Yes, your shed does need a base. This is to give it a solid, level foundation. Open soil will not help with the longevity of the shed itself or the contents within. The best materials to use to make your shed base are concrete, natural stone or wood.
Find a Carpenter you can trust near you.
Choose from 4280 Carpenters, all rated by people like you.
Over 1873 reviews & an average rating of 4.4/5 stars, you'll find the right pro
Enter your location to refine your search
Choose and shortlist
Use the shortlist button to select up to 4 tradespeople, enter your project details and press send
Keen to get on with the job?
Get up to 4 quotes from local Carpenters near you



Home Services




JM FENCING AND LANDSCAPING




First Class Tree Care



AFFORDABLE HOME IMPROVEMENTS


Eco quality driveways


Castle Home Renovations
Find a local Carpenter you can trust...
How much do Carpenter services cost?
Do you have a need for a carpenter in or around your house? If yes, then one of the first things you’d probably want to know is the exact amount it would cost to get the project over the line. Now, carpenters are skilled craftsmen that are able to make things with wood and fabricate all sorts of wood constructions. The price charged by carpenters are determined by a wide range of factors which makes it nearly impossible to provide a short and accurate estimate without having a look at your unique requirements. In this post, we’re going to give you an in-depth insight into general carpentry charges while also considering some of the influencing factors. Let’s take a look!
Some of the most common factors that determines the price charged by a carpenter includes the project type, the size as well as scope of the project, the location of project, ease of access, experience and qualification of the carpenter and lots more. For instance, if the job is a minor one such as building a shed, it’ll cost a lot less than something more complex which requires a bit more experience like constructing a staircase. In general, building a shed will have a labour cost within the range of £150 to about £250, while a staircase construction will require a labour cost in between £1,000 to £1,500. For general carpentry, you can expect to pay within the range of £20 to £30 hourly rate depending on a number of factors which are stated above. It’s also important to state that while some carpenters charge per hour, others by the day and several of their projects will be charged at fixed prices.
The table reveals the kinds of work that Carpenters normally do and also the regular cost range of these jobs. Some tasks take longer to finish than others so costs do differ by task.
View our Carpenter cost guide View our Carpenter adviceThe average price
of a Carpenter is:
£1,498
Carpenter job | Carpenter cost in 2023 |
---|---|
Kitchen Fitting | £1,140-£4,416 |
Carpenters and joiners | £381-£3,625 |
Plasterboard dry lining | £315-£863 |
Wood flooring | £750-£1,150 |
Wooden decking | £750-£4,423 |
Garden shed | £543-£1,657 |
Wooden window repair | £210-£740 |
Carpenter service qualifications and accreditations
Carpenters qualifications and also certification's: Having the appropriate training and learning exactly how to do your profession is essential for any trade including Carpenters. View the profile of each Carpenter you are looking at to see what accreditation they hold and also what trade associations they belong to. Some trade associations that Carpenters might possibly be a member of include: HomePro, Federation of Master Builders, Guild of Master Craftsmen. Equally Carpenters might also have the following accreditations: BM TRADA, Chartered Institute of Building, City and Guilds.
Unlike electrical or gas work, carpentry is a different profession where no particular certification is legally required for a carpenter to possess. Generally speaking, the only thing you’ll need so as to practice the trade as well as carry out on site work is to demonstrate your competence as a carpenter. To do this, there’s a number of ways you can consider but one which clearly stands out is to complete a portfolio of work and also earn the NVQ Level 2 Carpentry qualification.
In order to obtain your NVQ Level 2 certification, there’s a need for you to actually learn the trade. You can do this through apprenticeship, working alongside an established carpenter and gradually learning the trade from them. However, it should be noted that it’ll take a couple of years to climb up the ladder from an apprentice to a fully-fledged carpenter. Therefore, if you want to start your new carpentry career sooner rather than later, you might want to consider enrolling on an accredited carpentry training course.
Insurance for Carpenters: Any individual who works in your house, including Carpenters, really should have valid public liability insurance, which safeguards you the house owner and also the Carpenter should unfortunately anything go wrong while they are doing the work. Planning permission for Carpenters Most of the tasks that a Carpenter will do for you will not require planning permission unless its a listed property. Definitely discuss with the Carpenter if planning permission would be needed for the job you are doing, they can suggest the steps that require to be taken.
