Looking to find out more about the types of jobs carpenters do and how much they cost? Find out more in our guide.

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Carpenter costs UK

• A carpenter's hourly rate in the UK is around £37.50

• Meanwhile, a carpenter's day rate in the UK is around £300

However, exactly how much you pay will depend on the job at hand, as the table below shows:

Common carpentry job costs in the UK

Now let's look at eight of the most common carpentry requests and the costs involved:

1. Cost to hang a door

• Door hanging services are often completed by a carpenter who will come and measure, hang, finish and trim internal doors

• The average internal door fitting costs in the UK is: £120 per door

• Average timescale: Around two hours per door, depending on whether the frame, hinges or handles need adjusting

2. Cost of installing flooring

• Carpenters will either measure and install structural groundwork or supply and fit your chosen flooring

• Common materials a carpenter will work with include parquet, solid oak, laminate and engineered wood

• Average carpenter rates: £45 - £77.50 per m² (depending on the type of flooring)

• Average timescale: Most flooring projects take one to three days, depending on the room size and flooring material

3. Cost of decking installation cost

• A carpenter will measure, structure, fit and finish decking for you in an outdoor area

• Average cost of decking installation cost: £100 per m²

• The overall costs will depend on the size and complexity of the job, plus the quality of the wood required

• Average timescale: Typically two to five days for a standard garden decking installation.

4. Cost of a fitted wardrobe

• The cost of a made-to-measure fitted wardrobe depends on the style, placement, type of wood being used and size of the area being fitted

• The average fitted wardrobe carpenter cost is: £1,100

• Average timescale: Usually two to five days, depending on the size, design and level of customisation

5. Cost of skirting board fitting

• Also known as a ‘baseboard,’ a skirting board is a decorative frame that hides the joint between the floor and the wall for easier cleaning and aesthetic purposes

• The average skirting board fitting costs in the UK is roughly: £30 per metre

• Average timescale: Around one day for an average-sized room

6. Cost of furniture refinishing

• Refinishing refers to the act of repairing or reapplying a wood finish on an object, such as a chest of drawers or storage cabinet

• It uses the application of a topcoat, varnish or lacquer to restore or improve the appearance and finish of wood furniture

• Average carpenter cost per hour: £37.50

• Average timescale: Small refinishing jobs can take a few hours, while larger pieces may take two to five days, including drying time

7. Cost of cabinet repair

• Repairing cabinets and their skins or finishes is the job of a cabinet carpenter, who uses their artistic skills to enhance the overall look of your cupboards

• Average cabinet carpenter rates per hour: £40

• Average timescale: Most cabinet repairs take between two hours and one day, depending on the extent of the damage

8. Cost of fine woodworking

• Fine woodworking is a carpentry skill that fashions intricate items from wood

• Carvings, joinery and woodturning can all be utilised to make items such as staircase spindles and balusters, or elaborate furniture designs

• Average woodworking carpenter rates per hour: £40

• Average timescale: Fine woodworking projects can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity and level of detail required

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First fix carpentry cost

Carpentry jobs are divided into two phases: pre and post-plastering. Also known as the first and second fix.

The first fix includes foundation work that prepares a house for plastering. It starts from the frame of a building to the point it's ready for decorating.

Some tasks include:

• Studwork

• Floating Floors

• Staircases

• Windows

• Window Boards

• Exterior Doors

• Internal Door Linings

• Noggins (aka bridging)

• Bathroom boxing (hiding pipes)

Average carpenter cost = £300 per day

Average joinery prices = £37.50 per hour

Second fix carpentry cost

The second phase or 'fix' is when a carpenter make sure that the woodwork is finished to a high standard and has all the final touches.

Some tasks include:

• Internal doors

• Architraves or door linings

• Skirting boards and mouldings

• Pre-formed door sets

• The staircase components

• Bathroom boxing (low level)

Average carpenter cost = £300 per day

Average joinery prices = £37.50 per hour

What should be included in a carpentry quote?

Hire right and your professional carpentry quote should include:

• Labour costs

• Materials

• Waste removal

• VAT (if applicable)

What might not be included:

• Travel time

• Material delivery fees

• Extra finishing costs, such as painting or staining

• Parking or congestion charges in some areas

That's why we always recommend contacting a local carpenter to get an exact quote for the job.

What affects carpentry costs?

There are several factors that can affect local carpenter rates. These include:

• Your location

• How big is the job

• Bespoke vs off-the-shelf work

• Age and condition of your property

• Type of carpentry materials and fittings required

• Quality of the wood (UK timber prices vary)

• Property access

Hidden carpenter costs to know about

• Carpenter call-out fees may apply

• Some carpenters charge a minimum day rate

• Unexpected repair work

• If VAT is included

Joiner vs Carpenter: what’s the difference, and who should I hire?

