Carpentry estimates cover rough framing, finish work, millwork installation, and custom woodworking. Skilled carpenter labor averages $55–$115/hr nationally. Finish carpentry (trim, wainscoting, built-ins) commands premium rates over rough framing. Material quality and species selection are major cost drivers. This template comes pre-filled with 5 common carpenter line items — edit any value, add your client info, and print or download as PDF.
Build a professional estimate with line items, markup, and tax — instantly, for free.
Step 1 — Project Details
Step 2 — Line Items
| Description | Unit | Qty | Unit Price | Subtotal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$ | $760.00 | ||||
$ | $450.00 | ||||
$ | $95.00 | ||||
$ | $625.00 | ||||
$ | $640.00 |
Step 3 — Markup & Tax
Project
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Date
April 14, 2026
Client
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Address
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| Description | Unit | Qty | Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labor — skilled carpenter | Hours | 8 | $95.00 | $760.00 |
| Lumber and sheet goods — materials | Lot | 1 | $450.00 | $450.00 |
| Hardware, fasteners, and adhesives | Lot | 1 | $95.00 | $95.00 |
| Cabinet / millwork installation (per cabinet) | Each | 5 | $125.00 | $625.00 |
| Trim and molding — installation | Linear Ft | 80 | $8.00 | $640.00 |
Point your camera at the job. Suparate reads the scope, applies your rates, and builds the estimate — no typing required.
Order 15% extra on finish lumber
Finish lumber has defects — knots, checks, bow. Order 10–15% extra and include that in your material cost. Clients aren't patient when you have to stop work for a second lumber run.
Charge a shop rate for custom fabrication
If you're building custom pieces off-site (stair treads, built-in components), charge a shop fabrication rate separate from on-site installation. The two rates can legitimately differ, and separating them clarifies why custom work costs more.
Visit the site before estimating finish carpentry
Out-of-plumb walls, unlevel floors, and awkward corner angles can double your installation time on finish carpentry. A 30-minute site visit before estimating is worth far more than the time you'll lose scribing and shimming on a job you under-bid.
Rough framing labor typically runs $40–$65/hr; finish carpentry commands $65–$115/hr because it requires more skill, precision, and slower work speed. Price them as separate line items — lumping framing and finish at the same rate either under-prices your finish work or makes your framing uncompetitive.
Measure linear feet of each profile (baseboard, casing, crown, chair rail). Multiply linear footage by your installed price per LF ($5–$12 depending on profile and wood species). Add material cost at markup separately. Don't forget to account for miter cuts, inside corners, and scarf joints — they add 15–20% to your material quantity.
Always supply materials when possible. You know what grades and tolerances you need; clients buy the cheapest thing at the big box store and then wonder why the work looks rough. Mark lumber and hardware at cost + 20–25%. Your sourcing knowledge is part of what you're selling.
Custom built-ins (bookshelves, entertainment centers, window seats) range from $150–$500+ per linear foot of completed cabinetry, depending on material, finish, and complexity. Painted MDF work is at the lower end; solid wood with hand-cut joinery is at the higher end. Always break out labor and materials separately on custom work.