For UK carpenters and joiners
Carpenter quote template (UK)
A clear layout for a carpentry and joinery quote that sets out scope, timber specification, terms and VAT properly, so the customer knows exactly what is included before you make the first cut.
What a carpenter quote should include
Carpentry quotes go wrong in two predictable places: the workshop hours behind bespoke joinery, and the state of the existing structure you are fixing to. A good carpentry quote prices the defined work firmly, names the timber and finish so there is no argument about quality, and handles the hidden or out of square work honestly, so the customer is not surprised and you are not out of pocket.
- Your business and registration. Trading name, address, contact and your VAT number if registered. Carpentry needs no Gas Safe or similar registration, so there is nothing of that kind to list, but do name any scheme membership you actually hold.
- The customer and the site. Their name and the property address.
- A specific scope. Separate first fix carpentry, joists, studwork, floor decking, door linings and roof timbers, from second fix carpentry, doors, skirting, architrave, stairs and kitchen fitting, and price any bespoke joinery on its own line.
- Timber and materials. Name the grade and species, softwood such as C16 or C24 structural timber, redwood or hardwood such as oak for joinery, plus sheet materials like MDF, plywood or veneered board, the ironmongery and the fixings.
- Labour. Days by your rate on site, plus workshop hours for anything made to order.
- VAT. If registered, subtotal, 20% VAT and total. If not, say so.
- Timeline. Days on site, plus lead time for made to order joinery and ironmongery.
- Payment terms. When you expect payment and any deposit against ordered timber and ironmongery.
- Exclusions. Decoration, making good and finishing coats are often excluded. Say so clearly.
- Validity period. "Valid for 30 days" so a timber price does not follow you around after merchant costs move.
A carpenter quote example
The figures below are illustrative and shown only to demonstrate the layout. They are not market rates. Price every job from your own merchant prices and day rate.
| Section | Detail | Amount (example only) |
|---|---|---|
| First fix carpentry | Studwork, floor decking, door linings and structural timber to new layout | £X |
| Second fix carpentry | Hang doors, fit skirting, architrave and staircase, install fitted kitchen units | £X |
| Bespoke joinery supply | Made to order unit in named species and finish, workshop time included | £X |
| Ironmongery and fixings | Hinges, handles, locks, screws and adhesives, supply and fit | £X |
| Subtotal | £X | |
| VAT (20%, if registered) | £X | |
| Total | £X |
Scope note: "First and second fix carpentry to agreed layout, hang doors, fit skirting, architrave and staircase, supply and fit bespoke unit in named species and finish, supply and fit ironmongery. Excludes decoration, making good and finishing coats." Terms note: "Price assumes existing openings, walls and floors are sound, square and plumb. Any hidden defect or out of square structure found on opening up will be quoted and agreed in writing before proceeding. Valid for 30 days."
The mistakes that cost carpenters money on a quote
- Under-pricing bespoke joinery time. The material cost of a made to order unit is easy to see, but the machining and workshop hours are where the money goes. Price the time honestly, not just the timber.
- Not specifying timber grade and finish. "Timber" tells the customer nothing. Name the species, the grade such as C16 or C24, and the finish, so nobody expects oak at a softwood price.
- Ironmongery supplied by whom. Leaving it unclear whether you or the customer supplies hinges, handles and locks causes disputes on second fix day. State it on the line.
- No variations line for out of square structures. Old openings, sloping floors and walls that are not plumb are the norm, not the exception. Say extras are quoted and agreed before you proceed.
- Confusing a quote with an estimate. A quote is a fixed price. An estimate can move. Label the document as one, never both. See quote vs estimate.
Should a carpenter send a quote or an estimate?
For a defined joinery job, hanging doors, fitting a kitchen or making a bespoke unit to a drawing, quote it firmly. For repairs where the true extent is hidden until you open up, rotten window sills, a sagging staircase or floor joists in poor condition, an estimate with a firm quote to follow is the honest approach. Put the scope, the timber specification and the variations in writing either way. Our guide to quote vs estimate for UK trades explains when each is fairer.
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This page is practical quoting guidance, not legal advice, and it does not cover building control or other obligations, which are set by the applicable rules. For a serious dispute or a large sum, take proper advice.
Carpenter quote FAQ
What should a carpenter quote include?
Your business and VAT number if registered, the customer and site, a specific scope split into first fix, second fix and bespoke joinery, the timber grade and finish, ironmongery and who supplies it, a labour and materials breakdown, VAT, a timeline, payment terms, exclusions and a validity period.
How do I quote bespoke joinery?
Price the workshop time and the machining honestly, name the timber species and grade, specify the finish, list the ironmongery and who supplies it, and add a variations line because existing openings and structures are rarely square or plumb.
Should a carpenter quote or estimate a job?
For a defined job such as hanging doors, fitting a kitchen or making a bespoke unit to a drawing, quote it firmly. For repairs to hidden or rotten structure that you cannot see until you open up, an estimate with a firm quote to follow is often fairer.
Do carpenters charge VAT on a quote?
If you are VAT registered, show subtotal, 20% VAT and the total. If you are not registered, say so clearly on the quote.
Related guides: How to write a professional quote · All trade quote templates · Builder template · Electrician template · Plumber template · Plasterer template