Owner-Operated · Polk County & Beyond

When you hire Pender Carpentry,
you get Pender Carpentry.

Precision trim, built-ins, basements, bars, and custom carpentry done by an Iowa carpenter who shows up when he says he will.

4+ yrs
Iowa Residential Carpentry
1 yr
Texas Log-Home Finish WOrk
100%
Iowa-Based
See Recent Projects
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How It Works

Six steps, start to finish.

Straightforward and transparent, no unnecessary back-and-forth, no surprises at the end.

01

Initial Contact

Call, text, or email with your project type, size, timeline, and photos if you have them. Andrew replies within 12–24 hours.

02

On-Site Visit

A free, no-obligation consultation to see the space, take measurements, and talk through your vision.

03

Written Estimate

Within a few days, a clear breakdown of materials, labor, and timeline. What you see is what you pay.

04

Scheduling & Deposit

Approve the quote and lock in a start date. A deposit may be collected depending on the project.

05

The Work

Andrew arrives on time, works efficiently, and keeps your home clean throughout the project.

06

Walkthrough

A final walkthrough together, remaining payment is collected once you're satisfied.

About

Precision from the first cut to the last nail.

Andrew Pender is a Central Iowa carpenter, born and raised in Johnston, with a genuine passion for precision craftsmanship. Since launching Pender Carpentry, Andrew has built a reputation across the greater Des Moines metro for quality work, honest communication, and showing up when he says he will.

When you hire Pender Carpentry, you get true craftsmanship from start to finish. With no strangers on your job site, just honest work and your home treated with the care it deserves.

  • Craftsmanship first — every job done right, not just done fast.
  • Transparent pricing — no surprise costs, no hidden fees.
  • Clean job sites — your home is respected and left tidy.
  • Local pride — 100% Iowa-based, keeping work in the community.
  • Direct communication — you always know the status of your project.
Want the full details? Refer to the Pender Carpentry Services Manual.
Download the Services Manual (PDF)

Credentials & Background

GraduatePleasantville High School, Class of 2022
LocationCentral Iowa — Johnston native
Experience4+ years Iowa in residential carpentry,
~1 year in Texas Log-home finish work
SpecialtiesTrim, Basements, Custom Carpentry, Bars, Built-Ins, Repairs, Renovations, Decks & Entertainment Centers
Service AreaPolk County + Surrounding Areas 
LicensingAvailable on request
CrewPender Carpentry
Services

Built for the way Iowans live.

From finish trim to custom carpentry, every project gets the same attention to detail.

Interior Trim

Cabinet & door setting, wainscoting & staircase work, custom range hoods, coffered & tray ceilings, case, base, & crown molding, window trim, fireplace surrounds & entertainment centers.  Left paint or stain ready.

Priced per linear ft or custom quote

Basement Finishing

Wall & ceiling framing, partitions, and full trim packages — Contracted or coordinated with your other trades.

2–3 weeks, full finish

Bar Build-Outs

Straight, L, U, and island bars, face frames, back bar shelving, glass rack framing, footrest blocking, and refrigerator framing, wet or dry bars.

3–7 days

Built-In Shelving & Cabinetry

Bookcase walls, entertainment centers, mudroom lockers, window seats, closet and pantry systems, scribed for a seamless fit.

1–3 days

Exterior Carpentry

Exterior trim, pergolas, sheds, porches, Demo work, horizontal lap or board & batten siding. Material choices built for Iowa's freeze-thaw cycles.

Scope-dependent

Deck Construction or Re-Decking

Ground-level, elevated, multi-level, wraparound, pool decks, footings below the frost line, code-compliant framing, permit guidance.

3 days – 2 weeks

Doors & Windows

Pre-hung, bi-fold, bypass, pocket, passage, barn, and hidden door systems, full casing packages, wainscot surronds and window seat construction.


Size or Quantity Dependent 

Repairs & Custom Projects

Rot replacement, stair and floor repair, trim matching, accent walls, and one-of-a-kind builds. If it's wood, ask.

1–3 days, typical
Planning Ahead

What to expect, timeline-wise.

Every estimate includes materials, labor, disposal, hardware, and travel within Polk County. Paint, caulking, electrical/plumbing/HVAC, permit fees, and countertop materials are typically handled on your own or with Andrews assistance.

