Custom Counters and Interiors Workshop
Design, build and install made-to-measure counters, shelving and interiors for local shops, cafes and offices from your own workshop.
- $15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
8,076 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.5% in a year
NAICS 238390 “Other building finishing contractors”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small workshop where you build custom fixtures such as service counters, bar fronts, display units and reception desks, then install them on site. You often handle the design drawings too.
Your first three steps
- Find a small rented shop or unit and check zoning and lease terms allow woodworking, noise and dust
- Price a core set of tools and a basic dust extraction setup, and get quotes for general liability and property insurance
- Offer a discounted first project to a local business and photograph the result for a simple website
Who pays
Independent shop and restaurant owners, cafes, salons, offices, and designers or contractors who need custom pieces.
How it makes money
Fixed quote per project covering design, materials, build and installation, with a deposit up front and staged payments.
Skills that help
- Woodworking and finishing
- Drawing or simple CAD design
- Quoting and project management
Watch out for
- Check your state and city for contractor licensing and business license rules, especially for installation work
- Fire, dust and ventilation rules for workshops; check with your local fire department and landlord
- Underpricing custom jobs; track your time and material costs to avoid losing money on quotes
- General liability, property and workers' compensation insurance once you hire
- Customers' deadlines tied to opening dates can create pressure, so build slack into schedules
🔒 Full research report for US
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 custom counters and interiors workshop?
Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on workshop size, equipment and lease terms. These are estimates, so get quotes for rent and machinery before you commit.
How much can a custom shopfitting workshop make?
Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on how many projects you take and their size. Track your time and material costs so underpriced quotes don't cut into your margin.
What should I check before opening a custom fixtures workshop?
Check your state and city for contractor licensing and business license rules, especially for installation work. Also check fire, dust and ventilation rules with your local fire department and landlord, and arrange liability, property and workers' compensation insurance.
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