Services offered by Carpenter
Generally, carpenters are skilled craftsmen who are trained to work in construction as well as cabinet making industry. When it comes to making things with wood, they’re able to fabricate all sorts of wood constructions; from minor projects like custom kitchens or ornate details on wood trim to major ones like carrying out the entire framework of buildings. With that in mind, let’s take a more in depth look at what carpenters does.
In general, carpenters carry out a wide array of unique job duties which depends on whether they work in rough carpentry or finished carpentry. What’s more? There are a number of areas in which carpenters can specialize in special types of wood products or engage in specialized carpentry processes.
For rough carpentry, this typically involves carpenters who work on large scale construction projects where they make use of blueprints to determine the amount as well as type of material required for a job. When they work, they may need to build sleds to haul timber via wooded areas and rough terrain where motorized vehicles cannot access. Finished carpentry, on the other hand, involves carpenters who are skilled in making cabinetry, furniture, models as well as instruments. They’re also able to make ornate, detailed as well as fine wood products for a number of different uses. They must be able to work efficiently on a small scale while also being detailed oriented.
There are a variety of tasks you can employ a Carpenter for, as well as some of one of the most typical jobs that Carpenter are asked to do consist of:
Carpenter FAQs
- Place a post in the corner of the frame you created with the pegs and string. Measure and mark out 100mm from each side.
- Dig out this soil to a depth of 700mm (watch out for cables or pipes). You should have a 300 x 300mm hole. Repeat for the other 3 corners.
- Using a brick bolster, split a concrete block in two. Put a section of the block in each hole.
- Get a length of post longer than you need and place one in each hole. You can cut it down later.
- Create props on each post to hold them in place until you’re ready to add a cement mix. Check that they’re level. When you’re happy that they are, secure them in place with a concrete mix, making sure you create a slope in the concrete so that rainwater runs away from each post. When the concrete is set, remove the props.
- Create a string line around each corner post and find the centre point between each. Place a timber batten at each point, ensuring that they’re not spaced any more than 1500mm apart.
- Working from the corner where the deck will be at its highest above ground level, measure and mark on the post where the highest part of the frame will be.
- Measure from the far side of one post to the opposite and cut sections of joist to size. Line up a piece of joist with the mark you made and temporarily secure it. Factor in a 2mm fall for every metre of decking so rainwater can run off.
- Secure the frame to the other corner post, ensuring it’s at the right level. Do this for every side of the outer frame.
- Using 100mm coach screws with washers hanging on the end, secure each end of the four sections of frame.
- Mark out where the centre of the support posts will be and secure all of these posts to the frame, except the centre post.
- Add your central support joists. These should run in the same direction as the deck boards will run. You’ll need to measure from the inside of the frame on one side to the inside of the frame on the opposite side. Attach the joist in the same way as you did for the other posts. Repeat so the centre post is in between two sections of frame and secure the posts with concrete.
- Trim down all the posts to the correct height using a saw.
- Add your weed-control fabric and weigh down with gravel across the entire area.
- Measure 400mm from the centre of the outer frame and mark a line. This will be where the first joist is positioned. Repeat at 400mm intervals down the length of the frame – if the last one will be more than 400mm, add another joist to create enough support.
- Attach a joist hanger to each end of the joist.
- Place the joist in position so the centre lines up with the 400mm spacer mark.
- Secure using external grade screws once you’re happy that the joist is flush with the frame.
The cost of just the engineered wood flooringis from £18 to £73 per m2.
How To Plasterboard A Wall
If you’re looking to plasterboard your wall, one of the essential things to have in mind is that the plasterboard must be hung horizontally and not vertically. Due to the way they’re manufactured, plasterboard sheets normally possess a “grain along the length. This implies that, it’s only when they’re firmly placed perpendicular against the wall that they’re able to achieve their maximum strength. Materials you’ll need to complete this task includes: Tape measure, stanley knife, pencil, spirit level, drill driver or screw gun, surform, drywall screws and handsaw. Now let’s have a look at the wall plasterboarding steps!