Are you trying to figure out whether you need a joiner or a carpenter? Learn the key differences and tips for hiring the right tradesperson for the job.

Learn more

Is hiring a professional carpenter worth it?

Hiring a professional joiner or carpenter is often a necessity for larger structural builds to comply with structural safety regulations and building codes.

But if you're wondering whether to take on a smaller job yourself, here's why hiring an experienced carpenter pays off in the long run:

• Quality craftsmanship: Precise measurements and sturdy construction for a durable, quality finish

• Customised solutions: They've got all the tricks of the trade to help maximise every inch of space if you're planning bespoke storage

• Time & efficiency: They'll have the professional-grade tools and equipment for a job done right

• Safety & compliance: Essential for roofing, stairwells and other structural builds

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

Carpentry prices checklist

• Shop around – We always recommend getting at least three quotes

• Check your carpenter's experience – Structural carpentry (such as roof rafters/joists/trusses) or finishing carpentry (such as doors, skirting, bespoke joinery)?

• Ask to see examples of similar work they've completed

• Clarify if materials are included in the quote

• Nail down timescales for completing the job

• Double-check if building regulations apply to your project

• Make sure they have adequate and up-to-date insurance

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Here's how to get your bespoke carpentry job underway.

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Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

Why use Checkatrade to find carpenters near you?

• Checked - Every Checkatrade member must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard

• Reviewed - Over 6.2 million reviews have been published on Checkatrade on everything from communication, tidiness, timekeeping, and quality of work

• Guaranteed - Jobs booked through Checkatrade are covered up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)

Your building project may require several different skills, but at Checkatrade, we've got you covered. Find checked and reviewed plumbers, electricians, plasterers, carpenters, and more, all in one handy place, all committed to quality and a job done right.

FAQs

What are the different types of carpentry?

Many carpenters specialise in specific areas of carpentry and joinery. Common types of carpentry include:

• Rough carpentry – Structural work such as framing, roofing, decking, stairs and shelving

• Joist carpentry – Installing floor joists ready for flooring

• Finish carpentry – Interior finishing work like skirting boards, trims, mouldings and door frames

• Framing carpentry – Building the wooden framework of properties

• Roof carpentry – Constructing rafters, beams and roof trusses

• Cabinet making – Creating bespoke furniture such as wardrobes, cupboards and storage units

Should a carpenter be certified or insured?

While not mandatory across the UK, certification and insurance (e.g., public liability insurance) offer added assurance when making your choice of hire. Always check that your carpenter has up-to-date coverage and ask about relevant qualifications.

What's the difference between a carpenter and a handyperson?

A handyperson might handle quick or minor jobs across various trades. In contrast, carpenters specialise in wood-related work and are better equipped for complex installations such as custom cabinetry, staircases, or structural framing.

Is there a difference between a carpenter and a joiner?

Yes, there's a difference between a carpenter and a joiner. Carpenters generally work on-site fitting and installing timber features, while joiners tend to manufacture wood products in a workshop. Some professionals offer both services.

How much do carpenters charge per hour in the UK?

A carpenter's hourly rate in the UK is around £37.50. However, specialist bespoke carpentry and London-based tradespeople may charge more.

What is a good day rate for a carpenter?

A carpenter's day rate in the UK is around £300. That said, highly experienced or specialist carpenters may charge more, particularly in London and the South East.

How much does it cost to hang an internal door?

The labour cost to hang an internal door is typically around £120 per door, depending on the condition of the frame, hardware installation and whether old doors need removing.

How much does fitted furniture cost?

The average fitted wardrobe carpenter cost is £1,100, although bespoke designs and premium materials can increase the final price substantially.

How are carpentry jobs priced?

Carpenters usually price jobs by:

• Hourly rate

• Day rate

• Fixed project fee

Smaller jobs are often charged hourly, while larger or bespoke projects are typically quoted as a fixed price including labour and materials.

Why are carpenters so expensive?

Carpentry costs reflect skill level, experience, tools, insurance, travel, and material prices. Bespoke work also takes significant planning, measuring and finishing time, which increases labour costs.

Do carpenters charge more in London?

Yes. London carpenter rates are often 20–40% higher than the UK average due to higher demand, travel costs and business overheads.

Should I hire a self-employed carpenter or a company?

Self-employed carpenters can sometimes offer lower prices due to reduced overheads. Larger firms may provide faster turnaround times and bigger teams for complex projects.

Which carpentry jobs can I DIY?

Basic jobs like putting up shelves, assembling flat-pack furniture and replacing skirting boards are often suitable for DIY. More complex work, such as hanging doors, fitting kitchens, building decking or structural carpentry, is usually best left to a professional carpenter.

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