Custom Carpentry Workshop
Build custom stairs, doors, built-ins and cabinets in your own workshop, then install them.
- C$10k-50k
- Part-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A carpentry business based in a rented unit or garage workshop, making made-to-measure items such as staircases, doors, built-in shelving, mantels and furniture, then delivering and fitting them.
Your first three steps
- Find a small workshop unit or check whether your garage can be used, and price out a basic set of stationary tools
- Build two or three sample pieces and photograph them for a simple website and social media
- Introduce yourself to local builders, renovators and interior designers and offer to quote on their next project
Who pays
Homeowners doing renovations, builders, designers and renovation contractors who want custom pieces.
How it makes money
Fixed price per project covering materials, workshop time and installation. Ongoing orders from builders and designers can bring steady work.
Skills that help
- Joinery and machine woodworking
- Design and drawing or CAD basics
- Costing projects accurately
- Project management and meeting deadlines
Watch out for
- Check your provincial rules on trade certification for carpenters, and whether it affects who can do installation work
- Zoning and any home-based business licence if working from a home garage, plus noise and dust rules from your municipality
- Commercial general liability insurance, plus cover for tools, stock and your workshop
- Dust extraction, fire safety and machine safety, and WCB/WSIB rules by province if you hire help
- Cash flow, since you pay for materials before the customer pays you, so ask for deposits
- Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold
🔒 Full research report for Canada
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 Canada?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your workshop space, machinery, tools and stock. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the size and type of projects you take on.
What rules should I check before opening a carpentry workshop in Canada?
Check provincial trade certification rules for carpenters and whether they affect installation work. Also check zoning, home-based business licensing, and noise and dust rules. Review insurance, dust extraction and fire safety, WCB or WSIB rules if you hire, and GST/HST registration.
What skills and time does a custom carpentry workshop need?
Helpful skills include joinery and machine woodworking, design and drawing or CAD basics, accurate costing and project management. Estimates suggest at least about 25 hours a week, depending on your order book. Ask for deposits to manage cash flow.
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