Find a Carpenter Near You

Carpenter Services Cost Guide

The average hourly cost of most carpentry services ranges between $35-$100 per hour. Some carpenters will charge a fee per project, which is typically $250-$850+ per project, depending on the cost of labor, materials, and travel.

 

Average costs for specific projects:

 

Cost to frame a house - $3,500-$35,000

Cost to build a deck - $2,500-$24,000

Cost to repair an existing deck - $200-$4,500

Hardwood floor installation costs: $4,600 on average.

Door repair: $100-$180

Molding installation costs: $1,100 on average.

Cost to construct shelves or cabinets: $2,500-$4,900 on average.

Build a standalone bookshelf - $600 on average.

 

Average cost per type of contractor:

 

Finish carpenter - $35 per hour on average.

Trip carpenter - $35 per hour on average.

Framing carpenter - $20 per hour on average.

Master carpenter - $125 per hour on average.

Tips For Hiring A Carpenter

Since a carpenter can work on any number of projects throughout your house, it is important that you know a few basics about the profession and how to find the best company for your needs.

Know Which Type Of Carpenter You Need To Hire

If you want your job to be done right, then you need to find the proper type of carpenter. There are several different options. Some, such as joisters, cabinet makers, and trim carpenters, work on a specific part of the house, so if you need that specific work done, then research the best type of carpenter in that category.

 

If you are building a house, then you may need to hire different types of carpenters for different stages of your home. For example, a rough carpenter will build up the frame of a structure while a finish carpenter comes in to install drywall, add the crown molding, and make all the finishing touches.

 

When your project requires absolute perfection, then you can hire a master carpenter, which is a professional who has the skills to perform any task related to carpentry. A master carpenter will deliver a perfect final product, but their hourly cost is much higher than a non-master.

Get Multiple Quotes

 

It is essential that you have several carpenters come to your home and inspect the job so you can get multiple estimates and quotes. While the cost of the materials may be somewhat similar, the price of labor will differ for each carpenter, so you will want to compile numerous quotes and compare them against your budget.

 

You want to take control during the estimate and ask the carpenter questions about their work and your particular project so you can ensure that they are right for the job. Questions like:

 

• How long have you been a professional carpenter?
• Have you ever completed this particular type of job before?
• Who are your main suppliers?
• Will it just be you working on the project or will you have a team?
• Are these team members subcontractors or do they work directly for you?
• Can you give me a breakdown of the pricing?
• Can you provide references?

 

You should also ask for a sample of the materials they plan to use. Some contractors will use substandard materials in order to cut costs and maximize profit, so you need to ensure that your product will be of the highest quality.

Ask For Pictures Of Their Previous Work

Even if you ask the questions above and the carpenter mentions that they have been doing business for many years, it is still important to ask for pictures of their previous work. Ideally, you would want to see photos of previous projects that are similar to what you need. Even though many projects must be built the same way, carpenters often have different styles, so you will want to make sure that the final product will meet your expectations.

Ask About License and Insurance

You should also inquire if the carpenter is licensed or has similar credentials. Some states do not require a license to work as a carpenter. However, many do require that if they are operating a business, that they have a business license. 

 

That is why many experts recommend working with a professional carpenter. Even if a carpenter only works part-time and their work appears to be impeccable, knowing that they have a license gives you peace of mind and it also means that they must meet city or government requirements. 

 

Also, ensure that your carpenter has insurance in the case they are injured on the job, or something in your home is destroyed. Carpentry work can be dangerous, and you do not want to take a chance.

Ask About A Warranty

Finally, ask the potential carpenter if they provide a warranty for their work that you can reference at a later time. If they do, get the warranty in writing and also ask them how you can contact them to make a claim if there is a problem.

 

It is also important that you monitor the project as it takes place. Since you are paying the carpenter, it is your right to ensure that it is done right. Ask any questions you have, and don’t be afraid to stop them if you notice that they are going off course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are commonly asked questions that folks have before hiring a carpenter:

Why Shouldn’t I Just Do The Project Myself?

People who consider themselves to be relatively handy may think about doing the job themselves and saving some money. However, unless you have done the task in the past or you are 100% confident in your ability, there are several reasons why you should hire a professional carpenter:

 

• A professional has the right tools that you may not have that can make the job easier and produce a better final product.
• Carpenters have connections with other contractors who may be necessary for larger jobs.
• Since professional carpenters have seen just about everything, they can quickly adjust if they reach an obstacle.
• Many carpenters are also very strong, both mentally and physically, so they can tackle complex projects and move the materials necessary to get the job done.
• Carpenters also know their measurements, often off of the top of their heads. That is a good thing because when completing a carpentry project, even the slightest miscalculation can lead to a faulty final product.

How Long Will The Carpentry Project Take?

Many people wonder how long their carpentry project may take to complete, and the truth is that it depends on the type of project, with some taking a few hours and others taking several days or even months. 

 

For example, a carpenter can typically complete an easier task like installing a door in 2-6 hours. A more intermediate task, such as constructing a table or building a set of shelves, is typically about 14-42 hours. Naturally, more complex projects will take much longer. For example, building a deck can take one to three weeks, and depending on the size of the property, it can take 5-8 weeks to frame a house.

 

When Is The Best Time To Hire A Carpenter?

As far as quality of work is concerned, it doesn’t really make a difference what time of year you complete a carpentry project. However, if you want to save money, then it is wise to hire and schedule a carpenter during the fall and winter seasons. That is because most people want to take care of their homes during the summer, so carpenters are often fully booked. 

 

Many carpenters work all year long, so they are often looking for work during those two colder seasons, and they may lower their rates to find more projects. You can take advantage of this time to complete anything from furniture repair to roof maintenance.