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Cost GuidesUpdated May 2026By TradeMatch Editorial Team·10 April 2026·Updated 12 April 2026·5 min read
Joinery Costs UK 2026: Doors, Staircases, Skirting & Bespoke Work
Joiners are the specialists for doors, staircases, skirting boards and bespoke woodwork. Here is what joinery costs in the UK and when you need a joiner versus a carpenter.
Joinery Prices
| Job | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Hang an internal door | £80–£150 |
| Fit a new external door | £200–£500 |
| Replace skirting boards (per room) | £150–£350 |
| Replace architraves (per door) | £40–£80 |
| New staircase (straight) | £1,500–£3,500 |
| New staircase (with turn/landing) | £3,000–£6,000 |
| Bespoke shelving unit | £300–£800 |
| Bespoke fitted wardrobe | £800–£2,500 |
| Window frame repair | £100–£300 |
| Dado/picture rail (per room) | £100–£250 |
| Loft hatch and ladder | £200–£400 |
Joiners typically charge £180–£280 per day. Bespoke work costs more due to design time, templating and workshop fabrication.
Joiner vs Carpenter: What's the Difference?
Joiner — Works primarily in a workshop, creating finished items: doors, window frames, staircases, fitted furniture, skirting boards. Joiners cut and shape timber with precision joints (mortise and tenon, dovetail).
Carpenter — Works primarily on-site, installing and fixing structural and decorative timber: roof trusses, floor joists, stud walls, door hanging, kitchen fitting.
In practice, many tradespeople do both. For bespoke fitted furniture, staircases and period restoration, you want a joiner. For general on-site timber work, a carpenter is usually sufficient.
What to look for:
- City & Guilds or NVQ in Bench Joinery
- Portfolio of previous work (especially for bespoke projects)
- Member of the British Woodworking Federation or Institute of Carpenters
- Public liability insurance and written guarantee
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a new staircase take to build and install?
A standard straight staircase takes 3–5 days from measurement to installation. Bespoke staircases with turns, landings or special materials can take 2–4 weeks including workshop fabrication time. Building control sign-off is required for new staircases.
Can a joiner repair period features?
Yes — skilled joiners can repair or replicate period features including sash windows, panelled doors, decorative mouldings, corbels and balustrades. They can match existing profiles using specialist router cutters or hand tools. This is usually more cost-effective than full replacement and preserves the character of the property.
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