Find local carpenters and joiners

A carpenter is a skilled tradesperson who constructs, installs, and repairs wooden structures, often on building sites as part of construction projects. They regularly take a central role in construction work, designing and building frameworks for residential and commercial properties.

Carpenters routinely build and fit roof trusses, studwork, floor joists, skirting boards, and windows. They can also take wooden products designed and created by joiners and then fit them into properties, or handle tasks like boxing in pipework. This makes them the ideal choice if you’re thinking about adding a newly built staircase or even kitchen cupboard installation.

Besides this, carpenters can also repair wooden structures, giving them a new lease of life. If you think your wooden items – anything from fitted wardrobes to staircase bannisters – are broken, you’ll need to bring in a carpenter who can make repairs.

There are several different specialisations within carpentry, including:

• Rough carpentry involves the planning, building, and repair of property structures – like building and roof frames – with all work taking place on-site

• Trim carpentry is all about the trims and mouldings – cornices and skirting boards, for example – found in a property’s interior

• Cabinet carpentry is concerned with fitting together and installing cabinetry, like bathroom and kitchen cabinets

• Roof carpentry focuses on the design and installation of rafters, trusses, and beams that make up roof structures

• Shuttering carpentry involves the design and construction of formwork (moulds) for concrete structures, like foundations

These are some of the most common specialisations within carpentry, but it’s entirely possible that some of your local carpenters could be capable in many of these areas.

While you might try certain types of carpentry work – for example, you can install wood flooring yourself – it's often best to bring in a professional who can guarantee high-quality results.

Sometimes called a formwork carpenter, a shuttering carpenter is a specialist who focuses on building formwork that contains and shapes concrete during construction projects. These moulds play a vital role in the safe, measured progression of a property build.

The formwork is a temporary structure primarily made of wood – but also includes some other materials, like metal – that is only needed until the concrete hardens and sets. Shuttering carpenters help build foundations, walls, columns, beams, slabs, and other crucial structural components.

Once the formwork has done its job, shuttering carpenters will dismantle the structure. When done carefully, the materials used can be repurposed for future formwork, saving on costs and waste.

In general, carpenters charge between £25 and £45 per hour. Obviously, the amount a carpenter charges varies according to many factors, including your location, the type of work being carried out, the materials being used, and the condition of your property – to name a few.

If they’re working on a larger-scale installation or piece of repair work for you, they might prefer to charge for the entire project. Make sure you ask about the payment terms when you’re taking quotes from carpenters. If a deposit is required or there are any additional charges, you need to know from the start.

You can take an in-depth look at potential expenses by reading our guide on how much carpenters and joiners charge.

At the simplest level, joiners connect (join) two pieces of wood together. Expanding on this process, joiners create products using timber and other associated materials. They join wood together to make chairs, tables, bookshelves, cupboards, and various other pieces of bespoke furniture.

Besides furniture, joiners can also design and construct structural elements found throughout properties. This might include anything from staircases – including the bannisters and handrail – to window frames and doors (both internal and external).

They will use a mix of manual and power tools, and even heavy machinery, to make products that you simply won’t find elsewhere. Usually, joiners design, build, and finish timber products in workshops, and leave the on-site installation work to carpenters.

A bench joiner cuts wood and timber to make structures for building projects. They design and construct these structures in a workshop, away from building sites, yet play a vital role in helping to progress building projects.

These specialist tradespeople can make a variety of items. Typically, bench joiners construct timber frames, doors, window frames, staircases, and even built-in furniture, like fitted wardrobes and kitchen cupboards.

Many bench joiners work on behalf of a builders’ merchant, but if you’d prefer to work with an independent tradesperson, you should be able to find plenty of options throughout your local area. Just start by browsing through the local joiners near you.

In terms of the average cost of hiring a joiner, expect to pay between £20 and £45 per hour. If you’re looking for help with a large, time-consuming project, there’s a chance your local joiners will provide quotes based on the total project, instead of using an hourly or even daily rate.

The cost of hiring a joiner varies by several factors, including where you’re based, the type of joinery work you want completed, the materials needed, and the size of the project. You’ll need to keep each of these factors in mind when you’re taking quotes from joiners for your work.

For a closer look at the cost of hiring a joiner, check out our Carpenters & Joiners Cost Guide.

Make sure you’re hiring great local carpenters and joiners by asking these questions in your early conversations:

• Have you worked on similar projects before? Can you provide examples of your work?

The first thing you should establish is whether the carpenter or joiner you’re considering has experience with the type of work you need provided. If they say they have, get them to show samples of their work.

If a joiner or carpenter is unwilling or unable to provide a portfolio, that’s a worrying sign. To avoid a cowboy, it’s best to find another professional who can prove they're adept in their woodworking vocation.

• What are your qualifications?

Not all carpenters and joiners have professional qualifications – they are not legally required to be licensed. With that said, there’s no harm in asking what their qualifications are and for proof of those qualifications.

If the professionals you’re speaking to don’t have any formal qualifications, you can always move on to those that do. If you’re not bothered about a lack of formal qualifications, make sure you see their previous work before contracting them for your project.

