Brief Introduction of Carter Oosterhouse
Carter Oosterhouse is a renowned American television personality, carpenter, and model who rose to prominence through his appearances on various home improvement shows. Best known for his role as a carpenter on the popular TLC series “Trading Spaces,” Oosterhouse has captivated audiences with his skilled craftsmanship, charismatic presence, and dedication to eco-friendly living. His expertise has been further showcased on several HGTV programs, including “Carter Can” and “Red Hot & Green,” solidifying his status as a leading figure in the home and lifestyle genre. Beyond his television career, Oosterhouse is a dedicated philanthropist, having founded the non-profit organization Carter’s Kids, which focuses on building playgrounds to promote youth fitness and self-esteem. His multifaceted career and commitment to positive community impact have made him a respected and admired public figure.
Carter Oosterhouse Overview
| Full Name | Carter Nicholas Oosterhouse |
| Date of Birth | September 19, 1976 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 49 |
| Birthplace | Traverse City, Michigan, U.S. |
| Profession | Television personality, model, carpenter |
| Husband/Wife | Amy Smart (m. 2011) |
| Family | Parents: Roland Oosterhouse and Mary Lopez; Siblings: Todd and Tyler Oosterhouse |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Estimated $8 million (combined with wife Amy Smart) |
Early Life and Education of Carter Oosterhouse
Carter Nicholas Oosterhouse was born on September 19, 1976, in Traverse City, Michigan, to Roland Oosterhouse and Mary Lopez. He is the youngest of four children and has Dutch and Mexican ancestry. Growing up in a household that valued wellness and nature, he developed an early appreciation for the environment. His passion for carpentry began at a young age, reportedly around 10 or 12 years old, when he started an apprenticeship with a neighbor who was a carpenter. He continued to hone his skills in carpentry and construction throughout his school years, following in the footsteps of his two older brothers, Todd and Tyler, who are also carpenters. Oosterhouse attended Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools for his formal education. A gifted athlete, he earned a rugby scholarship to Central Michigan University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in nutrition and communication. During his university years, he paid for his education by working on construction jobs, further solidifying his practical skills.
Carter Oosterhouse’s Career
After graduating from Central Michigan University, Carter Oosterhouse moved to Los Angeles with the intention of pursuing a career in film and television. His initial work was behind the scenes as a production assistant and tape coordinator for “Project Greenlight.” His big break came when he auditioned for a new TLC show and was cast as a carpenter on “Trading Spaces” for its fourth season in 2003. His combination of carpentry skills and on-screen charm quickly made him a fan favorite. This success led to appearances on spin-off shows like “Trading Spaces: Family” and “Trading Spaces: Boys v. Girls.”
Oosterhouse’s popularity grew, and he became a sought-after expert for numerous television programs, including “The Today Show,” “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” and “Rachael Ray.” In 2007, he began hosting his own show on HGTV called “Carter Can,” which empowered homeowners to tackle their own renovation projects. He also hosted the eco-conscious show “Red Hot & Green” and “Million Dollar Rooms” for the same network. For several years, Oosterhouse has been a co-host of the popular ABC reality series “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” He has also hosted other shows such as “Rowhouse Showdown” and “Home Grown Makeover with Frederique and Carter.” In addition to his hosting duties, Oosterhouse has had a successful modeling career, appearing in campaigns for brands like Nautica, Nivea, Miller Light, and Hewlett Packard. He was notably featured in People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” issue.
Carter Oosterhouse Personal Life & Family
Carter Oosterhouse is married to actress Amy Smart. The couple, who share a passion for environmentalism, met at an environmental conference. They were married on September 10, 2011, in their shared hometown of Traverse City, Michigan. Their wedding was notably eco-friendly, reportedly producing only one bag of trash for 200 guests. After facing fertility struggles, they welcomed their daughter, Flora Oosterhouse, via surrogate on December 26, 2016. The family splits their time between their homes in Malibu, California, and a 100-year-old farmhouse on a former cherry farm in Michigan. Oosterhouse is an avid outdoorsman and sports enthusiast, enjoying activities like kayaking, snowboarding, and sailing. He and his brother Todd co-founded Bonobo Winery in Traverse City in 2010. Oosterhouse and his wife also co-founded Smarthouse, an eco-friendly brand of home furnishings.
