The Short Answer
On our estimates, a carpenter charges about £250 to £320 a day, or £30 to £45 an hour. In London, we estimate rates run 20 to 40% above the UK average.
For small jobs, ask for a fixed price: some carpenters only work by the full day, or charge a minimum. Bespoke joiners and cabinet makers charge at the top end.
Carpenter rates
| Rate | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Per day, typical | £250 to £320 |
| Per hour | £30 to £45 |
Rates by region
London carpenters often charge 20 to 40% more than the UK average, on our estimates, because of higher demand, travel costs and overheads. Experienced or specialist carpenters charge more again, particularly in London and the South East.
Hourly rates by type of work
Hourly rates vary with the kind of work (our estimates):
- general and finish carpentry: about £30 to £45 an hour;
- furniture refinishing, cabinet repairs and fine woodworking: about £35 to £45 an hour.
If the work will fill most of a day, I'd ask for the day rate instead and compare.
Common jobs, priced
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Hang a new door, labour | £100 to £140 |
| Skirting supplied and fitted, per metre | £18 to £40 |
| Lay laminate, labour per m² | £15 to £40 |
| Lay engineered wood, labour per m² | £25 to £55 |
| Build a fitted wardrobe, labour | £800 to £1,400 |
Minimum charges and call-outs
Some carpenters only work on full-day rates, even for a small amount of work, and others charge a call-out fee or a minimum day rate. I'd save up small jobs (a sticking door, a loose stair rod, a shelf) and book them together, so a day's rate covers the lot.
Carpenter or joiner?
The difference: joiners usually make timber items, such as doors and furniture, in a workshop with specialist machinery; carpenters usually work on site, installing and fitting. For most repairs and fitting jobs, a carpenter is who you need; for something made to measure, see alcove units or bespoke furniture.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a carpenter charge per day?
About £250 to £320 on our estimates, and often 20 to 40% more in London.
How much should I pay a joiner per hour?
About £30 to £45 an hour on our estimates; bespoke joiners and cabinet makers charge at the top end.
How much does a tradesman charge per day?
For a carpenter, about £250 to £320; other trades differ. Ask whether the rate includes VAT and materials.
Do carpenters charge a minimum?
Some do: some only work full-day rates, and others charge a call-out fee or a minimum day.
How we priced thisHow our estimates are made
Rules come from the legislation and official guidance, read at source. Prices are our estimates: we check them against trade price data, retailer shelf prices and specialists' price lists, then build them up from their parts so the totals add up. This page relies on our own estimates and the trade price guides we compare against, which we don’t list. Where sources disagreed, we've said so. More on our method.
