Carpentry Invoice Template: Custom Work, Materials Markup & Project vs Hourly Billing
Carpentry Invoice Template: Custom Work, Materials Markup & Project vs Hourly Billing
Carpentry spans quick fixes and multi-week custom builds. A kitchen cabinet job might be $8,000; a deck, $4,500; a one-off furniture piece, $1,200. How you bill—hourly vs project-based—and how you handle materials affects profit and customer satisfaction. This guide covers custom vs standard work pricing, materials markup, when to use project vs hourly billing, and example breakdowns for cabinets, decking, and furniture.
Project-Based vs Hourly Billing: When to Use Each
Hourly works when:
- Scope is unclear or likely to change
- The customer wants transparency ("I'm paying for your time")
- Small repairs, consultations, or odd jobs
Project-based works when:
- Scope is well defined (e.g. "10 linear metres of cabinets")
- You can estimate accurately
- The customer prefers a fixed price
Many carpenters use both: hourly for repairs, project-based for builds. State your approach clearly in the quote so the invoice matches expectations.
Custom vs Standard Work Pricing
Standard work �?Repeatable jobs: deck boards, standard cabinets, basic shelving. Price per unit (per linear metre, per cabinet, per square metre). Example: $180 per linear metre for basic kitchen cabinets.
Custom work �?One-off designs, curved work, specialty joinery. Charge more—often 1.3�?.5× your standard rate—to cover design time, templates, and extra labour. Always quote custom work before starting; document any changes in writing.
Materials Markup
You're not a charity—materials markup covers sourcing, delivery, waste, and your time. Typical ranges:
- Standard materials (timber, MDF, hardware): 15�?5% markup
- Specialty materials (exotic timber, custom hardware): 20�?5% markup
- Pass-through (appliances, taps): 0�?0% or cost plus handling
Example: You buy timber for $400. At 20% markup, you charge $480. The customer sees the breakdown; you're not hiding anything.
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Kitchen Cabinets (Project-Based)
| Item | Qty | Unit | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base cabinets | 4.2 m | $220/m | $924 |
| Wall cabinets | 3.5 m | $180/m | $630 |
| Drawer fronts (custom) | 6 | $95 ea | $570 |
| Hardware (handles, hinges) | 1 | $340 | $340 |
| Installation | 1 | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Total | $3,574 |
Decking (Materials + Labour)
| Item | Qty | Unit | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merbau decking 90×19 | 45 m | $18/m | $810 |
| Joists, bearers, posts | 1 | $620 | $620 |
| Stainless screws, fixings | 1 | $95 | $95 |
| Labour | 32 hrs | $85/hr | $2,720 |
| Total | $4,245 |
Furniture (Custom One-Off)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Design & consultation | $150 |
| Materials (oak, hardware, finish) | $420 |
| Labour (18 hrs @ $95/hr) | $1,710 |
| Total | $2,280 |
For sole traders, ensure your invoice meets legal requirements—see how to write an invoice as a sole trader.
Tips for Clear Carpentry Invoices
- Itemise materials �?Don't just say "timber." List species, dimensions, quantity.
- Note variations �?"As per approved sketch dated 12/02" prevents scope creep disputes.
- Include payment terms �?50% deposit, balance on completion is common for larger jobs.
Use an app like EasyInvoice to create invoices from your phone after measuring or completing a job—no more lost scraps of paper.
Summary
Choose hourly billing for uncertain scope; use project-based pricing when the job is well defined. Custom work commands a premium—quote it first. Apply 15�?5% materials markup depending on complexity. Use real examples (cabinets, decking, furniture) as templates, and always itemise materials and state payment terms. A clear carpentry invoice protects your margin and keeps customers confident.