Find a professional carpenter to build your wood project from scratch
From framing the foundations of a home to installing a deck, you can hire carpenters for a wide range of home projects. The carpenter cost per hour is between $30 to $200 per hour, with an average cost of $75 to $125 per hour. This price will vary based on several factors, including the carpenter’s specialty, level of expertise, project type, and more.
| Low Cost | Average Cost | High Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $40 per hour | $75 – $125 per hour | $200 per hour |
The hourly rate for a carpenter will depend on a number of factors. Consider the following when budgeting for this expense.
While carpenters generally have a broad set of skills, most specialize in one area. Depending on how detailed and time-consuming the area of work is, carpenters may charge more or less per hour. Rough carpentry, for instance, involves structural work such as framing a house or a roof. Since these are quicker jobs, a rough carpenter may only charge $40 to $60 per hour. Whereas a carpenter who specializes in cabinetry may charge more at $75 to $125 per hour, especially for custom work.
| Area of Specialization | Average Cost per Hour |
|---|---|
| Rough | $40 – $60 |
| General | $75 – $125 |
| Cabinetry | $75 – $200 |
| Finish | $80 – $200 |
| Trim | $40 – $75 |
| Framing | $40 – $60 |
| Roofing | $40 – $60 |
The type of project will also affect how much you pay. Carpenters can work on endless projects, varying in difficulty, size, and the amount of time it takes to complete. For smaller projects like installing one window or door, carpenters may charge you a flat rate instead of charging by the hour. For larger projects like building a custom deck or making significant home additions, a carpenter may quote you a total price or charge you by square foot rather than charging by the hour. Here’s what a carpenter might charge you for a range of small and large projects.
| Project | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Custom furniture | $200 – $12,000 per item |
| Custom shelving | $250 – $450 per shelf |
| Doors | $300 – $2,000 per door |
| Windows | $50 – $200 per window |
| Home addition | $6,000 – $8,000 |
| Deck installation | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| Framing a wall | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Custom closet | $1,500 – $5,000 |
Carpenters will also charge you based on their level of expertise. A journeyperson carpenter will suffice for most projects; this type of pro has completed all necessary training and is licensed to do carpentry work in your state. On average, a journey will charge $50 to $125 per hour. Master carpenters will cost more, as they are highly skilled for any carpentry job and have many years of experience. You can expect to pay $75 to $200 per hour or even more to hire a master carpenter.
| Skill Level | Cost per Hour |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | $40 – $50 |
| Journeyperson | $50 – $125 |
| Master | $75 – $200 |
The cost of materials will also affect your total cost for carpentry work. For example, if you’re putting walnut floors throughout your entire two-story home, you’ll end up paying much more than if you used pine for your one-story home.
If your carpenter buys materials for you, this expense will be reflected in your final bill. You may be able to cut down on costs by buying your own materials and by choosing less expensive types of wood.
In addition to the ones we’ve already discussed, here are some additional factors that could impact your total cost.
If a carpenter makes any structural changes to your home, they will need to obtain a permit which costs money. The average cost of building permits can run anywhere between $150 to $2,000. So, make sure to consult with your carpenter beforehand about any permits that may be required.
To be compensated for their time and transportation expenses, carpenters will usually charge a travel fee to come to your home. This fee will vary, but you could end up paying between $50 to $100 in travel fees, especially if your carpenter has to travel outside of their standard service area.
Any type of finishing carpentry that gives a sleek look to completed projects is called trim work, and carpenters usually charge extra for this service. Trim work can be done on baseboards, windows, doors, cabinets, and more. Some general carpenters complete trim work on their own, while others may subcontract this job out.
A carpenter who is a union member is promised a minimum wage, and so they may charge differently than a carpenter who isn’t a union member. Usually, union and non-union carpenters charge similar rates. On average, union carpenters charge between $40 and $90 per hour.
Homeowners with some carpentry skills under their belt may be able to DIY smaller woodwork projects. Depending on your skill level and tools, you may be able to build some custom pieces or tackle home upgrades while only paying for materials. The price of materials will vary based on the specific carpentry project.
However, for larger projects that alter your home’s structure and require professional knowledge of zoning laws and safety procedures, it’s best to hire a professional cabinet contractor near you. These professionals can help construct the cabinetry, shelving, or decking of your dreams.
The hourly cost to hire a carpenter can add up quickly, but there are ways to reduce your total cost. Here are some practical ways to save on carpentry services.
Get at least three different quotes from local carpenters.
Provide your own materials, if possible. Shop around for discounted or free lumber and wood.
If your service doesn’t require installation, drop off and pick up furniture items to woodworking shops on your own.
If you have any carpentry skills, DIY easier parts of the job and hire a pro for the rest.
Before hiring a carpenter, the most important thing is to make sure they are properly qualified and insured for the job. It’s more than reasonable to ask your prospective carpenter for customer references, as well as about their licensing and insurance. You should also consider choosing a carpenter that specializes in your specific project area to ensure high-quality results.
Carpenters are trained to take on a wide range of home projects. You can hire a carpenter to do framing, roofing, build custom furniture, and make significant upgrades to your home. General carpenters are usually able to handle most jobs. However, you may also choose to hire a carpenter who specializes in a specific type of carpentry.
