After 20 years of running my carpentry business across Surrey, the question I hear most often is straightforward but surprisingly complex: “How much will this cost me?”
Whether you’re looking to hang a new set of oak doors in your Guildford townhouse or building bespoke fitted wardrobes in Woking, understanding local carpentry rates helps you budget properly and avoid surprises.
I’ve put together this guide based on real projects we’ve completed throughout Surrey over the past year.
Factors Affecting How Much Carpenters Charge in Surrey
Surrey’s carpentry pricing reflects our county’s unique character. Several key factors influence what you’ll pay:
Location Within Surrey
The rates we charge vary considerably across different towns:
- Guildford and Weybridge: Typically command premium rates (often 15-20% higher than the Surrey average)
- Woking and Redhill: Generally align with the county’s average rates
- Areas near the London border: Often see London-influenced pricing
Just last month, I quoted nearly identical fitted wardrobes for homes in Farnham and Cobham, with almost £400 difference between them.
Type of Carpentry Work
Specialist skills command premium rates:
- Basic carpentry (shelving, simple repairs): £30-35 per hour
- Second fix work (skirting, architrave, door hanging): £35-40 per hour
- Bespoke joinery (custom staircases, handcrafted furniture): £45-55+ per hour
Experience Level
The difference between a seasoned Surrey craftsman and a newly qualified carpenter is significant:
- Apprentice/newly qualified: £10-15 per hour
- 5+ years experience: £25-35 per hour
- Master carpenters with 15+ years: £40-55+ per hour
When we tackled the heritage restoration project at that Victorian property in Reigate last summer, I brought in Martin, our master carpenter with 28 years of experience. His skill with period details justified his £50 hourly rate many times over.
Business Structure
- Sole traders: Often charge £30-40 per hour with lower overheads
- Limited companies: Typically £40-50+ per hour, reflecting insurance, VAT, and administrative costs
How To Estimate Your Carpentry Project Cost in Surrey
Breaking down real Surrey project costs helps illustrate what you might expect to pay:
Day Rate vs. Hourly Rate
Most established Surrey carpenters prefer setting day rates:
- Average day rate: £250-350 for experienced carpenters
- Hourly rates: £30-55 depending on location and specialist skills
For my Godalming clients, I find day rates work better for substantial projects like fitting a kitchen or building built-in alcove units. For quick jobs in Dorking or Epsom, hourly rates make more sense.
Project-Based Examples
Recent projects we’ve completed across Surrey:
- Built-in bookcase (Reigate): £1,200-1,800
- Bespoke fitted wardrobes (Guildford): £2,800-4,500
- Kitchen fitting (Woking): £1,500-2,500 (excluding units)
- Staircase renovation (Farnham): £1,800-3,000
The Victorian property in Leatherhead where we installed custom window seating last spring came in at £1,350 – slightly above average due to the intricate period detailing required.
Accurate Quoting Process
When requesting quotes from Surrey carpenters, expect:
- Site visit: Most established carpenters offer free site assessments
- Detailed breakdown: Materials, labour, and timeframe estimates
- Variables listed: Potential additional costs should be outlined
Additional Costs To Consider
Materials Quality in Surrey
Surrey homeowners often choose premium materials, which impacts overall costs:
- Standard timber: Adds 20-30% to base labour costs
- Premium hardwoods: Can double or even triple your project cost
When working on that Weybridge home renovation last autumn, the client’s choice of American black walnut instead of oak added £800 to the materials cost alone.
Accessibility and Complexity
- Restricted access: Adds 10-20% to standard rates
- Listed buildings: Heritage considerations can increase costs by 25%+
- Structural complications: Discovered during work can add significant expense
Waste Removal
Many clients forget this crucial element:
- Standard waste removal: £80-150 depending on volume
- Specialist disposal (treated timber, etc.): Higher costs apply
Seasonal Variations
Something many people overlook is how timing affects Surrey carpentry rates:
- Winter months: Often 5-10% lower rates as demand drops
- Spring/summer peak: Premium rates during the renovation season
- Pre-Christmas rush: Expect to pay 10-15% more for projects in November/December
I always suggest to my Reigate and Redhill clients to plan non-urgent work for January-February when we can often offer more competitive rates.
FAQs
How much do carpenters charge per hour in Surrey?
As a Surrey-based carpenter with extensive local experience, I typically see hourly rates ranging from £30-55 depending on:
- South-west Surrey (Guildford, Farnham): £35-50 per hour
- North Surrey (Woking, Weybridge): £40-55 per hour
- East Surrey (Redhill, Reigate): £30-45 per hour
Experience level plays a major role too. When I started my business in Dorking 15 years ago, I charged £25 per hour. Today, with specialist expertise and a solid reputation, my rate sits at the upper end of the scale.
How much do carpenters charge to hang a door in Surrey?
Based on dozens of door installations across Surrey last year, typical costs range:
- Standard internal door: £80-120 per door
- Fire doors: £120-180 per door
- External doors: £180-350 per door
- Bespoke or non-standard doorways: £250-450+
The time required is usually 1-3 hours per door, depending on complexity. When we replaced the doors throughout that period property in Guildford High Street, each door took nearly 3 hours due to the wonky walls and custom fitting required.
Materials like hinges, handles, and door furniture are typically additional costs unless specified. Always ask your Surrey carpenter what’s included in their door hanging quote.
Choosing the Right Surrey Carpenter
Beyond price, consider:
- Local knowledge: Surrey’s period properties have unique challenges
- Reviews: Check feedback from previous local clients
- Insurance: Proper coverage is essential
- Communication: Clear estimates and regular updates
When you’re investing in quality carpentry for your Surrey home, remember that the cheapest quote isn’t always the best value. That slightly higher day rate often reflects experience, proper insurance, and attention to detail that will serve your property better in the long run.
Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation quote for your Surrey carpentry project. We cover the entire county from Farnham to Oxted and everywhere in between.
