Start a home workshop furniture making business

Private customers wanting something bespoke, plus local interior designers and small independent shops.

Fixed price per piece or commission, based on materials plus your time. Selling direct through your own website, social media and craft fairs keeps the margin.

• Woodworking and joinery
• Reading and drawing simple plans
• Pricing work properly
• Photographing your pieces

• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to business use at home
• Noise and dust may affect neighbours, so check local rules and consider extraction
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Domestic furniture has fire safety rules for upholstered items, check with Trading Standards before making any
• Workshop fire risk from dust and finishes, and safe machine use

Our estimates suggest startup costs typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on the tools, machinery and materials you need. Monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £2,500, depending on how much you make and whether you work to commission.

Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to business use at home. Also check local rules on noise and dust affecting neighbours, and speak to Trading Standards about fire safety rules before making any upholstered furniture.

You need woodworking and joinery skills, the ability to read and draw simple plans, and the confidence to price work properly. Photographing your pieces helps sales. Our estimates suggest at least around 10 hours a week to get started.