How to Start a Carpentry Business in Simple Steps

Thinking about turning your love for wood into a paid gig? You don’t need a massive budget or a fancy office. With the right plan, a few key tools, and some street‑smart marketing, you can set up a carpentry business that brings regular work and decent profit.

Get Your Basics Right: Legal, Money, and Tools

First up, sort the paperwork. In the UK you’ll need to register as a sole trader or limited company, get a VAT number if you expect sales over £85,000, and check if your local council requires a specific trade licence for carpentry work. You’ll also need public liability insurance – it protects you if something goes wrong on a client’s site.

Next, nail down your startup costs. A decent cordless drill, a circular saw, a set of chisels, and a workbench are the core of any carpenter’s kit. You can often rent expensive equipment for a day or two while you’re still testing the market, keeping initial spend low. Don’t forget safety gear – gloves, goggles, ear protection – they’re small costs that save big headaches later.

Build a Realistic Business Plan and Pricing Model

Write a quick one‑page plan. List the services you’ll offer – custom cabinets, garden sheds, repairs, or furniture – and estimate how many jobs you can handle each month. Factor in time for quotes, travel, and cleanup. Once you know your hourly cost (including labor, tool wear, insurance, and a profit margin), set clear rates. Many carpenters charge by the hour plus material costs; others offer fixed quotes for specific jobs. Test both approaches with a few clients to see which works best for you.

Keep track of every expense from day one. A simple spreadsheet or free accounting app will help you see where money is going and make tax filing smoother. When you start getting repeat customers, you’ll be able to adjust prices based on real‑world profit data, not guesses.

Find Your First Customers and Get the Word Out

Word‑of‑mouth still rules in the trades, so ask friends, family, and neighbours to spread the news. Offer a modest discount for the first three jobs in exchange for a testimonial you can post on your new website or social media page.

Local online groups are gold mines. Join community Facebook pages, Nextdoor, and local business forums. Share before‑and‑after photos of small projects – a rebuilt front door or a new bookshelf – and include a short, friendly caption that invites people to ask for a quote.

Don’t overlook directories like Checkatrade, Rated People, or Trustpilot. A solid profile with verified reviews can bring steady leads, especially once you have a couple of five‑star ratings. Set aside a small budget for boosted posts or Google Ads targeting keywords like “carpenter near me” or “custom cabinets [your town]”. Even £5 a day can put you on the first page of local search results.

Deliver Quality Work and Keep Clients Happy

Show up on time, keep the site tidy, and explain each step of the job. Clients appreciate transparency and are more likely to refer you or leave a positive review. After finishing, ask for feedback and note any suggestions for improvement – it’s free insight that can sharpen your service.

Finally, think about growth. As you get comfortable, consider hiring an apprentice or a part‑time helper for larger projects. Offer additional services like on‑site repairs or finishing work to increase your average ticket size.

Starting a carpentry business isn’t rocket science, but it does need a clear plan, basic tools, insurance, and a steady flow of customers. Follow these steps, stay honest, and keep learning on the job – the wood will start paying you back faster than you think.