Custom cabinets from a garage workshop
Build made-to-measure cabinets, built-ins and furniture for local homeowners in your garage or backyard shop.
- $3k-15k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
6,055 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.0% in a year
NAICS 337110 “Wood kitchen cabinet and countertop manufacturing”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
Designing and building custom cabinets, bookcases, vanities and furniture from wood or sheet goods in a workshop at your home, then delivering and installing them.
Your first three steps
- Build two or three sample pieces and photograph them well for a simple portfolio
- Set up a shop with a table saw, router, clamps and dust collection, buying used where you can
- Ask local remodelers and designers for small jobs and price a few starter projects with a clear deposit policy
Who pays
Homeowners, remodelers, interior designers and small landlords who want pieces sized to fit their space.
How it makes money
Fixed quote per project based on materials, your hours and finishing, usually with a deposit upfront and the balance on delivery.
Skills that help
- Woodworking and joinery
- Reading plans and measuring accurately
- Quoting and customer communication
Watch out for
- Check your city or county for a home occupation permit and any zoning limits on noise or deliveries
- Check HOA or lease rules before running a workshop at home
- Some states require a contractor license for installation work or above a certain job value, check your state licensing board
- General liability insurance and shop fire cover, check your homeowner's policy for business exclusions
- Dust, finishes and machinery are safety risks: plan ventilation, fire safety and guards
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: custom cabinets from a garage workshop
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a custom cabinet business at home?
Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your tools, dust control, materials, vehicle needs and insurance. These are estimates, so price out the machinery and safety equipment your work will actually need.
Do I need a contractor license to make and install cabinets?
Check your state licensing board, since some states require a contractor license for installation work or above a certain job value. Also check your city or county for a home occupation permit and zoning limits, plus HOA or lease rules.
How much can a home cabinet maker make?
Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the size and number of jobs you take on. These are estimates rather than guarantees, and they assume at least about 10 hours a week in the workshop.
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Photo: Dormeur74 on Pixabay