A joiner makes timber components to measure — staircases, sash windows, panelled doors and fitted furniture — traditionally at a bench, then fits them on site. The distinction from a carpenter is where the work happens: the joiner joins timber in a workshop, the carpenter fixes it in place. Many tradespeople do both, so ask which half of the work they actually do daily.
Joinery services for doors, staircases, skirting boards and architraves. Compare quotes from vetted joiner professionals across the UK. Typical cost: £200–£800.
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Quick answer
A joiner makes timber components — doors, staircases, windows, fitted furniture — traditionally in a workshop, then fits them on site. Typical work runs £200–£800. The old distinction is that the joiner joins timber at the bench and the carpenter fixes it in place on site; in practice many tradespeople do both, so ask which half of the work they actually do daily.
| Job | Joiner | Carpenter | Kitchen fitter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bespoke staircase or sash window | ✅ Recommended | ⚠️ Fitting only | ❌ No |
| Fitted wardrobes and alcove units | ✅ Recommended | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Sometimes |
| Roof timbers and studwork | ⚠️ Possible | ✅ Recommended | ❌ No |
| Hanging doors and architraves | ✅ Yes | ✅ Recommended | ⚠️ Sometimes |
| Flat-pack kitchen install | ⚠️ Possible | ✅ Yes | ✅ Recommended |
For anything bespoke, ask to see previous work in a house rather than a brochure. Bench joinery is one of the few trades where the finished article genuinely varies by maker, and photographs of real jobs tell you more than any accreditation.
A joiner provides joinery services for doors, staircases, skirting boards and architraves. Whether you need routine maintenance, emergency repairs, or a major installation project, a qualified joiner has the skills, tools and experience to complete the work safely and to a high standard. On TradeMatch, every joiner is vetted, background-checked, and holds verified public liability insurance — giving you peace of mind that your project is in safe hands.
When hiring a joiner, always verify their qualifications. The following are the key credentials and trade body memberships regulated by Relevant trade association:
On TradeMatch, we verify all of these credentials before any joiner can quote on jobs.
Every tradesperson is verified against the UK accreditation bodies that matter for the work — before they can quote.

Use this checklist before hiring a joiner to ensure you get quality work at a fair price:
Watch out for these warning signs when getting quotes for joiner work:
TradeMatch eliminates these risks — every joiner is vetted, insured, and payments are escrow-protected.
You can hire a joiner at any time of year, but planning ahead and booking during off-peak months (typically late autumn to early spring) can help you get better availability and potentially lower prices. For emergency work, TradeMatch has professionals available for same-day callouts.
Browse vetted joiner professionals across 200 UK cities.
Custom-made furniture including bookcases, window seats, alcove units and desks
£500–£3,000Sash and casement window repair, draught-proofing, sill replacement and repainting
£150–£600Structural timber framing for stud walls, floor joists and roof trusses
£500–£2,500Tell us what joiner work you need — it only takes 2 minutes.
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Browse questions from homeowners about hiring a joiner, costs, and what to expect.
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| Feature | TradeMatch | Checkatrade | MyBuilder | Bark | Rated People |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 quotes | ✓ | Browse | Up to 5 | Varies | Up to 3 |
| Escrow payment protection | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| No tradesperson subscription | ✓ | £50+/mo | ✓ | Credits | £15+/mo |
| Verified reviews (live) | ✓ | 5-day delay | ✓ | Mixed | ✓ |
| Background + qualification checks | ✓ | ✓ | Light | Basic ID | ✓ |
| Dispute resolution team | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |