Carpentry covers a huge range of work — from hanging a door to building a bespoke staircase. That means rates vary widely depending on your specialism, experience, and location. Here's a complete guide to carpenter and joiner rates across the UK in 2026.
Carpenter Day Rate by Specialism — UK 2026
Different types of carpentry work command different rates:
| Specialism | Day Rate (Outside London) | Day Rate (London) |
|---|---|---|
| General carpenter | £220-£320 | £350-£450 |
| First fix carpenter | £230-£340 | £360-£460 |
| Second fix carpenter | £240-£350 | £360-£480 |
| Kitchen fitter | £250-£400 | £380-£500 |
| Bench joiner | £220-£320 | £340-£440 |
| Shopfitter | £260-£380 | £380-£500 |
| Bespoke furniture maker | £280-£450 | £400-£600 |
Carpenter Day Rate — Regional Breakdown
| Region | Day Rate | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| London | £350-£480 | £50-£70 |
| South East | £300-£400 | £42-£58 |
| South West | £250-£350 | £35-£50 |
| Midlands | £230-£330 | £32-£48 |
| North West | £220-£320 | £30-£45 |
| North East | £200-£300 | £28-£42 |
| Scotland | £220-£330 | £30-£48 |
| Wales | £200-£300 | £28-£42 |
| Northern Ireland | £190-£280 | £26-£40 |
Common Carpentry Job Prices
| Job | Typical Price | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Hang an internal door | £80-£150 | 1-2 hours |
| Fit a new external door | £200-£400 | 2-4 hours |
| Fit skirting boards (per room) | £120-£250 | 2-4 hours |
| Build stud wall | £300-£600 | 1 day |
| Fit laminate flooring (per room) | £150-£350 | Half-1 day |
| Kitchen fitting (labour only) | £1,500-£3,000 | 3-5 days |
| Built-in wardrobe | £800-£2,000 | 2-4 days |
| Loft boarding (per m²) | £30-£50 | Varies |
| Decking (20m²) | £1,500-£3,500 | 2-4 days |
| Bespoke shelving unit | £300-£800 | 1-2 days |
Pro Tip: For kitchen fitting, always provide a detailed, itemised kitchen installation quote. Customers compare multiple quotes — the most professional one usually wins, even if it's not the cheapest.
First Fix vs Second Fix Carpentry
If you work on new builds or major renovations, you'll need to know the difference:
| First Fix | Second Fix | |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers | Roof timbers, floor joists, stud walls, door linings, window boards | Doors, skirting, architrave, kitchens, stairs, shelving |
| Day rate | £230-£460 | £240-£480 |
| Skill level | Structural knowledge, speed | Precision, finishing, attention to detail |
Second fix generally pays slightly more because the finish quality is visible to the customer. Any imperfections in second fix work are immediately obvious.
What Affects Your Carpenter Day Rate?
- Specialism — Bespoke furniture makers and shopfitters earn more than general carpenters
- Experience — A carpenter with 15+ years and a strong portfolio can charge 30-40% more
- Quality of finish — If your second fix work is noticeably better than competitors, you can charge premium rates
- Own tools — Having a full set of quality power tools (not relying on site equipment) justifies higher rates
- Reputation — Google reviews and word-of-mouth referrals let you charge top-end rates. See our guide on getting more customers
Carpenter vs Joiner — What's the Difference?
People often use these terms interchangeably, but there is a difference:
- Carpenter — Works on site. Fits and installs timber structures: roofs, floors, stud walls, doors, stairs, kitchens
- Joiner — Works in a workshop. Makes bespoke items: windows, doors, staircases, furniture, cabinetry
In practice, many self-employed tradesmen do both. If you can offer workshop-made bespoke items AND install them on site, you can charge significantly more.
How to Calculate Your Day Rate
- Target take-home: E.g., £35,000
- Add tax & NI: ~25%. £35,000 + 25% = £43,750
- Add business costs: Van, insurance, tools, materials, fuel. ~£8,000-£12,000/year. Total: £53,750
- Divide by working days: 220 days. £53,750 / 220 = £244/day minimum
- Add profit margin: 20%. £244 x 1.2 = £293/day
If you're working in London or doing specialist joinery, you should be charging £350-£450+. Don't undercharge — your skill is worth paying for.
Day rate or fixed price? For small jobs (hanging doors, fitting skirting), a day rate is fine. For larger projects (kitchens, built-in furniture, decking), always quote a fixed price. You'll earn more as you get faster, and customers prefer knowing the total cost upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average carpenter day rate in the UK in 2026?
The average carpenter day rate is £220-£350 outside London and £350-£480 in London. Kitchen fitters and shopfitters sit at the higher end, while general carpenters are typically in the £220-£320 range outside London.
How much do carpenters charge per hour in the UK?
UK carpenters charge £30-£50 per hour outside London and £50-£70 per hour in London. Most carpenters prefer day rates or fixed prices over hourly billing for anything beyond small repair jobs.
What is the difference between a carpenter and a joiner?
A carpenter works on site fitting timber structures (roofs, floors, stud walls, doors). A joiner works in a workshop making bespoke items (windows, staircases, furniture). Many self-employed tradesmen do both.
How much does a kitchen fitter charge per day?
Kitchen fitters charge £250-£400 per day outside London and £380-£500 in London. A full kitchen installation takes 3-5 days of labour, costing £1,500-£3,000 excluding materials and appliances.
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