• Can you provide references from past clients?

While a portfolio showcasing a carpenter or joiner’s previous work holds real value, it’s no substitute for speaking to some of their former clients. This won’t just confirm that they actually carried out the work but will give you insights into how they behave with clients, too.

Needless to say, it’s a worrying sign if professionals are unwilling or unable to provide references since this suggests they might be hiding something. If no references are available or contactable, you might be better off choosing another carpentry or joinery service.

• What are your payment terms?

There are many different ways to pay tradespeople, and it might be that your preferred carpenter or joiner likes a payment method that doesn’t work for you. Make sure you ask about how they expect to be paid, and when they would require that payment.

It’s possible that, for larger projects, you’ll need to pay a deposit for the work before it starts. If they expect a deposit, it shouldn’t be more than 25% of the total cost – and that’s on the higher end as it is. Of course, in many cases, no deposit is expected at all.

• Are there any additional or hidden costs?

The scope of work you agree upon with carpenters and joiners should include any and all costs associated with the project. That means labour, materials, and any change or cancellation costs. Make sure you get confirmation from them that no further costs are going to crop up unexpectedly.

If they’re unwilling to confirm this, there’s a good chance that they’ll push you for more money at some point during the project. You can avoid this issue by only hiring a carpenter or joiner who is transparent about their prices.

• How long will the project take to complete?

While project costs are important, there are other things worth considering – like how long it’ll take to complete the work. You need to have a clear idea of when they’ll be finished with your project – a firm deadline is best – or it could drag on endlessly.

When carpenters or joiners are unwilling to commit to specific dates, it suggests that they’re not prioritising you and your project. Move on to professionals who have a better grasp of when they’ll be able to help you.

• Do you offer a warranty or any guarantees?

Most carpentry and joinery projects run smoothly, delivering the desired results at the agreed-upon time. Nevertheless, things can go wrong – and you need to know how your carpenter or joiner will react when that happens.

Ask whether they offer warranties or guarantees for their work, in case flaws or defects become apparent during or after the project. Most professionals offer some form of guarantee, but that isn’t always the case – if they don’t provide anything, it might be better to choose another service.

• Do you provide cleanup services after the project is completed?

If there’s messy carpentry work taking place in your home, there could be sawdust and other waste materials left over. Many carpenters will handle cleanup on your behalf, but that isn’t guaranteed. You should always ask beforehand whether cleanup is included in their service.

Whether or not they include cleanup, you should also ask about what they’ll do to limit mess, damage, and disruption to your property during the fitting work. This will give you an insight into their attitude towards customer service, as much as anything else.

• Do you provide a written contract? If so, what does the contract include?

While verbal promises might be enough for some people, it’s best to get a written contract that lays out – in real detail – what your agreement is. Contracts usually include a wide range of project conditions that address every question.

You’ll want a detailed description of the work, payment terms (including itemised costs, payment dates, and deposit requirements), delivery dates, guarantees and warranties, permit requirements, insurance details, and change and cancellation conditions.

More detailed contracts like these are most common for larger projects, but you can get a less built-out contract in place for smaller projects, too.

• Do you have public liability insurance?

If your chosen carpenter or joiner causes damage to your property or even to you, you could be owed compensation. Public liability insurance means that should any accidents happen, you’ll be compensated when the professional is legally liable.

Make sure to ask about whether they have public liability insurance before hiring anyone. If they’re not using public liability insurance, the prudent course of action is moving ahead with other reputable carpenters and joiners.

In the UK, carpenters and joiners are not legally required to hold any formal qualifications or licences to charge for their services. Many choose to take up apprenticeships rather than enter a formal training course through an accredited body.

With that said, some will hold National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ), Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ), and City & Guilds qualifications. You can ask for proof of these and check their details with the issuing body.

It's important to note, too, that carpenters and joiners do need to hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to operate on construction sites. You can ask to see their CSCS card before checking their details are legitimate on CSCS Smart Check.

Even if carpenters and joiners don't hold formal qualifications, you can still check whether you’re dealing with a reputable professional by seeing whether they’re members of any relevant industry bodies or trade associations. For carpentry and joinery, some relevant bodies include:

• Institute of Carpenters

• British Woodworking Federation

If carpenters or joiners claim to have any formal qualifications – like an NVQ Level 2 Diploma, for example – they should be able to provide physical proof of it or direct you to the relevant website showing evidence of their qualifications.

There are some big similarities between carpenters and joiners – they’re both woodworking professionals, using similar techniques and materials – but there are many differences as well.

Carpenters are generally concerned with building and fitting larger-scale structural components for building projects. They’re usually based on building sites, fitting roof trusses, studwork, flooring, staircases, cupboards, bookshelves, and window frames – among other things. They can also repair wood and even laminate fittings. For example, you could sometimes hire a carpenter to repair laminate flooring.

Joiners, on the other hand, are more focused on designing and building products made from timber. Based in a workshop, they’ll make chairs, tables, cabinets, and fitted wardrobes. They’re also adept at crafting structural components, like windows, doors, and staircases.

