COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Planning & Setting Out for Carpentry in Construction Projects course. This program is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge, practical techniques, and compliance understanding necessary to plan and carry out accurate setting out procedures across residential, commercial, and civil construction sites in Australia.
Planning and setting out form the foundation of precision carpentry. This course begins by highlighting the significance of these preliminary tasks in supporting structural integrity, sequencing efficiency, and construction quality. Participants will explore the key responsibilities of carpenters during the pre-construction phase, including the review of site conditions, documentation analysis, and preparation for accurate layout. Emphasis is placed on how effective planning and set-out work directly influence project timelines, reduce rework, and contribute to professional outcomes.
Reading and interpreting construction documentation is a core competency in the planning process. This section examines how to understand architectural, structural, and joinery drawings, extract carpentry-specific data, and navigate detailed specifications. Participants will learn how to identify key elements within project plans and translate them into actionable site activities that meet project intent and design compliance.
Every construction site presents unique challenges. This section explores how carpenters assess site-specific features such as gradients, access, and underground services, while also considering client expectations, finish tolerances, and any applicable environmental or heritage controls. Participants will gain insights into tailoring their approach based on site conditions to ensure safety, accuracy, and adherence to regulatory obligations.
Understanding the project scope ensures all components are delivered to specification. This section focuses on reviewing material lists, dimensions, and construction sequences to confirm consistency with design intent. Participants will also learn how to identify non-standard carpentry elements and clarify design ambiguities with site supervisors, project managers, or designers before work commences.
Accurate setting out relies on the correct use of tools. This section introduces essential hand and power tools, including spirit levels, tape measures, chalk lines, and laser equipment. Participants will develop skills in selecting, calibrating, and maintaining measurement instruments to ensure precision in all stages of carpentry layout.
A well-prepared work area is critical for efficient setting out. This section outlines procedures for clearing the site, identifying fixed references, and establishing safe, accessible workspaces. Participants will learn how to set up temporary benchmarks and working zones that support streamlined operations and prevent delays or hazards.
Reference points and benchmarks serve as the backbone of site measurement. This section details how to locate survey pegs, confirm datum accuracy, and transfer levels across the construction zone using tools such as laser levels and theodolites. Participants will learn how to establish and maintain control points to guide all subsequent carpentry work.
Marking out carpentry tasks with precision ensures alignment and fit. This section explores methods for measuring and marking lines, centres, and heights on various surfaces using string lines, plumb bobs, and straightedges. Practical emphasis is placed on accommodating tolerances, material sizes, and build-up allowances during the setting out process.
Datum points are essential for achieving vertical and horizontal accuracy. This section provides guidance on interpreting datums and using levelling equipment to set critical heights for floors, wall plates, and roofing components. Participants will develop skills in applying height references to ensure correct positioning of framing and structural elements.
Planning work sequences avoids inefficiencies. This section focuses on how to schedule carpentry tasks in alignment with concreters, steel fixers, and other trades. Participants will examine the logical progression of carpentry stages—framing, flooring, cladding, and roofing—and how to pre-empt access, material delivery, and lifting requirements.
Setting out sub-floor and floor framing requires thorough accuracy. This section details techniques for marking out bearers, joists, and stumps, ensuring level and square alignment. Participants will gain confidence in verifying measurements, diagonals, and clearances in preparation for efficient framing assembly.
Wall and partition framing demand exact placement. This section explains how to position plates, mark stud centres, and identify door and window openings in accordance with plans and structural design. Bracing and temporary supports are also addressed as part of the initial framing setup.
Roof setting out is one of the most complex carpentry tasks. This section explores how to calculate and mark roof components based on pitch, rise, run, and span. Participants will learn how to position rafters, ridge beams, and trusses in accordance with engineering drawings and Australian roofing conventions.
Compliance is integral to setting out. This section introduces relevant codes and standards, including AS 1684 – Timber Framing Code and applicable NCC provisions. Participants will learn how to verify that all materials and techniques meet statutory and manufacturer guidelines to ensure quality and structural safety.
Coordination with other trades minimises disruption. This section outlines how carpenters plan around plumbing, electrical, and mechanical services. Participants will explore methods for preventing clashes and maintaining communication with other supervisors to ensure compatibility and sequencing across disciplines.
