Joinery shop for doors, windows and trim
Rent a small industrial unit and make doors, windows and moldings for builders and homeowners.
- $20k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
1,445 US businesses with employees in this field, -4.7% in a year
NAICS 321918 “Other millwork (including flooring)”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A full-time workshop in a rented unit with proper machinery, producing custom doors, wood windows, stair parts and trim packages for building projects.
Your first three steps
- Look at rents for small light-industrial units in your county and work out your monthly break-even
- Visit local builders and architects to learn what they buy and from whom
- Get quotes for essential machines (table saw, planer, jointer, dust collector) including used equipment
Who pays
General contractors, home builders, remodelers, architects and homeowners with higher-end or custom projects.
How it makes money
Priced per job or per project package, with deposits and progress payments. Repeat work from a few builders can keep the shop busy.
Skills that help
- Advanced woodworking and machine operation
- Reading plans and shop drawings
- Managing orders, materials and deadlines
Watch out for
- Check zoning, fire code and any city or county business license for a workshop
- General liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
- Dust extraction and machine safety rules (check OSHA guidance if you have employees)
- Check whether your state requires a contractor license for installation work
- Slow-paying builders, so use deposits and clear written quotes
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: joinery shop for doors, windows and trim
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 joinery shop?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $20,000 to $100,000, depending on the unit, machinery and materials. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how many builder and homeowner orders you win.
What licenses and rules should I check?
Check zoning, fire code and any city or county business license for a workshop. Also check whether your state requires a contractor license for installation work, and look into general liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire.
How can I avoid cash flow problems as a joinery shop?
Slow-paying builders are a known risk, so use deposits and clear written quotes. Estimates suggest a minimum of around 35 hours a week, and you will also need to manage orders, materials and deadlines carefully.
Other ways to run this business
Similar trades ideas
Sandblasting shop with a blast room
Rent a small industrial unit with a blast room and take in frames, steel parts, wheels and restoration work.
- $25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local lighting supply with stocked warehouse
Keep popular lighting products in stock so local electricians and builders can order today and pick up or get same-day delivery.
- $20k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local HVAC parts and supply counter
Stock the parts and equipment local HVAC installers need and sell to them on trade accounts.
- $20k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small soil testing lab for contractors
Run a small lab testing soil samples for contractors, engineers and developers, with quick turnaround.
- $25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Tree trimming and pruning service
Climb, prune and remove trees for homeowners and property managers with a small crew.
- $25k-100k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Fiberglass supply counter near boatyards
Open a small unit stocking fiberglass, resin and insulation for boat builders, repairers and local trades.
- $25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises