Custom carpentry from a small workshop
Build made-to-order doors, staircases, shelving and fixtures in your own workshop, then fit them on site.
- A$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small workshop or shed where you build items such as timber doors, stair parts, built-in shelving and furniture-style fixtures, then deliver and install them.
Your first three steps
- Find a small unit or shed and check zoning and council rules for running a workshop there
- Price up core machines and dust extraction, and start with a few key tools before expanding
- Build a few sample pieces, photograph them and show them to local builders and designers
Who pays
Homeowners doing renovations, builders and designers who want custom pieces that off-the-shelf products can't supply.
How it makes money
Quoted price per piece or project, covering materials, workshop time and installation. Builder relationships can bring steady repeat orders.
Skills that help
- Carpentry or joinery training
- Using workshop machinery safely
- Reading plans and quoting accurately
Watch out for
- Council zoning and approval for a workshop, especially at home, plus noise and dust rules
- Licensing for installation work differs by state, so check your state's licensing body
- Public liability, tool and stock insurance
- Machinery safety, dust control and hearing protection
- Lumpy income: large jobs can leave gaps, so plan your cash flow
🔒 Full research report for Australia
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a custom carpentry workshop in Australia?
Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on the machinery you buy, your workshop space and your insurance. These are estimates only, so price your setup carefully before committing to equipment.
How much can a custom carpentry workshop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on the size and number of jobs you win. Income can be lumpy, because large jobs may leave gaps between them, so plan your cash flow. These are estimates only.
What rules apply to running a carpentry workshop in Australia?
Check council zoning and approval for a workshop, especially at home, plus noise and dust rules. Licensing for installation work differs by state, so check your state's licensing body. Also check insurance and machinery safety requirements.
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