How much does a carpenter cost? | 2024 hiring guide

Article Summary

• How much does it cost to hire a carpenter per hour?
• What jobs does a carpenter do?
• What affects pricing for carpenters?
• What to look at before hiring a carpenter
• FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a carpenter per hour?

Carpenters charge approximately $50–$120 an hour, depending on where they're working. Hourly rates for carpenter subcontractors will also vary depending on what job they are doing and their level of experience.

Professional carpenters charge based on their experience level and qualifications, so keep this in mind when choosing the right professional for your needs. These local pros deal with creating sturdy dependable structures. The cheapest price does not confirm the best job, so make sure you're hiring the service pro with awesome customer reviews and decent photos of previous work.

What jobs does a carpenter do?

Some of the main carpentry tasks include:

• Installing new skirts or changing existing ones 
• Construction or maintenance of walls for retaining wood
• Carrying out work on timber floors and roofing
• Creating wardrobes and other built-in/custom furniture 
• Replace broken wooden furniture  
• Installation and restoration or removal of existing windows and doors 
• Building, construction or restoration of display cases, shelves, and kitchen benches 
• Construction or replacement of timber walls
• Building or renovation of wooden roofs, pergolas or carports 
• Construction or restoration of stairways, balustrades and handrails in timber 
• Construction of timber building frames

Alternatively, if the work you need done isn't of a significant size, you can always hire a handyman to do the small odd jobs instead of a carpenter.

What affects pricing for carpenters?

An 'one size fits all' approach is not applicable when estimating the cost of carpentry. You need to consider several major factors at play:

• Hourly rate 
• Type of carpentry job
• Size of the job
• Quality of materials

As a rule of thumb, the simpler the job, less it will cost. 

Hourly Rate

It is common for carpenters to charge an hourly rate for a project. Common hourly rates for a carpenter range from $75 per hour to $100 per hour. 

Type of Carpentry Job 

Different carpentry tasks have different prices depending on the job you’re needing done. Common carpentry tasks from least expensive to typically more expensive include timber door installation, custom-built furniture, pergola construction, timber decking, and patio building. These tasks can range from a mere $700 for a timber door installation all the way up to $7,000 for a full complex patio build job. 

Size of the Job

The size and complexity of the project will contribute to its cost. For example, if you are needing to build a small pergola reading nook, it will be much more inexpensive than requiring a large patio build on a new home. The labour intensity and time demand of the job should be taken into consideration when thinking about the price of what you need done. Large decks and complex pergola constructions cost upto $7,000 if made with genuine wood. The cost of timber house framing is also around $1300 to $1500 per sqaure metre.

Quality of Materials 

The type of materials used will also contribute to the cost of the overall project. Treated pine tends to cost less than other options. Composite decking tends to be more expensive, but is more environmentally friendly and water resistant. Similarly, modular decking is a more expensive timber option as it is made of genuine wood and known for its durability.

What to Look at Before Hiring a Carpenter

Before settling on the best carpentry firm for your project, it is also prudent to get several quotations from a few carpenters, search their online feedback from past clients, and explicitly list your project priorities and convey them.

1. Licences

Almost all Australian states or territories need a trade-specific licence for carpenters, but others do so according to their local licensing authorities. For some states carpenters are also allowed to hold a builders licence.

2. Insurance 

Have an honest discussion about their insurance with the prospective carpenter. Be sure you both are informed about the procedure in case you are not happy with the outcome. 

The best carpenters should be straightforward with their insurance policies and the process for grievances. If this is not being discussed by the carpenter, they should be avoided.

3. Contract

Make the contract before you hand out some cash. Ensure it is all covered – start and end time, detailed job description, and detailed content description. These factors are all really important for getting a precise quote and making sure you don't get ripped off.

4. Get multiple quotes 

The best business for the job is not always the one with the cheapest quote. It is wise to do some online research into several carpentry businesses before choosing the right one for you and your project. It is also recommended to check their licence, insurance and meet the carpenter in person before hiring them for the job. It is important to choose the right business for your needs.

Service.com.au provides thousands of users with various businesses from interior design to carpentry and plumbing. Simply search for tradesmen in your area and select the business that best suits your needs. 

If you're needing help finding a carpenter for your latest project, click the link below to receive multiple quotes from professional service providers. 

FAQs

1. What's the difference between a carpenter and a builder?

Carpenters specialise in working with wood to construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures, focusing on tasks such as framing, cabinetry, and trim work. They use hand and power tools to cut, shape, and join wood and other materials, often following detailed plans.

In contrast, builders, also known as general contractors, oversee the entire construction process, managing project planning, coordination, and execution. While builders may have expertise in multiple construction trades, their primary responsibility lies in project management, including scheduling, budgeting, obtaining permits, and ensuring compliance with building codes, rather than performing specific carpentry tasks themselves.

2. Does a carpenter build walls?

Yes, carpenters commonly build walls as part of their work in construction projects. They're skilled in constructing both interior and exterior walls which usually involves interpreting plans, measuring and cutting timber, assembling framing components, and securing them in place. Carpenters may also install insulation, sheathing, and other structural elements within the walls as part of the building process. Additionally, carpenters may be involved in finishing walls by installing drywall, panelling, or other surface materials.

3. What is carpentry vs joinery?

Carpentry involves constructing and installing wooden structures, while joinery specialises in crafting precise joints and fittings for strength and aesthetics. Carpenters work on framing buildings, installing fixtures, and building furniture, using various tools and materials. Joiners focus on creating intricate joints like dovetails and mortise and tenon joints for doors, windows, and cabinets. 

Further Reading

• Easy DIY Guide: How to Build a Stud Wall
• How to Clean, Stain and Seal a Deck
• Can a Carpenter Build a Deck?

Please note that all prices mentioned are to be used as an approximate guide only and are accurate at the time of writing. These prices may differ by location and at the discretion of each business.