Carpentry is one of the most important skills in Project Zomboid, allowing you to build defenses, craft furniture, and most importantly—construct rain collectors to ensure a renewable water source when the taps run dry. This guide walks you through the most efficient ways to level carpentry quickly and put your skills to use.

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Getting Started: Essential Tools and Books

Before jumping into carpentry, you need the right tools:

• Hammer (any type)
• Screwdriver
• Saw (for planks and advanced disassembly)
• Nails (for building)

Read Skill Books for XP Multipliers

Carpentry skill books provide an XP boost, allowing you to level up much faster. Start by reading Carpentry for Beginners (Levels 1-2), then move on to Carpentry for Intermediates (Levels 3-4) before continuing.

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Efficient XP Grinding: Dismantling Furniture

Step 1: Dismantle Doors

Doors are one of the most abundant objects in the game and yield consistent XP. To start leveling efficiently:

• Find a location with multiple rooms (motels, apartments, or offices).
• Use your hammer and screwdriver to disassemble doors.
• Work through all doors in a building before moving to the next area.

Step 2: Dismantle Beds

Beds provide more XP than doors, making them the next priority once you have a higher carpentry level.

• Look for apartment buildings or residential houses.
• Dismantling five or more beds in one location can significantly boost your XP.
• Always check behind doors and clear zombies before starting.

Step 3: Move to Larger Buildings

Once doors and beds are dismantled, shift focus to furniture in larger buildings.

• Hotels, dormitories, and large homes have an abundance of dismantlable items.
• Disassemble chairs, tables, and wardrobes to keep XP flowing.

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Building for XP: Walls and Fences

Once you reach Level 3-4, you can start building walls and barricades to gain XP while reinforcing your base.

Step 1: Gather Wood

• Cut down 2-4 trees for logs.
• Use a saw to turn logs into planks.

Step 2: Build Basic Walls

• Construct two wooden walls near your base.
• Plank walls can be upgraded at later carpentry levels for increased durability.

Step 3: Avoid Using Doors

• Doors break easily and are more vulnerable to zombie attacks.
• Focus on solid walls and barricades instead.

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Why Carpentry Matters: Preparing for Water Shortages

By Level 4, you unlock rain collectors, essential for long-term survival after the water shuts off.

• Rain Collector Barrels require garbage bags, planks, and nails.
• Place them outside your base for a sustainable water supply.
• Higher carpentry levels allow for larger and more durable barrels.

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Advanced Carpentry: Next Steps

Disassembling for Planks

• If you still need XP, dismantle chairs, shelves, and wooden furniture.
• Ensure you have a saw to gain additional planks.

Power & Fences

• Once higher-level carpentry is unlocked, focus on defensive walls.
• Upgrade fences and barriers for increased protection against zombies.

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Final Thoughts: The Road to Master Carpentry

Carpentry is an essential skill in Project Zomboid, and reaching Level 4 quickly will ensure you have the necessary infrastructure for long-term survival. By following this guide—dismantling doors, breaking down beds, and building defensive structures—you’ll efficiently reach the levels needed for self-sustaining survival.