How much does a carpenter cost in London?
Expert carpenters for bespoke joinery, door fitting, staircase installation, and timber framing. Skilled craftspeople for every woodwork project.
Prices by job type · London 2026
| Job type | Typical low | Typical high | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bespoke shelving | £250 | £900 | Indicative — final price depends on scope |
| Door fitting and hanging | £120 | £280 | Indicative — final price depends on scope |
| Staircase installation | £2500 | £8000 | Indicative — final price depends on scope |
| Skirting boards | £180 | £450 | Indicative — final price depends on scope |
| Fitted wardrobes | £1500 | £5500 | Indicative — final price depends on scope |
| Decking | £1800 | £6500 | Indicative — final price depends on scope |
| Timber framing | £800 | £3500 | Indicative — final price depends on scope |
| Window frames | £300 | £850 | Indicative — final price depends on scope |
What affects the price?
Location
Central postcodes typically cost 10–15% more than outer areas due to higher overheads.
Urgency
Emergency and same-day callouts attract a premium of £40–£80 on top of standard rates.
Complexity
Specialist work, structural changes or listed buildings increase labour time and cost.
Certification required
Gas Safe, NICEIC or FENSA-registered work costs more but is legally required for certain jobs.
Prices by area in London
| Area | Avg hourly rate | Avg job total |
|---|---|---|
| E1W | £50/hr | £225 |
| E1 | £58/hr | £261 |
| E2 | £50/hr | £225 |
| E3 | £50/hr | £225 |
| E4 | £50/hr | £225 |
| E5 | £50/hr | £225 |
| E6 | £50/hr | £225 |
| E7 | £50/hr | £225 |
Frequently asked questions
Most carpenters in London charge £43–£65 per hour. Emergency callouts may add £40–£80 on top. Fixed-price quotes are available for defined jobs.
Carpenters registered for VAT (turnover above £85,000) must charge 20% VAT. Sole traders below the threshold are VAT-exempt. Always ask for a VAT-inclusive quote.
Yes — we recommend getting at least 3 quotes. Domifyr makes this easy: submit one request and receive quotes from verified local carpenters.
Most carpenters ask for no more than 25% upfront, with the balance on completion. Never pay the full amount before work begins.