Carpenter Cost UK 2026: First-Fix, Second-Fix and Bespoke
Carpenter costs in the UK, 2026
Carpentry pricing splits into three bands: site carpentry (first-fix structural work), joinery (second-fix and bespoke), and specialist work (staircases, hardwood floors, fitted furniture). Day rates vary 50% between bands.
This guide covers typical 2026 UK carpenter prices for the most common homeowner jobs, plus how to spot which carpenter you need for which job.
Typical UK carpenter costs (2026)
| Job | Typical UK 2026 price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Site carpenter day rate (first-fix) | £220–£320 | Studwork, joists, roof framing, first-fix only. |
| Joiner day rate (second-fix) | £240–£360 | Doors, skirting, architrave, second-fix. |
| Bespoke joiner day rate | £320–£480 | Workshop-made furniture, staircases, hardwood floors. |
| Hang an internal door (supply + fit) | £180–£280 | Cheaper if door already on site. |
| Fit skirting + architrave (per room) | £180–£320 | Average bedroom, MDF. |
| Fit kitchen carcasses (8–10 unit kitchen) | £1,200–£2,800 | Excludes worktop and appliances. |
| Fitted wardrobe (3-door, MDF) | £1,500–£2,800 | Solid timber adds 60–100%. |
| Fitted wardrobe (3-door, solid oak) | £2,800–£5,500 | Bespoke design. |
| Build studwork partition (3 m wall) | £380–£620 | Excludes plastering, electrics. |
| Floor joists for 12 sqm room | £480–£850 | Materials extra (£450–£800). |
| Solid oak staircase (straight, 14 risers) | £3,500–£8,000 | Made-to-measure, includes balustrade. |
| Loft hatch + drop-down ladder fit | £180–£320 | Standard 60×60 cm hatch. |
Site carpentry vs joinery vs bespoke — pick the right specialism
- Site carpenter (first-fix): studwork, ceiling joists, roof framing, first-fix structural work that goes in before plastering. Cheaper day rate but not the right person for hanging doors or fitting kitchens.
- Joiner (second-fix): doors, skirting, architrave, kitchens, fitted wardrobes, anything that fits onto finished walls. The standard call for most homeowner jobs.
- Bespoke joiner: workshop-made furniture, staircases, fitted libraries, hardwood floor laying. Premium rate justified by precision and finish quality.
Hiring a site carpenter for a fitted-wardrobe job, or a bespoke joiner for studwork, both end badly: one produces poor finish quality, the other charges premium for work below their grade.
What changes the cost
- Timber species: MDF and pine are baseline. Hardwoods (oak, walnut, sapele) add 50–200% to material cost. Reclaimed timber adds another 30–50%.
- Job complexity: a straight staircase is cheaper than a turned one. A wall of fitted wardrobes is cheaper per linear metre than three single units.
- Site access: upper-floor delivery, narrow stairs, or restricted-vehicle access add 1–2 hours per delivery.
- Acclimatisation time: hardwood floors and joinery need 5–7 days to acclimatise to room conditions before fitting. A carpenter who skips this step is cutting corners that show within months.
For finding a carpenter in Kent, see our how to choose a carpenter guide. For tools, see our best circular saw, best mitre saw, and best tool belt guides.
Frequently asked questions
What's a fair carpenter day rate in 2026?
Site carpenter (first-fix) £220-£320 per day. Joiner (second-fix) £240-£360. Bespoke joiner £320-£480. London rates run 20-30% higher than national averages.
How much does it cost to fit a kitchen?
Fitting only (carcasses + cabinet doors, no worktop or appliances) typically £1,200-£2,800 for an 8-10 unit kitchen. Add £800-£2,500 for worktop install and £400-£800 for appliance plumbing/wiring.
Do I need a carpenter or a joiner?
Site carpenters do first-fix structural work (studwork, joists, roofs). Joiners do second-fix (doors, skirting, kitchens). Bespoke joiners make workshop pieces (staircases, fitted furniture). Hire the right specialism — the wrong choice costs more either way.
How long does fitted joinery take to install?
A fitted wardrobe runs 1-2 days for a single bay, 3-4 days for a wall of three. A staircase install is 1 day if the staircase is pre-made offsite. Hardwood flooring runs 1 day per 25 sqm including underlay.