Carpenter in Reading (26)

A carpenter is a tradesperson who works with timber to build, fit or repair wooden structures

With Checkatrade, you’ll find carpenters in Reading handling everything from hanging doors and building staircases to crafting fitted furniture.

Common Reading carpentry services include:

• Hanging internal and external doors
• Fitting skirting boards, architraves, and mouldings
• Designing and installing wardrobes or shelving units
• Laying wooden flooring or repairing damaged floorboards
• Building stud walls, cupboards, or garden decking
• Installing handrails, bannisters, or timber roof trusses

Carpenters usually work on-site, tailoring their work to suit your space. They often work alongside other trades such as joiners or builders. If you’re unsure whether you need a carpenter or a joiner, think: joiners make it, carpenters fit it.

The cost to hire a carpenter in Reading will vary depending on the job size, location, and materials. Most carpenters charge either a day rate or hourly rate, with project quotes provided for bigger jobs.

Typical carpentry costs in Reading:

• Hang a door (labour only): £100 - £140
• Install decking (labour only): £80 - £120 per m²
• Fit skirting boards: £20 - £40 per metre
• Laminate flooring install: £40 - £50 per m²
• Engineered wood flooring: £45 - £55 per m²
• Natural wood flooring: £50 - £60 per m²
• Fitted wardrobe build: £800 - £1,400

Prices vary based on the complexity of the task, the condition of your home, and your choice of materials. For an accurate price, it’s best to request multiple quotes from checked carpenters covering your local Reading area.

On average, carpenters in Reading charge between £35 and £45 per hour, although exact rates may be slightly higher or lower depending on demand and specialisation.

Hourly rates by job type:

• General carpentry: £37.50
• Fine woodworking: £40
• Cabinet repair or furniture refinishing: £40

To make sure you’re getting fair value, it’s a good idea to compare at least three quotes and review previous customer feedback.

If you’re wondering how to find a carpenter in Reading without the stress, you’re in the right place. With Checkatrade, you can search for checked carpenters covering your local area, read real customer reviews, and book with confidence.

Tips for hiring a carpenter:

1. Ask to see previous work or customer photos
2. Read reviews and testimonials
3. Check qualifications and insurance
4. Be clear about your budget and expectations
5. Get at least three quotes to compare prices

Checkatrade makes the process simple. All our members pass up to 12 checks and hold public liability insurance. Plus, when you hire or pay through us, you’re covered by the Checkatrade Guarantee up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply).

In the UK, carpenters don’t legally need qualifications to trade. However, a carpenter committed to quality should have formal training, strong experience, or both.

Here’s what to look for when hiring a carpenter in Reading:

• NVQ or City & Guilds qualifications in carpentry or joinery
• Apprenticeship experience – many carpenters train on the job
• CSCS card (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) if they’re working on a building site
• Memberships in bodies like the Institute of Carpenters (IoC) or Federation of Master Builders (FMB)

That said, qualifications aren't the only thing that counts.

You should also look for:

• A solid portfolio of previous work
• Strong reviews from local customers
• Public liability insurance
• A willingness to explain their process clearly

When browsing ‘carpenters near me’ on Checkatrade, you can view this information upfront on each tradesperson’s profile, making it easier to find someone skilled, experienced, and ready to help.

Yes, always. Carpentry often involves sharp tools, heavy materials and structural work. Hiring an insured carpenter in Reading protects both your home and the person doing the job.

Look for insurance such as:

• Public liability insurance (required for Checkatrade trades)
• Personal accident cover
• Tools and equipment insurance
• Professional indemnity cover

It’s worth asking to see proof of insurance before work begins. And if you book through Checkatrade, you can relax knowing the work is covered up to £1,000 under our Guarantee (eligibility criteria apply).

Joiners typically work in workshops using heavy machinery to create wooden components. Think cabinets, door frames, or window sashes; all crafted off-site.

Carpenters, meanwhile, are site-based. They install the items joiners make and carry out structural woodwork. If you’re fitting a wooden staircase, for example, a joiner might build it, while a carpenter installs it in your home.

So if you're looking to fit new flooring or install custom wardrobes, a carpenter in Reading is the way to go. If you want to commission a bespoke wooden cabinet from scratch, a joiner might be your first step.

If you’re still not sure which tradesperson to hire, why not read our joiner and carpenter hiring guides?

Absolutely. Many kitchen and bathroom renovations rely heavily on carpentry work. Here’s how the right carpenter in Reading might support your project:

Kitchen carpentry:

• Fitting or adjusting kitchen cabinets and doors
• Building bespoke units or shelves to match awkward spaces
• Boxing in unsightly pipes or meters
• Installing flooring such as engineered or solid wood

Bathroom carpentry:

• Constructing and installing bathroom cabinetry or storage
• Fitting panelling or tongue-and-groove features
• Building stud walls to support new layouts
• Installing wooden flooring (if suitable for wet zones)

Carpenters can also work alongside plumbers, electricians, and tilers to bring everything together. If your renovation requires custom measurements or finishing details, hiring a carpenter is often the key to getting the job done right.

Searching for a carpentry service in Reading or kitchen carpenter near me? Use Checkatrade to find reviewed, checked carpenters in the Reading area who offer home renovation services.