Owner-Operated · Polk County & Beyond

When you hire Pender Carpentry,
you get Pender Carpentry.

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

Request a Free Consultation Call or Text (515) 422-8984

4+ yrs

Iowa Residential Carpentry

1 yr

Texas Log Home Carpentry

100%

Iowa-Based

How It Works

Six steps, start to finish.

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

Initial Contact

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

On-Site Visit

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

Written Estimate

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

Scheduling & Deposit

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

The Work

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

Walkthrough

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

About

A trade, not a template.

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.

Every cut, nail, and finished edge is Andrew's own, no unfamiliar faces on your job site. He treats every home he works in like it's his own, from first measurement to final walkthrough.

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? Every service, material, and FAQ is written up in the Pender Carpentry Services Manual.

Download the Services Manual (PDF)

Credentials & Background

GraduatePleasantville High School, Class of 2022

LocationCentral Iowa — Johnston native

Experience4+ yrs Iowa residential carpentry, ~1 yr Texas log home carpentry

SpecialtiesTrim, Basements, Custom Carpentry, Bars, Built-Ins, Decks, Entertainment Centers

Service AreaPolk County + Boone, Dallas, Warren, Story, Marion, Madison

LicensingAvailable on request

CrewPender Carpentry

Services

Built for the way Iowa lives.

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

Interior Trim

Base & crown molding, door and window casing, wainscoting, coffered and tray ceilings, cabinet setting, entertainment centers and fireplace surrounds, paint or stain ready.

Priced per linear ft or custom quote

Deck Construction

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

3 days – 2 weeks

Basement Finishing

Wall & ceiling framing, partitions, egress windows, door installation, and full trim packages — 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.

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, board-and-batten siding, material choices built for Iowa's freeze-thaw cycles.

Scope-dependent

Doors & Windows

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

Level, plumb, shimmed right

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 separately.

Project	Typical Duration	What Affects It
Interior Trim (whole home)	3–7 days	Square footage, detail level, add-ons, ceiling heights
Single Room Trim	1–2 days	Room size, number of doors/windows, accent wall or tray ceiling
Built-In Shelving	1–3 days	Size, number of units, finish type
Custom / Repair Projects	1–3 days	Scope determined at consultation
Basement Framing Only	3–5 days	Square footage, soffit/bulkhead count
Full Basement Finish	2–3 weeks	Room count, trim complexity, add-ons like bar/built-ins
Bar Build-Out	3–7 days	Size, configuration, detail level
Deck (basic, ground level)	3–5 days	Size, material choice, permit timing
Deck (elevated, multi-level)	1–2 weeks	Height, complexity, weather

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

Gallery

Recent work around Central Iowa.

A look at finished builds. Photos are added as projects wrap up.

Trim & Millworkimages/gallery-01.jpg

Fireplacesimages/gallery-01.jpg

Bathroom Woodwork images/gallery-02.jpg

Basement Finishimages/gallery-03.jpg

Bar Build-Outimages/gallery-04.jpg

Built-In Shelvingimages/gallery-05.jpg

Exterior Carpentryimages/gallery-06.jpg

Doors & Windowsimages/gallery-07.jpg

Entertainment Centerimages/gallery-08.jpg

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 service list.

Publishing note: add photos to the same images folder using the filenames listed in each row below (e.g. images/custom-mantel.jpg). Update the description text directly in the HTML to match your own project.

Photoimages/custom-mantel.jpg

Fireplace & Mantel

Mantel & Fireplace Surround

Full surround built to spec, with or without columns or panels — designed around the room's existing trim and finish for a cohesive, custom look.

Photoimages/custom-hidden-door.jpg

Doors

Hidden Door Systems

Trim package or bookshelf built to conceal a doorway — a favorite for home offices, safe rooms, and playful reveals in a finished basement.

Photoimages/custom-loft.jpg

Playroom

Loft Platforms & Reading Nooks

Built-in play structures, reading nooks, and loft platforms designed around a family's space and how the kids actually use it.

Photoimages/custom-workbench.jpg

Shop & Garage

Workbench & Shop Furniture

Heavy-duty workbenches, garage storage walls, and shop furniture built to hold up to daily use, not just look good.

Photoimages/custom-attic.jpg

Storage

Attic Storage Platforms

Platform framing and pull-down attic ladder installation to turn wasted attic space into usable, safe storage.

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

Good questions to ask before you call.

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 counties. Projects farther out are welcome to discuss; distance may involve an additional fee. Please refer service manual for more specific details.

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 employees.

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.

When you hire Pender Carpentry,you get Pender Carpentry.