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How Much Does a Carpenter Cost in 2026?

Up-to-date carpentry & joinery prices for 2026 — low, average and high UK rates for 8 common jobs, plus what affects the price and how to hire well.

Carpenters bring precision to everything made of wood in your home: fitted wardrobes and alcove units, doors and skirting, staircases, decking and bespoke furniture. Unlike flat-pack solutions, work by a skilled carpenter is measured, scribed and finished to fit your exact space — and it lasts. On HireTrades you can browse local carpenters, view examples of their work and read verified reviews before requesting quotes.

2026 Price Trend: Carpentry & Joinery prices have risen roughly 3–5% versus 2025, driven by material costs and demand for skilled tradespeople.

Carpenter Price List 2026

ServiceLowAverageHigh
Fit internal door
per door
£80115£150
Fit external door
per door
£200300£400
Install fitted wardrobes
per wardrobe
£1,0002,000£3,000
Fit skirting boards
per metre
£811£15
Build a deck
per m²
£120160£200
Install wooden flooring
per m²
£3045£60
Build garden shed
complete
£5001,000£1,500
Fit kitchen cabinets
per cabinet
£150225£300
Estimates include labour at typical 2026 UK rates; materials may be additional. Actual prices vary by location, access and complexity. Last updated: January 2026.

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What Affects Carpenter Prices?

Carpenter day rates in the UK typically range from £180 to £300. Hanging an internal door costs £50–£100 per door, fitting skirting boards around £180–£250 per room, and a made-to-measure alcove unit £600–£1,500 depending on size and finish. Fitted wardrobes usually cost £1,200–£4,000 per run, while a new staircase ranges from £1,500 for softwood to £8,000+ for hardwood designs. Decking installation typically runs £120–£180 per square metre including materials.

  • Location — London and the South East typically run 15–30% above the national average
  • Job complexity and property access (scaffolding, parking, working height)
  • Materials and specification — budget vs premium products can double a quote
  • Urgency — emergency and out-of-hours callouts carry premiums of 50–100%
  • Time of year — many trades are busiest (and priciest) in spring and autumn

How to Hire a Carpenter at a Fair Price

When choosing a carpenter, the portfolio tells you most of what you need to know: ask for photos of recent fitted furniture, door hanging or staircase work similar to your job. Discuss materials early — MDF, softwood, hardwood and veneered boards vary enormously in price and durability — and confirm whether finishing (painting, staining, lacquering) is included. For built-in furniture, a good carpenter will visit to measure and talk through designs before quoting rather than pricing blind.

Every carpenter profile on HireTrades includes verified customer reviews and a completed-jobs record, so quality of finish — the thing that matters most in carpentry — is visible before you hire. Post your job free, attach photos and measurements, and compare quotes from local professionals who actually want your kind of work.

2026 Price FAQs

How much does "Fit internal door" cost in 2026?

In 2026, fit internal door typically costs between £80 and £150 (per door) in the UK, with an average of around £115. Prices in London and the South East tend to sit at the higher end. Get multiple quotes from verified local professionals on HireTrades to find the best price for your job.

How much does "Fit external door" cost in 2026?

In 2026, fit external door typically costs between £200 and £400 (per door) in the UK, with an average of around £300. Prices in London and the South East tend to sit at the higher end. Get multiple quotes from verified local professionals on HireTrades to find the best price for your job.

How much does "Install fitted wardrobes" cost in 2026?

In 2026, install fitted wardrobes typically costs between £1,000 and £3,000 (per wardrobe) in the UK, with an average of around £2,000. Prices in London and the South East tend to sit at the higher end. Get multiple quotes from verified local professionals on HireTrades to find the best price for your job.

How much does "Fit skirting boards" cost in 2026?

In 2026, fit skirting boards typically costs between £8 and £15 (per metre) in the UK, with an average of around £11. Prices in London and the South East tend to sit at the higher end. Get multiple quotes from verified local professionals on HireTrades to find the best price for your job.

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