How much does carpentry cost in Philippines?
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Key takeaways
- Most carpentry jobs in Philippines land between ₱1,000–₱250,000 — known locally as carpentry.
- Philippine residential carpentry runs on skilled informal labor priced daily or per-project (pakyaw); no licensing applies below contractor-scale work. Marine plywood and branded boards vs cheap substitutes is the main quality battleground.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
Carpentry prices by job size in Philippines
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor repair Door, jamb or furniture repair | ₱1,000 | ₱2,500 | ₱5,000 |
| Built-in cabinet Closet or kitchen cabinet, materials included | ₱15,000 | ₱35,000 | ₱70,000 |
| Multi-room project Built-ins across several rooms or framing works | ₱60,000 | ₱120,000 | ₱250,000 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| per day (skilled) | ₱800 | ₱1,100 | ₱1,600 |
What affects the price
- Job size and scope — bigger or more complex jobs move you up the ranges above.
- Access and condition — hard-to-reach areas, older properties or neglected maintenance add labour time.
- Materials and quality level — where materials are involved, the grade you choose often matters more than labour.
- Urgency — same-day or out-of-hours work usually carries a premium.
- Where you live — large metros in Philippines typically run above the national range; smaller towns below it.
How to save
- Get at least three quotes and compare like-for-like scopes, not just totals.
- Be flexible on timing — off-peak slots are often cheaper.
- Bundle related tasks into one visit to spread call-out costs.
- Agree the scope in writing up front to avoid change-order surprises.
How to hire a carpentry pro in Philippines
- Skilled carpenters price daily (arawan) or fixed-price (pakyaw) — agree which and get it in writing
- Specify plywood grade and brand — material substitution is the classic risk
- For built-ins, agree laminate/finish and hardware before work starts
- Buy or verify materials yourself where possible
- Ask for photos of past finished work
- Agree a daily schedule — good crews are booked through referrals
Red flags
- Undersized or lower-grade plywood delivered vs quoted
- Large cash advance without receipts
- No written agreement
- No past-work photos
How Handld researches prices
These are researched estimates, not quotes and not our transaction data. We compile ranges from published sources — national statistics, trade bodies and incumbent cost guides — normalise them to PHP, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: PhilconPrices labor rates; Local pakyaw quotes.
Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter fix rotten or water-damaged wood?
Yes — splice repairs, resin treatments and section replacement are standard work. But rot is a symptom: the leak or damp source must be fixed first or the repair fails. A good carpenter will point at the water source before quoting the timber fix.
How much does a carpenter cost?
Carpenters charge by the hour, by the day, or per project for defined jobs like built-ins. Rates vary with specialisation: rough/framing carpentry is priced into construction budgets, while finish carpentry (trim, doors, built-ins) commands higher hourly rates for slower, more precise work.
What is the difference between a carpenter and a joiner?
Traditionally, joiners make things in a workshop (doors, windows, staircases, cabinets) and carpenters fit and build on site (framing, trim, decking). Many tradespeople do both; what matters when hiring is whether they specialise in the precision level your job needs.
What jobs does a carpenter typically handle?
Door hanging and adjustment, skirting/trim and architraves, custom shelving and built-in wardrobes, stair repairs, timber framing, decking frames, stud walls, and repair of rot or damaged timber. Anything cut and fitted from wood on site is carpentry territory.
How much do built-in wardrobes or shelving cost?
Custom built-ins are priced by the linear metre/foot and complexity — an alcove shelving unit costs far less than a floor-to-ceiling fitted wardrobe with doors and internals. Materials (MDF vs veneer vs solid timber) can swing the price by 2-3x for the same footprint.
How do I get an accurate carpentry quote?
Photos plus measurements get you a ballpark; a site visit gets you a real number. Specify materials, finish (painted, stained, veneer) and hardware up front — 'a shelf' can cost 5x more in walnut with soft-close fittings than in painted MDF.
What do carpenters charge in the Philippines?
Skilled finish carpenters earn roughly PHP 800-1,500 per day, with helpers less. Built-in cabinets are typically quoted pakyaw: a bedroom closet lands around PHP 15,000-40,000 including materials depending on the board grade.
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