• To plasterboard a wall the first step to take is to place each board in such a way to make the edges the centre of the noggins and upright. Also, the the adjoining walls and door openings should fit closely to the edges.
• Work from the door opening to the ending wall. From the the stud’s edge to the noggin’s centre, use your tape measure to measure a cut board and as a rule to mark up.
• Place your spirit level on the marks and use the Stanley knife to run a line along the intended cut. Once done, turn the board on its edge and give a sharp push on the back to split.
• Cut the paper left with the knife after folding the split edge back on itself. This way, you should get a nice and clean edge.
• In its right position, place the board up against the studwork. Install the screws on the board’s edges where a noggin or upright can be seen.
• Mark lines down across the board at the stud’s centre.
• Cut the end boards to length.
• Install the remaining boards as mentioned above. While doing this, make sure the factory edges are together.
• Cut any board extending into an opening and finish the edges using a surform.
We’d recommend you hire the professional services of a plasterer for the best results especially if you lack the necessary training or experience. Plasterboarding a wall can be a tricky challenge and you’d save yourself some time, money and effort by getting it right on the first trial.
How To Fit Plasterboard
If you’re planning to renovate your house, then here is a must-read guide! Fitting of plasterboard is a crucial step when it comes to renovation. If you’re bringing down an existing lath and plaster for an upgraded surface or adding a new wall, a plasterboard is required for your project to be a true success. If you’re a novice with no prior practice or experience, you can protect your investment by hiring the services of a professional plasterer to guarantee the best results, the first time. However, we’ve put together this guide to give you an insight on how the plasterboard fitting process is done.
To get started, you’ll need a power drill, hammer, plasterboard nails or screws, broad knife, utility knife, measurement tape, pencil, ladder as well as a joint tape.
Before proceeding, you need to identify the number of plasterboard sheets needed to commence the project by measuring the height and width of the wall as well as calculating the square footage. If you possess a stud timber wall, the steps below will get you the best results.
• Measure the walls and mark the plasterboard where you’ll make the cuts. Start with a full sheet and cut pieces down in such a way that would fit
• Score the front paper of the plasterboard with utility knife. Fold the sheet to get a clean cut through the board and make use of the knife to the remaining paper.
• Place the first sheet against the wall and use an offcut to prevent the plasterboard from touch the floor.
• Make the plasterboard rest snugly against the wall in position and screw it firmly on each stud. Once done, fasten it at all the sheets’ edges and in a line down the stud to make for a firm connection. Follow the same process for the remaining plasterboard sheet till the wall is fully covered.
Most of the people out there do not know the difference between a carpenter and a joiner. This is a very common question that is asked by many as to whether there is an actual difference between the two.
Both joiners and carpenters have many shared traits. The definition seems to change throughout the UK. The southern parts use the term carpenter whereas the north seems to prefer the term joiner. Both of these trades involve working with wood mainly in the construction industry. Both of them are, however, are two very unique and separate trades. Both of them come under the broad term of ‘carpentry’ however their skills and specialisms differ.
A joiner is defined as a trained craftsman who is responsible for making or joining wood in a workshop. On the other hand, a carpenter is a professional that works on site with the timber. In summary, a joined creates the wood back at the workshop while the carpenter fixes them on site. A joiner, therefore, works on things that are done in a workshop using machinery while a carpenter is responsible for its assembly on site.
As both joiners and carpenters had learnt the basics of both trade while they were practising as an apprentice, several similar overlaps are bound to occur.
It is good practice to ask the company or the individual what trade they specialise in. As an example, a joiner may be able to make a particular item whereas a carpenter may be better doing the actual fitting.
It is evident from the above sections that carpentry and joinery are completely different and therefore, should be categorised under two different trades, however, there is indeed a lot in common in their extremely high skilled work.
Check your Price's door installation cost calculator and charges guide will allow you to estimate both typical labours only costs for door hanging & installations, renovations and repairs as well as the total estimate for comprehensive door installation projects.