ProjectTypical DurationWhat Affects It
Interior Trim (whole home)3–7 daysSquare footage, detail level, add-ons, ceiling heights
Single Room Trim1–2 daysRoom size, number of doors/windows, custom features
Built-In Shelving1–3 daysSize, number of units, finish type
Custom / Repair Projects1–3 daysScope determined at consultation
Basement Framing Only3–5 daysSquare footage, soffit/bulkhead count
Full Basement Finish2–3 weeksRoom count, trim complexity, add-ons like bar/built-ins
Bar Build-Out3–7 daysSize, configuration, detail level
Deck (basic, ground level)3–5 daysSize, material choice, permit timing
Deck (elevated, multi-level)1–2 weeksHeight, complexity, weather

Spring and summer book quickly — 4–8 weeks advance notice is ideal for larger projects. Interior work is available year-round.

Custom Projects

If it's wood, it's worth a conversation.

Not every job fits a neat category. These are one-of-a-kind builds Andrew has taken on outside the standard services list.

Ankeny, IA

Barn Door

Custom barn door built to fit specs/location, with or without slat panels: designed finish for a cohesive, custom look.

Granger, IA

Custom table

Built from scratch. Custom hardwood table build alongside a full wet bar 


Waukee, IA

Pantry Renovation

Built from scratch. Custom pantry shelving with built-in cubby and accessible wine rack. No wasted space.


Indianola, IA

Dugout Storage

Built for the game. Custom bat and helmet storage for a college dugout.


Ankeny, IA

Tray Ceiling

Custom ceiling build-out featuring horizontal poplar beams and poplar shiplap accents. 


Pleasant Hill, IA

Pantry Renovation

 Updated pantry storage system with wrap-around floating shelves and base cabinets for added storage.


Waukee, IA

Staircase Work

Skirt boards, handrail and newel post installation for a new construction stairway barricade.


Ankeny, IA

Wheel Chair Ramps

Structural framing and ADA-compliant installation for safe, accessible, and reliable mobility.

Have something unusual in mind? Bring it to Andrew — he'll give an honest assessment of what's possible, and point you elsewhere if it's outside his scope.

Client FAQ

Some things to know before you contact:

Do you require a deposit?

For larger projects (typically over $1,000), a materials deposit may be requested before work begins, covering upfront lumber and hardware. Terms are always spelled out in the written estimate.

Are you licensed and insured?

We are 100% licensed and insured. Contact Andrew directly for current licensing and insurance documentation, certificates of insurance are provided on request before any project begins.

How far do you travel for projects?

Primarily Polk County and the surrounding metro; Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, West Des Moines, Altoona, Grimes, Waukee, and beyond into bordering cities or counties. Projects farther out are always open for discussion; distance may involve an additional fee. 

Do you pull permits?

Andrew assists with permit documentation and applications; permits are typically pulled in the homeowner's name. He's familiar with local building departments and builds every project to pass inspection.

Can you match existing trim in my home?

In most cases, yes. Andrew can identify and source matching profiles for common styles, and create close matches for older or custom profiles. Bring a sample piece to your consultation if you can. 

Do you do the work yourself, or use a crew?

Pender Carpentry does the work: No unfamiliar faces on your job site, so you always know who's in your home and accountable for the work. We only operate with our known and trusted contacts. 

How do I pay?

Cash, check, and electronic payment are all accepted, typically due within one week of completion and your satisfaction confirmation. Andrew stands behind everything he builds, concerns raised during work or at the final walkthrough get made right before the job is considered done.

How far in advance should I book?

Spring and summer book quickly; interior work runs year-round. For larger projects, 4–8 weeks advance notice is ideal.

To Get Started

Tell Andrew about your project.

Andrew will follow up within 24 hours to talk about your project or to schedule an on-site consultation.

Phone / Text
Service Area
Central Iowa (Des Moines Metro & Surrounding Counties)
REGULAR OFFICE HOURS
Monday – Saturday, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Refer to Services Manual: The Services Manual covers pricing structure, materials, Scope of work and FAQ in detail.
Open the Services Manual (PDF)