How much do carpenters charge per hour?

Carpentry is a skilled trade that plays a vital role in various sectors of the construction industry, from residential projects to commercial developments.

If you're planning a home improvement project, or you're a self-employed carpenter seeking to understand your market value, it's vital to understand how carpenters set their hourly rates. There's no one simple answer, as several factors influence what carpenters will charge.

Understanding carpenter rates

Carpentry encompasses a wide range of tasks, from structural work like framing to finish carpentry, including cabinetry and trim work.

The diversity in tasks means that rates can vary significantly based on the complexity of the job, the carpenter's experience, and regional differences.

Factors affecting carpentry hourly rates

Location

Carpenters working in major cities like London typically charge more for their services compared to those in smaller towns or rural areas. This is generally due to the higher cost of living and operating expenses in urban areas.

Experience and skill level

Seasoned carpenters with years of experience and specialised skills naturally command higher hourly rates than those new to the trade.

Project scope

The complexity, size, and urgency of a job all play a significant role in pricing. For example, installing prefabricated kitchen cabinets is a quicker and less involved process than crafting custom-built wardrobes, leading to varying costs.

Emergency callouts, such as fixing a broken door after a burglary, understandably come with a premium due to their immediate nature.

Materials

If a carpenter is responsible for sourcing and providing materials, these costs will naturally be factored into the overall pricing. The type of wood, specialised hardware, and any additional supplies all influence the bottom line.

Business overheads

Like any business, carpenters have operating costs. Business insurance, professional memberships, equipment, fuel, marketing, accounting – all of these contribute to the pricing of their services.

VAT and taxes

Depending on their turnover, some carpenters must charge VAT, which can affect the final rate charged to clients.

Business structure

Self-employed carpenters may offer more competitive rates than carpenters employed by larger companies, as bigger firms have additional overheads. However, this isn’t guaranteed to always be the case.

Typical hourly rates for carpenters

While there's no single definitive rate, here's a (very broad) guideline to give you a starting point:

• Newly qualified carpenter: £10 – £20 per hour
• Experienced carpenter: £20 – £40 per hour
• Highly specialised carpenter: £40+ per hour
• Company contractor: Charges may be a bit higher than a fully self-employed carpenter due to the company's overheads.

These rates will be influenced by the factors discussed above.

Additional pricing models

An hourly rate is suitable for smaller, less predictable jobs (e.g., fixing squeaky stairs, hanging a door), where the precise time required is difficult to estimate in advance. It's common for an initial consultation and travel time to be factored into this hourly charge.

Besides hourly rates, some carpenters may opt for different pricing structures:

Day rate

A fixed daily charge, often employed for larger or more complex projects with a clear timeline. Day rates can be in the range of £150 – £250 per day.

Project-based (fixed) pricing

A set price for the entire job. This approach is helpful for well-defined projects where the scope is clearly understood by both the carpenter and client before work commences (e.g., replacing a roof, building decking).

A fixed price gives the client predictable budgeting, but it requires the carpenter to carefully estimate time and materials to avoid working at a loss.

Pricing per square metre

Common for tasks like flooring, skirting boards, or cladding. Rates can range significantly depending on the complexity of the job and the materials used.

Understanding carpenter insurance costs

Insurance is an essential expense for carpenters, as it is designed to protect them and their clients from financial loss in the event of accidents, damages, or claims of negligence. Here's a breakdown of some common insurance types relevant to carpenters:

Public Liability Insurance

Public Liability Insurance is designed to provide protection if a client or member of the public is injured, or their property is damaged due to work carried out by the carpenter.

Employers' Liability Insurance

Employers’ Liability Insurance is legally required if the carpenter employs staff. It covers against claims brought by employees if they are injured or become ill as a result of their work.

Tools Insurance

Tools Insurance is designed to protect valuable tools and equipment in case of loss, theft, or damage, minimising business disruption and the financial burden of obtaining replacements.

Tips for carpenters when setting rates

To set competitive yet fair rates, carpenters should:

• Conduct market research: Understanding what others in the area and specialism are charging can help to position rates competitively.
• Calculate their costs: Ensure the rates cover business expenditure, including materials, overheads, and a reasonable profit margin.
• Consider unique selling points (USPs): If specialised services are offered or a carpenter has significant experience, this can justify charging higher rates.
• Prioritise insurance: Protect the business with appropriate insurance coverage.

Getting the best value as a client

Remember: the cheapest estimate or lowest rates are not necessarily the most important aspects to consider when selecting a tradesman for a job. Before choosing a carpenter, consider the following factors:

• Reputation: Seek recommendations, check reviews, look for accreditations; these speak to a carpenter's reliability and craftsmanship.
• Qualifications and experience: Look for accredited carpenters. In the UK, affiliations like the Institute of Carpenters (IOC) or City & Guilds certification are signs of professionalism and commitment to high standards.
• Specialisation: Some carpenters focus on areas like bespoke furniture, timber-frame construction, or heritage building restoration. Ensure the carpenter's skills align with your project’s needs.
• Insurance: Responsible carpenters will have appropriate insurance coverage in place. Don't hesitate to ask for proof.
• Communication: A clear and detailed quote, alongside open communication throughout the project, helps to ensure a positive outcome.

Getting insurance coverage as a carpenter

Business insurance is an important consideration for any carpenter, whether you're just establishing your business, or a seasoned tradesman. You need protection against the risks inherent in your work to safeguard your livelihood and encourage client trust.

Trade Direct Insurance can help. For more than 40 years, we've specialised in providing cover for a range of tradespeople, including carpenters.

Our insurance is available in customisable packages that cover essential business liabilities, provide protection against claims from employees, and offer other key forms of cover such as tools insurance.

For more information about our insurance for carpenters, get in touch with Trade Direct Insurance today. Call us on 01483 521650, or email enquiries@tradedirectinsurance.co.uk.