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?
Can a joiner repair period features?
Need a professional?
Get free, no-obligation quotes from vetted tradespeople on TradeMatch.