General Carpentry in Dorset (28)

General carpentry covers a wide range of woodwork, from fitting doors and skirting to building storage, repairing timber and carrying out structural tasks.

If you need help with installations, adjustments or home improvements, you can find a checked general carpentry service in Dorset with Checkatrade.

Common carpentry tasks in homes

Carpenters carry out a variety of everyday jobs, including:

• Hanging and adjusting internal doors
• Fitting architraves and skirting
• Installing shelves or storage
• Building stud walls or simple timber frameworks
• Repairing damaged floorboards or trims
• Boxing in pipework

If you have a woodwork job that needs doing, search our online directory to find carpenters in Dorset.

Types of carpentry work: first fix vs second fix

Understanding the two main types of carpentry can help you choose the right service:

• First fix carpentry: Structural tasks such as joists, stud walls, and sub-floors.
• Second fix carpentry: Finishing tasks like door hanging, skirting, architraves and trims.

More detail is covered in our joiner vs carpenter guide.

How much does general carpentry cost in Dorset?

Here are some average estimated costs of general carpentry in Dorset:

• Hourly rate – £37.50 per hour
• Day rates – £300 per day

Carpentry pricing depends on:

• Materials required (timber type, fixings, hardware)
• Whether the job is priced per hour/day or per task
• The complexity of the work
• Preparation or removal needed
• Whether items need to be made off-site

Learn more about costs in our guide to carpentry prices.

How long carpentry jobs usually take

Timeframes vary depending on the task:

• Hanging a single internal door: 1–2 hours
• Fitting skirting throughout one room: half a day
• Installing built-in shelving: a few hours to a day
• Building small stud walls: 1 day

A carpenter in Dorset can confirm timings after discussing the job with you.

Signs you may need carpentry work

You might need a carpenter if you notice:

• Doors sticking or dragging
• Loose or damaged skirting boards
• Broken timber trims
• Floorboards moving or creaking
• Gaps around frames or door linings
• A need for additional storage or shelving

Carpenters can assess whether repair or replacement is the best option.

What to check in a carpentry quote

When comparing quotes from carpenters in Dorset, look for:

• A clear description of the work
• Labour format (hourly, half-day or day rate)
• Materials included or needed
• Preparation or removal costs
• Waste disposal arrangements

Itemised quotes make it easier to compare options and ensure you're being quoted fair and competitive prices.