Carpenter Day Rate 2026: 8 UK Joinery Prices Explained
A carpenter in the UK typically charges £240 to £450 per day, or £30 to £60 per hour, according to Checkatrade's October 2026 data. It's one of the widest ranges of any trade, because carpentry covers everything from hanging a door to building a staircase. Skilled joiners making bespoke furniture sit at the top end. General carpenters fitting doors and skirting sit lower.
Here are eight prices that help you understand what you'll pay.
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Carpenter Rates At A Glance
| Rate | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| Day rate | £240 to £450 |
| Hourly rate | £30 to £60 |
| Handyman hourly rate | About £30 |
| Labourer day rate | £120 to £280 |
Source: Checkatrade tradespeople and handyman cost guides, checked October 2026.
Carpenter Or Joiner?
The terms are often used interchangeably in the UK. Strictly, a joiner makes timber items in a workshop, such as windows, doors and stairs, while a carpenter fits timber on site, such as roof timbers, floors and door frames. Many tradespeople do both.
1. Hanging Doors
Hanging an internal door typically takes one to two hours, so expect £60 to £120 per door in labour.
2. Skirting And Architrave
Fitting skirting boards and architraves usually costs £10 to £20 per metre in labour, depending on the profile and how many cuts are needed.
3. Fitted Wardrobes
Built in wardrobes can take several days. See our fitted wardrobes guide for prices.
4. Stud Walls
A simple stud wall with a door can usually be framed in a day, before plastering. Plastering is a separate trade.
5. Flooring
Carpenters often lay wood and laminate floors. See our wood flooring and laminate flooring guides.
6. Staircases
Replacing a staircase is skilled joinery work that usually takes two or three days. Our new staircase guide covers costs.
7. First And Second Fix
On extensions and loft conversions, carpenters do first fix work like floor joists, roof timbers and stud walls, and second fix work like doors, skirting and architrave.
8. Typical Job Prices
| Job | Typical time | Typical cost (labour) |
|---|---|---|
| Hang an internal door | 1 to 2 hours | £60 to £120 |
| Skirting for one room | Half a day | £120 to £250 |
| Fit a kitchen worktop | Half a day to 1 day | £150 to £400 |
| Build a stud wall | 1 day | £240 to £450 |
| Lay laminate in one room | 1 day | £240 to £450 |
| Fitted wardrobe | 2 to 4 days | £500 to £1,800 |
Typical UK ranges based on the day rates above, checked October 2026. Materials are extra.
Why Rates Vary So Much
- Skill level: bespoke joinery costs more than fitting.
- Location: London and the South East are usually higher.
- Job size: small jobs often carry a minimum charge.
- Tools and workshop: joiners with workshops have higher overheads.
How To Get A Fair Quote
- Be specific about what you want, with sketches or photos.
- Ask whether materials are included.
- Check past work, especially finishing.
- Agree on who removes waste.
Ways To Save
- Bundle small jobs into one visit.
- Buy standard size doors and flat pack units.
- Do your own painting afterwards.
- Choose MDF over hardwood where it won't be seen up close.
Do Carpenters Need Qualifications?
There's no legal requirement, but many hold NVQ or City and Guilds qualifications in carpentry and joinery. Structural work, such as roof timbers or floor joists in an extension, needs Building Regulations approval, so make sure your carpenter is used to working to building control requirements.
Hourly, Daily Or Fixed Price?
Small jobs like hanging a single door are often charged by the hour, usually with a minimum charge. Bigger jobs are normally priced by the day or as a fixed quote. Fixed quotes are best when the work is clearly defined, because you know the total before work starts. Day rates suit renovation work where hidden problems, such as rotten timbers, might change the scope. If you agree a day rate, ask for an estimate of how many days the job should take and agree to be told before it runs over.
Red Flags To Watch For
Be wary of a carpenter who won't give a written quote, asks for full payment before starting or can't show you any finished work. Good carpenters are often booked weeks ahead, so instant availability isn't always a good sign.
FAQs
How much does a carpenter charge per day?
Typically £240 to £450, based on Checkatrade's October 2026 data.
How much does a carpenter charge per hour?
Usually £30 to £60.
Is a carpenter or handyman cheaper?
A handyman is usually cheaper for simple jobs. A carpenter is better for skilled timber work.
Do carpenters supply materials?
Some do, some don't. Confirm in the quote.
Get Quotes
Use the form at the top of this page to compare quotes from local carpenters and builders.
Data source: Checkatrade cost guides, checked October 2026. Prices are typical UK ranges.