Florida Carpentry Contractor Exam

Florida Carpentry Contractor Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026 Q&A| Instant Download Pdf

• Which type of wood is considered a softwood?
• Oak
• Maple
• Pine
• Mahogany
• Pine

Rationale: Pine is a softwood, commonly used in framing and

general construction, whereas oak, maple, and mahogany are hardwoods.

• What is the minimum thickness of plywood used for subflooring in

residential construction?

• 1/2 inch
• 3/4 inch
• 5/8 inch
• 1 inch
• 3/4 inch

Rationale: 3/4 inch plywood is standard for residential subflooring to

ensure adequate strength and stiffness.

• Which nail type is best for exterior construction to prevent rusting?
• Common steel nails
• Aluminum nails
• Galvanized nails
• Finishing nails
• Galvanized nails

Rationale: Galvanized nails are coated to resist corrosion and are

recommended for outdoor and exterior use. 1 / 3

• What is the primary purpose of a sill plate in wood framing?
• To support roof trusses
• To provide a base for wall studs
• To act as a moisture barrier
• To anchor windows
• To provide a base for wall studs

Rationale: The sill plate sits on the foundation and provides a level

base to attach wall studs.

• Which type of joint is typically used to join two pieces of wood at a 90-

degree angle?

• Lap joint
• Butt joint
• Mortise and tenon
• Dado joint
• Butt joint

Rationale: A butt joint is the simplest joint where the end of one piece

of wood is joined to the face of another at a 90-degree angle.

• When installing exterior doors, what is the recommended clearance at

the bottom?

• 1/16 inch
• 1/8 inch
• 1/4 inch
• 1/2 inch
• 1/4 inch

Rationale: A 1/4 inch clearance allows the door to swing freely and

accommodate weatherstripping.

• What is the standard spacing for wall studs in residential wood

framing?

• 12 inches on center
• 16 inches on center
• 18 inches on center
• 24 inches on center
• 16 inches on center

Rationale: 16 inches on center is the most common standard for wall

studs to ensure structural integrity.

• Which saw is best suited for making curved cuts in wood?
• Circular saw 2 / 3

• Jigsaw
• Table saw
• Miter saw
• Jigsaw

Rationale: A jigsaw allows precise curved or intricate cuts, unlike

circular or table saws which are for straight cuts.

9. In roof framing, the horizontal beam that supports rafters is called the:

• Ridge board
• Joist
• Fascia
• Beam
• Ridge board

Rationale: The ridge board runs along the peak of the roof and

provides a nailing surface for rafters.

• What is the purpose of a vapor barrier in flooring?
• To provide structural support
• To prevent water vapor from rising into flooring
• To insulate the floor
• To serve as a decorative layer
• To prevent water vapor from rising into flooring

Rationale: Vapor barriers protect wood floors from moisture that can

cause warping or mold growth.

• Which fastener is commonly used to attach decking boards?
• Lag bolts
• Finishing nails
• Deck screws
• Staples
• Deck screws

Rationale: Deck screws are designed for outdoor use and provide

superior holding power compared to nails.

• What is the recommended slope for exterior deck boards to allow

water drainage?

• 1/8 inch per foot
• 1/4 inch per foot
• 1/2 inch per foot
• 1 inch per foot
• 1/8 inch per foot
• / 3