Carpenters can take on various home projects that involve working with wood. For example, they can repair, build, and install:

• Cabinetry

• Drywall

• Siding

• Stairs and railings

• Wood flooring

• Framing for windows and doors

• Trimming and molding

• And much more

They can also provide custom woodworking services, such as making furniture, cabinets, and storage solutions.

Keep in mind that some carpenters may specialize in certain tasks (like installing trim or making furniture). Before hiring a carpenter, ensure you understand those specifications.

On average, general carpenters in the U.S. charge $60-$70* per hour for their services. The average low-end hourly rate is $40*, and the high-end rate is $126*.

It’s important to note that carpenter hourly rates will vary depending on where you live, the project’s scope, the carpenter’s skill level, and other factors. For the most accurate cost estimate, contact local carpenters for price quotes.

*Please note that all pricing represents the national average cost of general carpentry services and is subject to change at any time. Request a quote from a local professional to receive a personalized cost estimate.

A good carpenter has experience, credentials, and fair pricing. Complete these steps to find the best carpenter for your project:

1. Read the customer reviews. When reading testimonials, look for positive reviews that praise the carpenter’s workmanship, pricing, and ability to complete the project on time.

2. Check their verifications. Some states may require a carpentry license, so check to see what the rules are in yours. You should also find out if the pro has other certifications or training in the carpentry field. 

3. Look at their portfolio of work. See if they can show you photos of their work that’s similar to your project. Consider hiring them if you see beautiful examples of their custom furniture, cabinetry, trim, and more. 

4. Ask for an estimate from multiple pros. Avoid overpaying for carpentry work by getting several quotes from professionals. In the quotes, make sure they explain the cost of labor, materials, and any other additional fees you might encounter. 

 Before signing a contract with your carpenter, make sure the following project details are included:

• List of services. You should see a list of the services the carpenter will provide to ensure alignment. 

• Project scope. The carpenter should include as many details as possible about the scope of the work. For example, there should be details about the preparation needed, where the work is being done, and the design drawings. 

• Costs and fees. There should be details on how much labor and materials will cost for your project. You should also see any other additional fees that may pop up during the project. 

• Payment terms. You should see how (and when) you will need to submit payment for the project. 

• Timeline and schedule. There should be a clear timeline of when the project will start and when it will be completed.

• Warranties and guarantees. The carpenter should provide a warranty for their workmanship and parts.

• Cancellation or refunds. You should understand what the cancellation policy is and whether there will be any refunds. 

The time it takes to complete a carpentry project can vary. The main factors that will impact your project’s timeline include: 

• The pro’s availability

• The scope and size of your project

• The complexity of your project

• Whether the materials for your project are readily available

Some carpenters specialize in building custom indoor and outdoor furniture, including:

• Bed frames

• Benches

• Bookcases 

• Cabinets

• Chairs

• Couches and sofas

• Coffee and dining tables

• Desks

• Dressers and drawers

• Stools

The cost of custom furniture varies, but the national average cost is $2,336* and ranges from $450-$3,000*.

*Please note that all pricing represents the national average cost of furniture building services and is subject to change at any time. Request a quote from a local professional to receive a personalized cost estimate.

Carpenters use different types of materials, including:

• Solid wood (oak, walnut, pine, cedar, etc.)

• Plywood (layered wood veneers)

• Medium-density fiberboard (MDF, which is also an engineered wood product)

• Wood veneers (thin slice of wood laminated onto a wood substrate)

Professional carpenters also use various tools like saws, chisels, power drills, hammers, screwdrivers, and more.

Remember to ask these crucial questions before you choose a carpenter for your project: 

• What are your certifications? Find out if the pro has a carpentry contractor license in your state and any other certifications that prove they have training. 

• Do you have experience with my project? Ask for examples of similar carpentry projects they’ve worked on. 

• Can I take a look at your portfolio? Look at photos of their past projects so you can evaluate the quality of their work. 

• How much do you charge for your services? Ask for a price quote that includes price details for labor and materials. 

• How long will it take to complete my project? Understand the project’s timeline and scope. These two factors can have a huge impact on the final cost. 

• Do you offer warranties? Try to hire a pro who offers a warranty on their workmanship and materials. This will help ensure the project’s structural integrity.  

• Do you have liability insurance? Many carpenters have insurance, but it’s best to verify before hiring.

Many carpenters carry general liability insurance. However, it’s important to verify this before hiring.

Liability insurance typically covers bodily injuries and property damage. So if the carpenter accidentally breaks a window, spills paint, creates a hole in the wall, or causes other damage, this type of insurance can often cover the cost of the repairs.

You can ensure your carpenter provides high-quality work by doing the following: 

• Check references and reviews. Ensure that the carpenter you hire has mostly positive reviews and tons of praise from past clients. Read their online reviews or ask for references that you can contact.

• Look at their past work. View the carpenter’s portfolio and photos of their projects. Examine the craftsmanship and overall beauty of their woodwork. 

• Give them examples. If there are examples you love that you found online or in the carpenter’s portfolio, make sure they’re aware. Send them those photos so they know what you’re envisioning for your project.

• Get it in writing. The contract should include all of the project details and scope to help ensure the carpenter meets your quality expectations.

• Have clear communication. If you don’t like how the project is going, let them know what needs to be fixed or altered.