Income Target
Working Hours
Travel between jobs, unpaid quoting visits, loading/unloading
Annual Overheads
Carpenters have high tool costs — power tools, router bits, and saw blades need regular replacement. Use the Overhead Calculator for an exact figure.
Profit & Comparison
What is the average hourly rate for a carpenter in the UK?
The typical carpenter hourly rate in the UK ranges from £30–£50/hr nationally. In London and the South East, rates reach £45–£70/hr. North England and Wales are typically at the lower end, around £25–£40/hr.
Carpenters and joiners typically charge £30–£50/hr nationally. London rates reach £45–£70/hr. Specialist joinery such as fitted furniture, staircases, or heritage work commands premium rates.
Call-out fees for carpenters
For small carpentry repairs (door adjustments, minor fixes), a 1-hour minimum is standard. Bespoke joinery and fitted furniture is usually priced per project based on your hourly rate.
Frequently asked questions
-
What is the average hourly rate for a carpenter in the UK?Carpenters and joiners typically charge £30–£50/hr nationally. London rates reach £45–£70/hr. Specialist joinery such as fitted furniture, staircases, or heritage work commands premium rates.
-
Should I charge a call-out fee?For small carpentry repairs (door adjustments, minor fixes), a 1-hour minimum is standard. Bespoke joinery and fitted furniture is usually priced per project based on your hourly rate.
-
How many hours a year can I actually bill as a carpenter?After holidays, sick days, training, and admin time, most sole traders have around 207 billable days per year. With 20% of on-site time non-billable (travel, unpaid quoting), real billable hours are typically 1,300–1,400 per year — not the 2,080 a full working year would suggest. Basing your rate on the wrong number means undercharging by thousands.