Awards and Achievements of Carter Oosterhouse
- Named one of People magazine’s “Sexiest Man on TV”.
- Featured in numerous publications such as TV Guide, US Weekly, and USA Today.
- Won $20,000 on Celebrity Poker for the charity Coach for Kids.
- Founder of the non-profit organization Carter’s Kids, which has built over 90 playgrounds nationwide.
Carter Oosterhouse Net Worth and Income
As of recent estimates, Carter Oosterhouse has a combined net worth of approximately $8 million with his wife, Amy Smart. His wealth has been accumulated through his successful and long-standing career as a television host for major networks like TLC, HGTV, and ABC. Additionally, his income is supplemented by his work as a model for prominent brands, public speaking engagements, and various endorsement deals. Oosterhouse is also a savvy entrepreneur with business ventures that contribute to his net worth, including the Oosterhouse Design Group, a line of home products, and the co-founding of Bonobo Winery. His real estate investments with his wife have also been a factor in their overall financial portfolio.
Legacy and Influence
Carter Oosterhouse has made a significant impact on the world of home improvement television, popularizing the role of the skilled and charismatic carpenter. He has been a strong advocate for eco-friendly building practices and sustainable living, using his platform to educate the public on green alternatives in home design and construction. His “can-do” attitude, exemplified in his show “Carter Can,” has inspired countless viewers to take on their own DIY projects. Beyond television, his most enduring legacy may be his philanthropic work through Carter’s Kids. The organization is dedicated to creating safe and engaging play spaces for children in underserved communities, promoting physical fitness and well-being for America’s youth. Oosterhouse’s commitment to community and environmental stewardship has established him as more than just a television personality, but a positive influence and role model.
Interesting Facts about Carter Oosterhouse
- He has Dutch and Mexican heritage.
- He attended Central Michigan University on a rugby scholarship.
- He and his wife Amy Smart had an eco-friendly wedding that produced only one bag of garbage.
- He is the co-founder of Bonobo Winery with his brother in his hometown of Traverse City, Michigan.
- He wrote a children’s book titled “A BIG Problem,” which teaches problem-solving skills.
- He is an avid sportsman and enjoys a wide range of activities including hockey, sailing, and snowboarding.
Controversies
In December 2017, Carter Oosterhouse faced allegations of sexual misconduct from a former makeup artist, Kailey Kaminsky, who worked on his show “Carter Can” in 2008. Kaminsky alleged that Oosterhouse had coerced her into performing sexual acts and that she felt her job was at risk if she did not comply. Oosterhouse publicly addressed the allegations, stating that he had an intimate relationship with Kaminsky but that it was “100 percent mutual and consensual.” He denied any form of coercion and stated that he would have never done anything he was not sure was mutually agreeable. His wife, Amy Smart, publicly defended him, stating that they were in a consensual relationship and that boundaries were being crossed with the accusation. The allegations did not result in any formal charges, and Oosterhouse continued his television career, including returning for the reboot of “Trading Spaces” in 2018.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (@carterooster): Approximately 26.6K followers
- Twitter: Information not disclosed
- YouTube: Information not disclosed
Final Words about Carter Oosterhouse
Carter Oosterhouse remains a prominent and active figure in the entertainment and lifestyle industry. From his beginnings as the personable carpenter on “Trading Spaces,” he has built a diverse and successful career that spans television hosting, modeling, writing, and entrepreneurship. His dedication to promoting sustainable living and his significant charitable contributions through Carter’s Kids highlight a career driven by both passion and purpose. Despite facing public controversy, he has continued his work, notably as a host on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” He continues to balance his professional life with his family life in Michigan and California, maintaining his commitment to his craft, his community, and the environment. Carter Oosterhouse’s journey reflects a blend of skilled craftsmanship, media savvy, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact, securing his place as a respected expert in his field.
