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Pricing·6 min read

How to Price Carpentry Work in the UK

Carpentry is one of the most varied trades — a staircase refurbishment, a set of fitted wardrobes, and first-fix framing are all 'carpentry', but they price completely differently. The key to profitable carpentry pricing is breaking every job into measurable components before you quote. This guide covers how to do that.

Day rates for carpenters in the UK

Carpenter day rates vary by region, experience, and type of work. These are realistic rates for 2024/25. Add 15–25% for London and the South East.

TypeDay rateTypical work
General carpenter / second fix£200 – £280 / daySkirting, architrave, door hanging, general joinery
First fix carpenter£200 – £280 / dayStud walls, floor joists, roof structure
Staircase specialist£250 – £350 / dayFull refurb or new oak staircase
Fitted furniture fitter£220 – £320 / dayWardrobes, home office, kitchens
Bespoke joiner£280 – £450 / dayWorkshop-made bespoke pieces

How to price fitted wardrobes and furniture

Fitted furniture is usually priced per linear metre or as a lump sum based on time and materials. Here's how to build the quote:

  • Measure the total length of furniture in metres. This sets your material quantity.
  • Decide supply and fit vs. fit-only. If you're supplying the carcasses and doors, materials typically cost £200–£400 per linear metre for mid-spec units. Add your mark-up (usually 15–25%).
  • Estimate fit time. A simple alcove wardrobe takes 1–2 days. A full bedroom suite with built-in lighting takes 3–5 days.
  • Add waste factor — 10% on boarding and 15% on hardwood edging.
  • Add templating time if the room has alcoves, chimney breasts, or sloping ceilings. These jobs take significantly longer than a straight run.

Pricing staircase work

Staircases are complex. Never quote without seeing them first. A straight staircase refit costs differently to a quarter-turn or dog-leg. Key components to cost:

  • Treads — softwood replacement treads are £15–£25 each. Solid oak is £60–£120 each. 13 treads is average for a straight flight.
  • Risers — often replaced at the same time. Budget £10–£20 each in softwood.
  • Handrail — a full oak handrail with newel posts costs £300–£600 in materials for a straight flight.
  • Spindles — metal spindles are £5–£12 each; oak £6–£15. A standard flight has 20–30 spindles.
  • Labour — a straight staircase strip and refit takes 2–3 days. Dog-leg or winder stairs take 3–5 days.
  • Newel posts — are these being kept or replaced? Staircase with existing newel posts on a solid floor take longer to work around.

What carpenters commonly miss when quoting

  • Site preparation — moving furniture, protecting floors, and clearing the work area takes time you're not charging for.
  • Fixing to masonry — drilling into brick or block takes much longer than fixing to stud. If the job involves a lot of masonry fixing, allow extra time.
  • Making good after skirting removal — skirting removal usually damages plaster. Confirm in your quote whether you're making good or if that's the plasterer's job.
  • Cutting in around radiators and pipes — fiddly obstacles slow you down more than customers realise. If the room is full of them, add time.
  • Paint-ready finish vs. fitting only — if you're leaving boards ready for painting, do you fill nail holes and caulk joints? Confirm and price accordingly.
Tip

Always photograph existing conditions before starting a staircase or fitted furniture job. It protects you if there are pre-existing damage claims when you're done.

Materials mark-up for carpenters

A 15–20% mark-up on materials is standard for carpentry. For bespoke or complex sourcing — reclaimed timber, specialist hardwoods, made-to-measure door sets — 20–25% is reasonable. Your mark-up covers your time sourcing, ordering, taking delivery, and being the warranty holder if anything is wrong.

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