Custom Joinery Workshop
Build and fit made-to-measure wooden doors, stairs and built-in units from a small workshop.
- C$8k-40k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small workshop making timber items to order, such as interior doors, stair parts, window frames, shelving and built-in cabinets, then fitting them on site if needed.
Your first three steps
- Rent a small unit or shared workshop space and price out the key machines (table saw, planer, router, clamps)
- Make a few sample pieces and photograph them for a simple portfolio
- Introduce yourself to local builders, renovators and designers and offer to quote on their next job
Who pays
Homeowners doing renovations, small builders and contractors, and designers who need pieces that don't come off the shelf.
How it makes money
Quoted price per job based on materials, your hours and fitting time. Repeat work from builders and contractors can keep the workshop busy.
Skills that help
- Accurate measuring and joinery
- Reading plans and drawings
- Quoting and managing jobs
- Safe use of woodworking machinery
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, plus cover for tools and stock
- Zoning and fire rules for a workshop, check with your municipality
- Dust extraction and machine safety; WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire (rules vary by province)
- Fitting work may fall under provincial trade rules or building code requirements, check your provincial regulator
- Lumber price swings and winter delays can squeeze margins on fixed quotes
🔒 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 joinery workshop in Canada?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000 CAD, depending on your machinery, tools and workshop. Check commercial general liability insurance, plus cover for tools and stock.
How much can a custom joinery workshop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,500 to $12,000 CAD, depending on the jobs you take on. Lumber price swings and winter delays can squeeze margins on fixed quotes.
What rules should I check before opening a joinery workshop?
Check zoning and fire rules for a workshop with your municipality. Also check dust extraction and machine safety, WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire, and whether fitting work falls under provincial trade rules or building code requirements.
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