• Door & Frame Installation Job and the average Cost in £'s
• uPVC door installation including glazing & architrave costs around £90 per door
• uPVC french & patio door sets including glazing & architrave costs around £120 per pair
• Softwood french & patio door sets including architrave costs around £180 per door
• Hardwood french & patio door sets including architrave would cost around £250 per pair
• Softwood internal door hanging only would be around £40 per door
• Hardwood internal door hanging only would set you back around £48 per door
• Softwood external door hanging only is around £60 per door
• Hardwood external door hanging would cost around £70 per door
• Locks, letterboxes & door furniture timber doors are around £15 per Item
• Glazing £15 per pane
• Brick cut-outs single doors is around £60 per cut-out
• French or patio door brick cut-outs will be around £90 per cut-out
• New lintels will cost around £150 per lintel
Door Repair Costs and Charges
Estimate door mending labour charges by totalling the unit costs of the mandatory jobs. The complete door repair cost includes the total labour charge plus the cost of all parts, fixtures and fittings. A call out charge may be added on jobs totalling less than £100.
Average Cost of Door Repair Job
Replacement glazing units for uPVC doors will be around £15 per unit
Replacement glazing units for timber doors is around £20 per unit
Replacement door glass pined & putty will cost£30 per pane
Replacement handles are around £10 each and general repair work will cost you £25 per hour
Building & FENSA certificate charges
FENSA certificates are obligatory for maximum door replacements and new build setting up prices differ from council to council.
Average Cost of Window Repair Job: One to two doors will cost around £85
Average Cost of Door Fixtures & Fittings Removal Job
Removing internal doors will cost around £10
Removing internal door liners will cost around £15
Removing external timber doors will cost about £10
Removing External timber door frame will be around £20
Removing external uPVC door & frame removal will be around £30 and Rubbish disposal will cost £150 per ton.
The number of hours you would have to invest and the number of holidays you will have will be mentioned on the contract before you undertake a project. It is very common that of you to be asked of work longer than your shift. It is completely your choice if you want to work more hours, but your employer has no right to force it on you.
There are certain guidelines that establishes the maximum number of hours an individual should labour each week. In general, the maximum number of hours for someone not yet 18 years old, is 40 hours in a week, or eight hours a day. For workers who are aged 18 or above, the number of hours increases to 48 hours a week.
You can contact the environmental health department of your local council or the National Health and Safety Executive (0845 345 00 55) for more information and advice about working hours. According to the law, all workers have the right to a holiday of at least 5.6 weeks (or a total of 28 days of paid leave, if you happen to work five days in a week).
Your holidays may be extended than the minimum right, but it is dependent on your employer. The critical things you should keep in mind about holiday rights are:
• holiday entitlement starts as soon as you begin work;
• your employer has a complete say in when you can take your holiday;
• for holidays you get normal pay;
• after completing the job, you will be compensated for any unused holidays.
In order to meet the requirements for the right to once a year leave you need to be categorized as a worker. You will have no statutory right to paid annual leave if you’re self-employed.
You, as a worker will not have a statutory right to paid leave on bank and public holidays. If you are given a paid leave on a bank or public holiday, this can count towards your 4.8 weeks minimum leave privilege. However, you may be provided with a paid leave on bank and public holidays in addition to your annual leave entitlement, if your employer chooses so.
Great Britain has a total of eight permanent bank and public holidays, whereas, Northern Ireland has ten.
There is no automatic right to an enhanced pay rate that you can exercise if you work on a bank or public holiday. Your remuneration depends on your contract of employment.
Carpenter help and advice
How it works
Tell us about your Carpenter project
Answer a few quick questions to help us match you with the right Carpenter
Get up to 4 free quotes
Receive no-obligation quotes from 4 Carpenters working in your area.
Pick the right pro for you
Compare prices, customer reviews and services, and hire the right Carpenter.
Are you a Carpenter?
View our open Carpenter jobs near you
Join todayRecent Carpenter Enquiries
Interior work | Stud Walls
Watford - WD17
Enquiry from: Trevor A
Start Date: Immediate
To build a stud wall with a doorway with an arch Wall approx 10ft wide x 8 ft high
Carpentry
Llanelli - SA15
Enquiry from: Ashley B
Start Date: Immediate
Hi, I am a representative of Welsh Judo and we are looking for a carpenter to make a new medal podium to a design and donate it to Welsh Judo for future comps. It's an opportunity for free advertising...