These wooden products – windows and staircases, for example – are produced by joiners, but often fitted in properties by carpenters. Both carpenters and joiners are highly qualified and skilled tradespeople, but you need to make sure you’re going to the right professional for your job.

Unsurprisingly, installing doors, window frames, fitted wardrobes, and other structural elements and bespoke furniture can be messy. As a result, your property might need cleaning up after the work is completed. Many carpenters are happy to handle clean-up, but that isn’t always the case.

To avoid any confusion or miscommunications, ask carpenters about whether or not they handle clearing up when taking initial quotes. If you’re only interested in hiring a carpenter who offers this, this helps you avoid disappointment later on.

If you handle clean-up yourself, you need to dispose of waste materials properly. This means heading to your local recycling centre. Needless to say, carpenters should be taking these waste materials to these locations, too. If you’re environmentally conscious, you can always ask about how they handle waste materials for added peace of mind.

Yes, generally, carpenters will install kitchen cabinets for you. Whether you’ve bought prefabricated kitchen cabinets or you’re looking for a woodworking professional to design and construct bespoke cabinets, carpenters are usually happy to take on the cabinet fitting work.

As always, the easiest way to find a suitable professional is by browsing your local options. If you’d rather these tradespeople contact you, post an enquiry on Yell instead – just write a few details about the work and wait for qualified carpenters to get in touch.

You can learn more about potential expenses with our guide on the cost of kitchen fitting.

If you’re looking for someone to hang wooden doors – either external or internal doors – carpenters are a good choice. As installation experts, expect carpenters to hang doors in a precise manner, with a minimum of mess and disruption to your property.

The cost of hanging a door is likely to be based on a carpenter’s hourly rate. In the UK, carpenters generally cost between £25 and £45 per hour. As always, it’s best to take quotes from several carpenters before settling on an individual.

If you're feeling confident, you can attempt to hang doors yourself. Need some help? Both novice and experienced DIYers can follow our guide for how to hang a door.

One of the more difficult wooden constructions, staircases should only be built and fitted by seasoned woodworking professionals. If you’re currently looking for help with a project, it’s best to hire a carpenter for staircase installation.

These woodworking experts offer the precision and meticulous attention to detail needed to fit stairs in a stable and safe manner. If you rely on a more generalist tradesperson – like a handyman, for example – you could be left with a lower-quality outcome.

If you’re looking for someone to design and craft a staircase for your property, take some time to browse the staircase joiners in your area. While carpenters are the experts at fitting staircases in properties, joiners are the best professionals for the design and construction work.

Carpenters and joiners use various types of wood for structural components and bespoke furniture – like tables, chairs, and fitted wardrobes. You can choose the type of wood used for your project, though you might be limited by your budget or the wood’s practical qualities.

Broadly, wood is split into two categories: hardwood and softwood. As you can guess from the name, hardwood is generally sturdier and more weather resistant. Some examples of hardwood include oak, walnut, and maple.

Softwood, on the other hand, is less dense, but cheaper and easier to work with – and might be the more suitable choice for your project. Examples of softwood include pine, cedar, and spruce. Carpenters and joiners can offer advice about which wood suits your particular project.

In general, you should expect to pay at least £2,000 for fitted wardrobes, though prices could end up being more than £5,000 for the larger and more elaborate installations.

The cost of fitted wardrobes changes depending on several factors, including your location, the style of fitted wardrobes you choose, the size of the unit, and the materials you prefer – not to mention the experience level of your chosen joiner.

If you’re going to hire a carpenter joiner for fitted wardrobes, make sure to take several quotes to find the best price.

It’s up to you whether you purchase materials or ask carpenters or joiners to buy on your behalf. Generally, carpenters and joiners are usually happy to handle purchasing if you’re unsure where to get the most suitable or highest-quality materials.

You can buy from the many excellent UK timber merchants, with a bit of searching. Even so, you might prefer to pass on this job, since woodworking professionals could have pre-existing relationships with these suppliers that lead to cheaper prices.

If you decide to let your carpenter or joiner purchase the materials for you, make sure you have a clear idea about how much they’re spending before they make the purchase. You don’t want to be hit with a surprise bill that swallows up your budget.

Yes, a major part of a joiner’s role is designing custom furniture on behalf of their clients. You can get involved in the design of the furniture by sharing your material and stylistic preferences. In fact, joiners tend to welcome this, since it makes coming up with something that fits your tastes easier.

If you’re unsure about the exact specifications of what you want, joiners can provide inspiration too. Once they’ve nailed down the design, they should take some time to make sure you’re completely happy with it. Once that’s finished, it’s time to start crafting.

Before any of that, take the time to contact several joiners who specialise in bespoke furniture. Only select a joiner for the project once you have a clear image of their ideas, costs, and service conditions.

In the UK, carpenters and joiners are not legally required to hold public liability insurance. The truth of the matter is that most do, though. Public liability insurance protects professionals and customers alike, should any accidents take place.

If a carpenter or joiner doesn’t hold public liability insurance, you’re taking a risk by hiring them. It might be best to continue browsing local carpenters and joiners to find someone more reliable and trustworthy.