Carpentry Estimate Template
Carpentry estimates are mostly materials and time. Show both, add a sensible waste allowance, and the client will understand why your number is higher than the hardware-store sum they did in their head.
No sign-up. Totals, tax and deposit are worked out for you; print it or save it as a PDF.
Example line items
| Item | Unit | Qty | Example price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site measure and plan | visit | 1 | 80–200 |
| Built-in shelving, painted MDF | linear ft | 12 | 90–220 / ft |
| Baseboard and trim install | linear ft | 160 | 3–8 / ft |
| Lumber and fixings | lot | 1 | 400–1,200 |
| Labor | day | 3 | 350–700 / day |
Amounts are examples before tax, not price advice. Add sales tax or VAT where it applies.
What to put on the quote
- What is being built, with sizes and timber or board grade.
- Waste allowance and who keeps the offcuts.
- Whether painting, filling and sanding are included.
- Days on site and working hours.
Common mistakes
- Pricing materials at cost with no waste or handling.
- Assuming walls are square and level.
- Leaving finishing (filling, caulking, paint) unclear.
Deposit, balance and validity
Deposit for materials (25–40%), balance on completion. Estimate valid for 30 days because timber prices change quickly.
Questions people ask
Day rate or fixed price?
Fixed price for defined pieces, day rate for repairs and fiddly fitting. Give an estimated number of days either way.
Should I list the timber?
List type and size of the main materials; it explains the price and protects you if the client supplies their own.
What about out-of-square walls?
Note that scribing and packing are included up to a reasonable tolerance; more is a variation.