Accurate recording supports transparency and verification. This section covers best practices for documenting measurements, control points, and deviations in site notebooks and reports. Participants will also learn how to photograph key benchmarks and report discrepancies or site constraints to the construction manager.
Quality control ensures long-term reliability. This section focuses on double-checking all measurements and alignments prior to material fixing. Participants will examine the use of framing checklists, tolerance verifications, and QA procedures to confirm that all work meets design and compliance standards.
Errors in setting out can result in significant delays and cost. This final section addresses common mistakes such as misaligned plates, incorrect levels, or improper spacing. Participants will learn how to recognise early warning signs, apply corrective actions, and document rectifications to maintain build integrity and avoid disputes.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the technical knowledge, practical processes, and compliance awareness required to plan and execute precise setting out activities for carpentry tasks, contributing to safer, faster, and higher-quality construction outcomes.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Planning and Setting Out in Carpentry
- Purpose and significance of planning and setting out in carpentry
- Key responsibilities of carpenters during pre-construction stages
- Impact of accurate setting out on project timelines and quality
2. Understanding Construction Documentation
- Types of drawings: architectural, structural, and joinery
- Reading and interpreting construction specifications
- Extracting carpentry-related information from project plans
3. Identifying Site-Specific Requirements
- Site features affecting carpentry work
- Client and builder expectations regarding finishes and tolerances
- Environmental and cultural heritage considerations
4. Reviewing Project Scope and Specifications
- Confirming materials, dimensions, and construction sequences
- Identifying non-standard or custom carpentry details
- Clarifying ambiguities with supervisors or designers
5. Tools and Equipment for Planning and Setting Out
- Essential hand and power tools for setting out
- Using laser levels, theodolites, and plumb bobs
- Calibrating and maintaining measuring tools for accuracy
6. Preparing the Work Area for Setting Out
- Clearing debris and ensuring access to reference points
- Establishing temporary benchmarks or datums
- Setting up safe working zones around setting out tasks
7. Establishing Reference Points and Benchmarks
- Locating and verifying site benchmarks or survey pegs
- Transferring levels across the site using equipment
- Maintaining control points throughout the project duration
8. Measuring and Marking Out Carpentry Work
- Marking lines, levels, and centres on concrete and timber
- Using string lines, chalk lines, and spirit levels
- Allowing for material thickness, tolerances, and clearances
9. Interpreting and Applying Level Datum Points
- Understanding horizontal and vertical datums
- Using laser levels or dumpy levels for height references
- Setting floor levels, wall plates, and rafter lines accurately
10. Planning the Sequence of Carpentry Works
- Coordinating setting out with concreters and steel fixers
- Scheduling framing, flooring, cladding, and roofing stages
- Minimising rework by planning for access and lifting
11. Setting Out for Sub-Floor and Floor Framing
- Marking stump and bearer locations
- Aligning joists, trimmers, and openings accurately
- Verifying square and level using diagonals and levels
12. Setting Out for Wall and Partition Framing
- Positioning bottom plates and checking squareness
- Marking stud centres and openings for doors/windows
- Bracing and temporary supports during setting out
13. Setting Out for Roof Structures
- Understanding pitch, span, rise, and run calculations
- Marking rafter positions and ridge lines
- Positioning trusses or rafters to engineering requirements
14. Checking Compliance with Australian Standards and NCC
- AS 1684 – Timber Framing Code overview
- Relevant clauses from the National Construction Code (NCC)
- Manufacturer guidelines and product compliance checks
15. Coordination with Other Trades During Setting Out
- Allowing for plumbing penetrations and electrical fit-outs
- Preventing clashes with HVAC, steel, or brickwork
- Consulting with site foreman or other trade supervisors
16. Recording and Reporting Measurements
- Maintaining a site notebook for setting out records
- Photographic documentation of benchmarks and references
- Reporting discrepancies or site changes to supervisors
17. Quality Control and Verification of Set-Out
- Double-checking measurements before fixing materials
- Ensuring compliance with tolerance limits and specifications
- Using checklists and QA sign-offs for framing and set-out
18. Common Errors and Risk Management in Setting Out
- Consequences of inaccurate setting out in carpentry
- Preventing measurement mistakes and alignment issues
- Corrective actions and documentation of site rectifications
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.