Kitchen | Fitting
Sheffield - S5
Enquiry from: Zeru H
Start Date: Immediate
Kitchen work top installation
Carpentry
Salisbury - SP1
Enquiry from: Mike P
Start Date: Immediate
Hello I am looking for an initial quote for the removal of 8 existing internal doors and the supply and hanging of 8 new ones. We are in Salisbury and the property is a bungalow so all doors on the...
Windows | Wooden | Repair
Bromley, Keston - BR2
Enquiry from: Alison W
Start Date: Immediate
We need quotes for sanding, filling and painting with primer and at least 2 coats of good quality paint for 2 wooden bay window frames and 1 small bedroom window frame
Carpentry
Tenterden - TN30
Enquiry from: Stuart M
Start Date: Immediate
I am looking for some sub floor prep, floor install, new stiarcase and a kitchen install. The current wood floor while not old, creaks a lot, and I suspect the chipboard floor under it is the caus...
Kitchen | Fitting
Sheffield - S35
Enquiry from: Gabor F
Start Date: Immediate
A new kitchen with appliences, oven and dihwaser included.
Carpentry
Merthyr Tydfil - CF47
Enquiry from: Gerald A
Start Date: Immediate
Internal door and frame reinstating
Carpentry
Wareham - BH20
Enquiry from: Stephen T
Start Date: Immediate
Grade II window replacement over time.
Carpentry
London - SE2
Enquiry from: Alex M
Start Date: Immediate
Hi there, we'd like our front door moving forward to just inside the brick work. See video here for showing the job: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Pavj14i25nCwCqTy5. We have the door ready to go. Cheers, ...
Carpentry
Reading - RG6
Enquiry from: Penny S
Start Date: Immediate
I moved into my house a couple of years ago and the loft had already been converted into a room (not a bedroom). It had significant condensation, no insulation and dodgy wiring. We have "de-constructe...
Carpentry
Bexhill-on-Sea - TN39
Enquiry from: Richard P
Start Date: Immediate
Remove bannisters from raised dining area and replace with bespoke display unit , 3 metres long .
Carpentry
Bedford - MK43
Enquiry from: Rory M
Start Date: Immediate
We want our stair well panel boarded.
Carpentry
Newcastle upon Tyne - NE15
Enquiry from: Corrine R
Start Date: Immediate
Hello, I need 5 internal doors measured up and fitted as soon as possible please. Thank you Corrine
Kitchen | Fitting
Sheffield - S8
Enquiry from: Rebecca I
Start Date: Immediate
new flooring required. plumbing added to where fridge used to be for washing machine. shelves added above washing machine (open is fine) dishwasher installed near sink (plumbing/electric exists as tha...
Carpentry
Bristol - BS32
Enquiry from: Gabriela P
Start Date: Immediate
Hello, I hope you’re having a good day! We are doing a project with the charity Foster Wales, and care experienced young people, where they’ve created a mural which is going to be displ...
Carpentry
Merthyr Tydfil - CF47
Enquiry from: Peter S
Start Date: Immediate
Good morning, We are looking to have five new internal doors. For three, it will involve removing the old doors and adding the new ones. For the other two, the old doors have already been removed, ...
Carpentry
Bury St. Edmunds - IP30
Enquiry from: Sarah C
Start Date: 1 to 3 months
hi, i’m looking for someone to make me a sort of utility closet. i have space in my office downstairs to put a condenser tumbler dryer. what i would love is for that to be hidden behind a purpose bu...
Carpentry
Bristol - BS4
Enquiry from: Rosemary K
Start Date: Immediate
Need an internal door fitted in an arched doorway between kitchen and conservatory
Carpentry
Peacehaven - BN10
Enquiry from: Shoni C
Start Date: Immediate
I'm looking for someone to quote on building banquette seating in my conservatory.
Carpenter in your region
- Carpenter Scotland
- Carpenter Northern Ireland
- Carpenter North East
- Carpenter North West
- Carpenter East Midlands
- Carpenter West Midlands
- Carpenter Wales
- Carpenter South West
- Carpenter South East
- Carpenter Greater London
- Carpenter Isle of Man
- Carpenter Channel Islands
- Carpenter Yorkshire & Humberside
- Carpenter East Anglia