Bespoke furniture maker from a garage workshop
Make one-off tables, shelves and cabinets to order from a garage or shed workshop.
- £2k-10k
- Side hustle
- From home
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
Designing and building made-to-measure furniture in solid wood or sheet materials, such as tables, bookcases, sideboards and cabinets, from a workshop at home.
Your first three steps
- Set up a safe workspace with dust extraction and the core machines and hand tools you need
- Build three or four showcase pieces and photograph them well for a simple website and social media
- Work out a pricing sheet covering materials, hours and overheads, then offer to friends, family and neighbours
Who pays
Homeowners wanting pieces that fit awkward spaces or a particular style, plus small cafes, offices and shops.
How it makes money
Fixed quote per piece based on materials, your time and a margin. Deposits up front help cover materials.
Skills that help
- Woodworking and joinery
- Reading and drawing plans
- Accurate measuring and costing
- Patience with finishing
Watch out for
- Check whether you need permission from your landlord, mortgage lender or council to run a workshop from home
- Noise and dust may affect neighbours, so check local rules
- Public liability insurance, plus cover for tools and stock
- Fire safety for wood dust and finishing products, and proper storage of solvents and oils
- Wood dust is a health risk, so check HSE guidance on extraction and masks
🔒 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 bespoke furniture business?
Startup costs are estimated at typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on the tools and machinery you already own, your workshop set-up and the materials you buy. Dust extraction and safe storage for finishing products may add to costs.
How much can a bespoke furniture maker earn?
Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £600 to £3,500, depending on the size and type of pieces, your pricing and how many commissions you complete. These are revenue figures before materials, tools and other costs.
What should I check before running a furniture workshop at home?
Check whether you need permission from your landlord, mortgage lender or council, and whether noise and dust could affect neighbours. Also check public liability and tool insurance, fire safety and storage of solvents, and HSE guidance on wood dust.
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Photo: Dormeur74 on Pixabay