Home workshop pine furniture maker

Households furnishing a home, people who like rustic or farmhouse looks, and local interior stylists or stagers who need affordable solid-wood pieces.

You sell each piece at a price that covers lumber, finish and your time. Custom orders, such as a table cut to a customer's size, usually earn more than standard pieces. Restored pieces can bring a margin on top of what you paid for them.

• Basic woodworking and finishing
• Eye for style and proportion
• Photographing and listing items online
• Pricing and quoting custom work

• Zoning, home occupation permits and any HOA or lease rules that limit workshop noise or customer visits
• General liability and product liability insurance, and whether your homeowner's policy covers business use
• Old painted furniture may contain lead paint, so check safe handling before sanding or stripping
• Children's furniture, such as cribs, has federal safety rules, so check before making or selling it
• Sawdust, finish fumes and rags can be a fire and health risk, so plan ventilation and safe storage
• Sales tax registration and collection rules that vary by state

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the tools you already own, your materials and finishing supplies, and how you set up your garage or outbuilding. These are estimates, so price your own tools and workspace first.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on how many pieces you build, your pricing and the sales channels you use. That is revenue, not profit, so subtract materials, fees and other costs. Plan for at least 10 hours a week.

Check zoning, home occupation permits and any HOA or lease rules on noise or customer visits. Also check liability insurance and whether your homeowner's policy covers business use, lead paint on old pieces, children's furniture safety rules, and state sales tax rules.