How much does a carpenter cost?

As a homeowner, there are times when you may need the help of a professional carpenter. Whether you want to build a gazebo, install custom cabinetry, or repair a wooden door, shelves, deck, or window, a carpenter can help. In addition to building, most carpenters will also be able to paint and stain wood and haul away anything you no longer need.

If you've decided your current woodworking project isn't a do-it-yourself job, a professional woodworker can help build or repair anything made of wood. Before you hire a carpenter near you, get an estimate on how much you'll pay for your woodworking project with this price guide.

Carpenters charge $56 per hour, on average, but rates range from $35 to $90 per hour. The national average hourly rate of a carpenter depends on your location and the contractor's skills. The hourly rate typically does not include the cost of materials.

Carpenter hourly rates:

The average finish carpenter hourly rate is $60 per hour, and the average carpentry framing rate is $59 per hour.

Woodworkers most often charge an hourly rate plus material costs for small jobs like repair work, custom furniture, and installations. Some carpenters have set rates for jobs they frequently complete because they can confidently predict the cost of time, labor, and materials.

For example, a carpenter and Thumbtack pro in Feura Bush, New York charges $60 per hour for labor, plus the price of wood and hardware. However, another Thumbtack carpenter in Riverside, New Jersey charges a flat rate of $175 to hang a door slab in an existing frame.

In addition to a carpenter's hourly rate, the total cost for carpentry services will depend on the project type, whether or not you're supplying the materials, and how long it takes. Some contractors may also charge an additional fee to cover travel time and transportation expenses.

Building materials

Materials directly affects the cost of a carpentry project. If you already purchased wood, hardware, and other materials needed for a job, the total price will go down. If not, you can ask the carpenter to buy it for you. This will be added to your final bill.

Whether you or your contractor purchases wood, using hard-to-find or more expensive woods such as teak, walnut, or mahogany increases the overall cost of the job.

Travel

Carpenters who need to travel to a job site may charge a fee to cover their travel time and transportation expenses. Many have woodworking shops and unless there is a need for installation, customers can save money by dropping off or picking up furniture items themselves.

Trim work refers to any type of finishing carpentry that gives a polished look to newly completed projects. It also can help update an existing space. Examples of trim include baseboards, door frames, mantels, window frames, molding, and ornamental woodwork.

Some carpenters charge a set price for trim work. They frequently base quotes for trim work on the estimated cost per linear foot. That price is affected by the materials, intricacy of the work, and amount of time and effort. For example, a Thumbtack pro and carpenter in New York charges a minimum of $5 per linear foot for trim work.

Different types of carpentry services cost different amounts. For example, it will be far less expensive to repair a wooden table than to build an entire house's framing. Below are some common carpentry services and average costs for each:

If you need a carpenter for a larger construction project, you'll likely work with a general contractor to source a specialist. This cost will also be a line item on the overall project, rather than a separate expense.

How much does it cost to hire a carpenter to build custom furniture?

The average national cost to build custom furniture ranges widely from $200 for a simple shelf to $12,000 or more for a large piece, such as table or bed, made from an uncommon material.

The cost of custom furniture is often based on a shop's hourly rate plus the cost of materials for the project. Here are some examples of custom furniture projects and their costs from a Thumbtack pro and furniture builder in New York:

• Standalone bookshelf: $600
  • 3x7 feet, painted with a crown molding top and detailed bottom
• Mission-style, solid oak coffee table: $800
  • 10 hours labor at $60 per hour and $200 in lumber, stain and finish
• Double king custom bed: $6,500 — one bed, which was featured on the "Today Show," had six built-in stairs and three kick-to-open drawers and was built to accommodate two people and eight dogs. Materials contributed significantly to the high cost.

How much do custom cabinets for kitchens or bathrooms cost?

Custom bathroom or kitchen cabinets cost anywhere from $500-$1,200. The total cost of custom cabinets will depend on the material, number and size of cabinets, hardware, and level of customization.

Carpenters often quote cabinet work based on the linear feet of work to be done. For example, a Thumbtack pro in Riverside, New Jersey who builds custom kitchen cabinets charges $200+ per linear foot for custom cabinet work.

Before you hire a carpenter, use these tips:

• Never pay more than 50% upfront for services. That will help ensure that your workers return to finish the job. Also, do not pay the full 100% until you're satisfied with the job.
• Read reviews and look at photos of past projects. Before you hire a contractor to help with your carpentry work, be sure to read reviews from their past clients and check their credentials.
• Ask for an estimate. Before the contractor gets started, ask for an estimate on how much you will pay. This is also a good opportunity to ask for options to cut down on the total price, like using a different type of wood or scaling back on custom features.