Current UK carpenter labour benchmarks plus examples for common second-fix work.
Applies to: UK homeowners; bespoke work and timber specification vary. · Last checked: 4 October 2026
Key points
• Checkatrade’s May 2026 guide gives about £300 per day and £37.50 per hour for general carpentry.
• Bespoke work is better compared by written specification than hourly rate alone.
• Materials, finishing and ironmongery can materially change totals.
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Current labour benchmark
Checkatrade’s May 2026 carpentry guide reports an average carpenter day rate around £300 and general carpentry around £30–£45 per hour, averaging £37.50.
Define the finish
• Timber or sheet material specification.
• Paint-grade or clear-finish standard.
• Ironmongery included or supplied separately.
• Making good to walls and floors.
• Waste removal and final decoration.
Bespoke work needs drawings
For fitted storage, cabinetry or complex joinery, dimensions, internal layout and finish should be agreed before comparing prices. A day rate alone is a poor way to compare different designs.
Sources and methodology
Pricing figures are third-party UK market budgeting references, not BuildPair prices or guaranteed local quotes. Legal and safety points are linked to current official guidance. Check the current source and your project circumstances before acting.
Related BuildPair guides
BuildPair provides general information and signposting, not legal, structural, gas, electrical or building-control approval. Requirements and prices vary by location, property and scope.
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