How much does carpentry cost in Singapore?
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Key takeaways
- Most carpentry jobs in Singapore land between SGD 80–SGD 30,000 — known locally as carpentry (built-in furniture).
- Singapore carpentry is dominated by built-in furniture fabricated off-site and installed during renovation; renovation works in HDB flats require HDB-registered contractors and permits for affected works. Pricing per foot run is the market convention.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
Carpentry prices by job size in Singapore
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor repair Adjust hinges, re-laminate or repair existing carpentry | SGD 80 | SGD 200 | SGD 400 |
| Single built-in unit TV console, study desk or shoe cabinet | SGD 1,500 | SGD 3,000 | SGD 6,000 |
| Full-home carpentry package Wardrobes, kitchen and living built-ins for a flat | SGD 8,000 | SGD 15,000 | SGD 30,000 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| per foot run (wardrobe) | SGD 250 | SGD 350 | SGD 500 |
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 Singapore 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 Singapore
- In Singapore, 'carpentry' usually means built-in furniture — priced per foot run; clarify whether the rate covers top and bottom cabinets separately
- For HDB flats, use HDB-registered renovation contractors for works needing permits
- Check the material spec: plywood with laminate is standard; ask for the laminate brand and internal finish
- Confirm soft-close hardware brands (Blum, Hafele) in the quote
- Ask about the workshop lead time — typically 2-4 weeks fabrication
- Get a warranty in writing (1-5 years typical from reputable firms)
Red flags
- Quote per foot run without stating what is included
- No hardware brands specified
- Unusually short fabrication time — may signal outsourced low-grade work
- Full payment before fabrication
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 SGD, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: Qanvast carpentry price guides; Singapore ID firm rate cards.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How is carpentry priced in Singapore?
Per foot run: built-in wardrobes typically SGD 250-450 per foot, kitchen cabinets SGD 120-300 per foot for top and bottom separately, TV consoles and study units in between. Material and hardware brands drive the spread.
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