Fitted wardrobes and alcove units maker
Measure, build and fit made-to-measure wardrobes, shelving and storage in people's homes.
- £4k-20k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
6,546 UK companies in this field, 20% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 31090 “Manufacture of other furniture”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
Surveying rooms, then making and installing fitted units such as wardrobes, alcove cupboards, under-stairs storage and home office units, often built in a workshop and fitted on site.
Your first three steps
- Rent a small unit or share workshop space, or use a garage, and set up for cutting and assembling sheet materials
- Create a portfolio of before and after photos from a few discounted first jobs
- Build relationships with local builders, designers and estate agents who can pass on work
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords, interior designers and small builders who need neat storage in awkward spaces.
How it makes money
Fixed price per project after a site survey, with a deposit and stage payments for larger jobs.
Skills that help
- Accurate site surveying
- Joinery and installation
- Quoting and project planning
- Customer service in people's homes
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance, plus cover for work in customers' homes
- A van or reliable transport for materials and finished units
- Written quotes and contracts to avoid disputes over changes
- Fitting often involves other trades, so check who handles electrics or plastering
- Check rules on running a workshop from your premises and on employer's liability if you hire help
🔒 Full research report for UK
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 fitted wardrobe business in the UK?
Startup costs are typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on your tools, workshop set-up and transport. These are estimates, so build your own figures from the equipment and materials you plan to buy.
How much can a fitted furniture maker earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £6,500, depending on how many projects you take on and the size of each job. That is an estimate of revenue, not profit, so materials and running costs come out of it.
What should I check before fitting units in customers' homes?
Check you have public liability insurance, including cover for work in customers' homes, and reliable transport for materials. Use written quotes and contracts, confirm who handles electrics or plastering, and check workshop and employer's liability rules if you hire help.
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Photo: Dormeur74 on Pixabay