching is part of leading.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

You've built decks before. Not your first rodeo. You understand ledger attachment, proper flashing, and what it takes to build a deck that passes inspection and lasts. You've installed at least 3–5 complete decks start-to-finish (or equivalent complex carpentry).

You don't cut corners. Ever. You'd rather re-do blocking than leave it questionable. If you're flashing a ledger, you're doing it right—not just fast. This is non-negotiable.

You solve problems without hand-holding. You encounter a rotted rim joist during a repair? You assess the situation, communicate options to the owner or client, and execute the fix. We don't need daily supervision to trust you're representing quality.

You're reliable as sunrise. You say Tuesday 7am, you're there Tuesday 7am with charged batteries and ready to work. Small team = zero room for inconsistency. Your word means something.

You have reliable transportation. Valid NC driver's license and dependable vehicle to get to jobsites consistently. This is critical—we work across Durham/Triangle area and need someone who can show up every day.

You think like an owner, not a clock-puncher. You ask "how can we do this better?" not "that's not my job." You see problems as opportunities to improve systems, not just obstacles. You want to grow with a company, not just work for one.

You have the technical goods:

• Can lift/carry 80 lbs repeatedly (concrete bags, lumber bundles, etc.)
• Proficient with circular saw, miter saw, drill/impact driver, framing nailer, level, and speed square
• Comfortable with tape measure math and reading building plans

You want to learn and grow. Maybe you haven't installed cable rail yet, or worked with IPE, or built a cantilevered multi-level deck. That's fine—if you're hungry to level up your skills as we take on more complex work, we'll get there together.

You want to build something bigger than a paycheck. You want to be part of something growing—where your voice matters, where you help shape what we become.

THE GROWTH PATH

Months 1–6: Prove the fit. Can you lead projects independently? Represent our standards with clients? Show up consistently? Execute clean, quality work?

Months 6–12: Run builds with increasing autonomy. Help train additional crew members. Take ownership of jobsite systems, quality control, and client communication.

Year 2+: Manage your own crew. Influence hiring and company standards. Take on more complex projects as we move upmarket. Possible transition to salaried project manager or leadership role as the company scales.

We're not promising partnership on day one—we're promising that if you're capable, reliable, and hungry, you'll have a real seat at the table when those conversations happen.

WHAT WE OFFER

Compensation: $25–35/hour based on experience (W-2 employee from day one)

Benefits structure:

• Standard payroll tax withholding and unemployment insurance from day one
• Workers' compensation coverage added when legally required (NC: 3+ employees)
• Health insurance and paid time off as we reach consistent full-time schedules (target: 6–12 months)

Schedule: Variable hours (25–45/week typical, depending on project pipeline and weather). Some weeks are busier, some slower—that's residential construction. Not a fit if you need guaranteed 40 hours from week one.

Skill development: You'll work on increasingly complex projects as we build our reputation. Learn new materials, tackle challenging structural situations, grow your craft instead of repeating the same cookie-cutter builds forever.

Equipment: Company provides major tools (miter saw, table saw, compressor, etc.). You maintain your own hand tools and basic power tools. The business owns hand and power tools, but with a helper on site without tools, the lead must have their own (for now).

WHERE WE ARE (The Honest Version)

Right now, Stillpoint is owner + occasional helpers. We're profitable. We have steady client demand. But we're at the "can't scale without a reliable lead" phase.

This hire is about building the core team that takes us from solo operation to real company. That means:

• Some weeks are 40+ hours, some are 25 (residential construction seasonality is real)
• You'll work closely with the owner—this isn't "join an established crew of 8"
• Systems are still being built (you'll help create them, not just follow them)
• We're 1–2 years away from multiple crews and full-time office operations

If you need corporate stability, a 401(k) from day one, and guaranteed 40-hour weeks every single week, we're not there yet.

If you want to be part of getting there—where your decisions shape how we hire, how we run jobs, what kind of projects we pursue, and what kind of company we become—let's talk.

NEXT STEPS

Email with:

• Resume or work history (formal or informal—show us what you've built, where, and for how long)
• One project you're proud of: Name a deck or carpentry job and tell us why it mattered (one paragraph max)
• Phone number for a quick screening call
• Photos of your work (optional but helpful—phone photos are fine)
• 1-3 Professional References (previous employers or clients)

I'll review applications as they come in. Looking for immediate project help, so a trial day could be a good starting point.

Stillpoint Builders | Durham, NC |

Pay: $ $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 16.0 – 60.0 per week

Experience:

• Carpentry: 3 years (Required)
• deck building: 2 years (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Location:

• Durham, NC Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Durham, NC Required)

Work Location: In person