C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor license in California
Updated November 1, 2026 · Official name from CSLB's classification list
- 1,093licenses hold C-5
- 94%Clear (CA addresses)
- 47%workers' comp exempt (all: 49.6%)
- 100%contractor's bond on file
- 9.3 yrsmedian time licensed
- 50.8%businesses, not sole owners
C-5 contractors build the wooden skeleton of a structure and the rough carpentry around it. Form work, wall and roof framing, subfloors, roof decking, trusses and sheathing are the core of the class. CSLB's description also names siding, exterior stairs and railings, and overhead doors.
A framing contractor often works as a subcontractor under a general builder. Homeowners hire one directly for jobs like a framed patio cover, replacing rotted subfloor or rebuilding exterior stairs. Cabinets and trim are finish carpentry, which is a separate license.
Typical work under C-5
- Wall, floor and roof framing
- Subfloor and roof sheathing replacement
- Roof trusses and roof decking
- Exterior stairs and railings
- Siding installation
- Concrete form work for framed structures
Work that needs a different license
- Built-in cabinets and interior trim: C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry
- Pouring the foundation slab: C-8 Concrete
- Managing a whole addition with plumbing and electrical: B General Building
Tips before hiring
- For a deck, stairs or patio cover, ask whether engineered plans are needed and who will draw them.
- Ask whether the bid includes replacing any rotted members found once old siding or flooring comes off, and how that extra work is priced.
- Check that the framer's name on the contract matches the CSLB record, since framing crews often work under another company's license.
Where C-5 contractors are
The cities with the most C-5 license holders in CSLB's current file:
- Framing Contractors in Bakersfield: 31
- Framing Contractors in San Jose: 30
- Framing Contractors in Los Angeles: 26
- Framing Contractors in Sacramento: 25
- Framing Contractors in Riverside: 22
- Framing Contractors in Escondido: 20
- San Diego: 18
- Anaheim: 12
- Concord: 12
- Fresno: 11
All framing contractors lists
Cities with at least 20 C-5 license holders, largest first:
How to verify a C-5 license
- Search the business or license number here and confirm C-5 is listed on the profile.
- Check the same number on CSLB's Instant License Check.
- Read our full guide to checking a contractor license.
Related license types
- B General Building Contractor
- C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor
- C-8 Concrete Contractor
- C-61 Limited Specialty
Source: CSLB public data · Updated November 1, 2026 Status can change at any time. Verify on CSLB's Instant License Check.
More license types: ← C-4 Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting Contractor · C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor →