How to start a carpentry business yourself

Carpentry is a growing industry, with plenty of potential to diversify into a specific niche or hone your skills to fulfil more detailed tasks. Want to know how to start a carpentry business?

We’ll cover everything from how to write a business plan (look out for the free template), to business insurance, marketing, and the personal attributes that will help to guarantee a successful venture.

Read on to find out whether it’s feasible to turn your passion into a career and discover everything about setting up a carpentry business.

What’s the benefit of setting up a carpentry business?

With a huge variety of work, and existing customer interest, it is a thriving industry to join.

In 2024 alone, we received over 810,000 job searches for carpenters*, which is a phenomenal amount. It’s by far one of our most searched-for trades.

From crafting bespoke installations for homeowners to working as part of a team on a construction site, rarely are two projects the same.

On top of that, you get to determine your work-life balance. Why not sign up for our ‘Become the Boss’ series? Hearing from other trades can help starting a carpentry business in the UK.

How to set up your carpentry business – step by step

In this section, we move on to the practical steps you need to take to set up your own carpentry business.

This includes guidance on how to register your business, getting the right business insurance, where to get the best deals on tools and equipment, and how to get those all-important customers.

Key considerations also include making sure you understand how to pay your taxes, VAT (if relevant), and national insurance. You’ll need to register your business with HMRC and complete a self-assessment tax return every year.

Creating a business plan for your carpentry business

Being a carpenter you’re probably already meticulous about detail. That makes the very first step for setting up a carpentry business almost a no-brainer. You need to get writing a business plan.

This document should provide a framework to help you get started. There are a number of things to include, for example:

• Consider the goals of your business
• Set realistic financial targets to work towards
• Based on your skills, you should also decide your niche
• Work out how to define your target audience
• Think about what will set you apart from the competition

Your business plan will help you to stay focused and make informed decisions as your business grows.

Not sure where to start? Just provide your email address below to receive your free business plan template:

Registering your carpentry business

First of all, the creative bit; coming up with a carpentry business name. It should be unique and catchy but also relevant to your business offering. Make sure to take your time as this will play a crucial role in helping you build a brand identity.

There are different legal structures to consider. This is an important step. So work out if you’ll be:

• Sole trader
• Partnership
• Limited company

Next, you have a few decisions to make about how you’ll operate your company. For instance, what services will you offer, what hours will you work, and where will your business be based?

Business insurance

It is a good idea to obtain the right insurance when you’re first setting up your carpentry business.

Think about it, you are your business. Either as sole trader or business owner. It’s there important to insure your business properly and be covered in the event that something goes wrong.

• Public Liability Insurance (PLI) is highly recommended to cover your liabilities toward your customers, members of the public, and third-party property (all Checkatrade members are required to have PLI to become a member)
• Employers’ liability insurance is a legal obligation if you employ anyone else

Included within your carpentry insurance should be cover for your work vehicle, tools and equipment, and any materials you wish to protect.

Without insurance, if any of these items were lost, damaged, or stolen, you’d need to cover the cost of replacement from your own pocket.

Finances

Being organised with your finances is key to running a successful carpentry business. Right from the start.

Be sure to keep a close eye on your income and expenditure, and manage your cash flow effectively.

How much does it cost to start a carpentry business? It varies.

• Establishing any start-up can be expensive and you may not have the funding yourself
• If that is the case, you ca look into applying for a business loan
• It is important to fully invest in all the equipment and supplies you need
• You don’t want to be cutting corners and risking performance or quality

Looking to save money on business essentials? Checkatrade members receive exclusive member discounts on tools, software, insurance, and more.

What tools does a carpenter need?

You know as well as the next person, to deliver exceptional work for your customers, you need the very best tools you can stretch to. These include:

• Hand tools — utility knife, chisel, pencil, claw hammer
• Tool belt
• Power drills
• Tape measure
• Carpentry squares
• Saws
• Levels

As a carpenter, you’ll be working a lot with your hands which is why it’s essential to use the right tools. To find out our recommendations, be sure to read our blog on the best carpenter hand tools.

Save money and time marketing your business

With our digital marketing strategy and strong online presence, becoming a Checkatrade member makes it easier for customers to find you.

Over 22 million homeowners searched for tradespeople on the Checkatrade website last year*, with customers three times more likely to search with us than any other provider.

Carpentry in particular is one of the most searched trade services with over 810,000 online searches through our website in 2024.* Sound good?

As a member, you can also:

• Display customer reviews
• Highlight testimonials
• Show examples of your work on your profile page
• Enjoy savings with suppliers such as Selco and Wickes
• Have your work guaranteed (T&Cs apply)
• Use the trades app for on-the-go job management and invoicing

We’ll also help you with access to branded marketing materials and help to increase your business’s visibility on Google.

Building your trade business with Checkatrade

Despite best intentions, when you’re out working all day as a tradesperson, it can be hard to find the time to put all of this into practice.

However, there is a simpler way to help your carpentry business grow – by joining our trusted network of the best trades on the UK’s leading trade directory.

Here are just a few of the many reasons you should become a Checkatrade member:

To get more leads

Checkatrade members receive new leads and consumer enquiries each week. With that level of existing customer interest, surely you don’t want to miss out on more work coming your way?

To help to secure more work

With over 25 years of experience and the tick that homeowners trust, being a Checkatrade member helps you to build your reputation and win more business.

To save money

Get exclusive access to trade deals, saving money on business essentials to help keep your profit margins sharp. Checkatrade members get access to exclusive offers and discounts through the member’s app.

FAQs

How much does it cost to start a carpentry business?

There are various costs associated with starting a carpentry business, but exactly how much will depend on your circumstances. If you’re an experienced carpenter who already has most of the necessary equipment, then you could launch your business with just a few hundred pounds.

How long does it take to start a carpentry business?

If you take the traditional route of a college course or carpenter apprenticeship, this will take up to three years to complete. After you’re qualified, it will probably take a couple of years of on-the-job experience to sharpen your skills and feel confident about starting a carpentry business.

Can carpenters make good money?

How much a carpenter makes can vary depending on the level of skill, qualifications, and experience. Choosing to go self-employed and setting up a carpentry business can also definitely help boost your earnings.

If your business offers a unique service or attracts a large client base, you’ll be in demand enough to charge higher rates, helping you to earn considerably more than some of your competitors.

* Internal Checkatrade search data from users of the website – 1st January – 31st December 2024