Carpentry work in Switzerland – prices, examples, and what really matters

Carpentry work ranges from simple adjustments to complex renovations. Accordingly, it is often billed on a time basis—and the hourly rate is the key price lever. It varies depending on qualifications, planning complexity, workshop and machine use, and region.

The decisive factors are primarily qualifications, region, machinery, project complexity, and materials. In urban areas and parts of central Switzerland, prices are often higher than in rural regions. Short-term assignments, working with precious woods, or special surface treatments also increase the cost—and thus the rate.

To help you quickly determine whether your project is small, medium, or large, here are some common types of work with realistic cost ranges and the most important price drivers.

Parquet andwood flooring Carpenters not only lay the flooring, but often also prepare the subfloor, install impact sound insulation, and ensure clean connections and baseboards. Guideline prices: Oak often CHF 70–100/m² Precious woods (e.g., cherry) often CHF 80–150/ m² It becomes more expensive with herringbone patterns, irregular floor plans, or if the subfloor has to be built up first.

Kitchen construction andrenovation A carpenter-built kitchen is particularly appealing if you want a solution that fits perfectly – for example, for alcoves, older buildings, or special storage requirements. Cost range: $6,000–$8,000 for simple designs CHF 25,000–45,000 for high-quality designs CHF 80,000+ for luxury designs The price is determined by the fronts (solid wood/lacquer), countertops (natural stone), appliances, fittings, and the proportion of custom-made items (e.g., handle-free systems).

Custom-made furniture and built-incupboards Custom-made furniture is ideal when standard furniture does not fit or every centimeter needs to be used— for example, under stairs, in sloping ceilings, or as a continuous wall unit. Guideline values: Built-in cabinets often cost between $1,400 and $2,200 per linear meter. Simple individual pieces of furniture often start at $1,200. Complex, one-of-a-kind pieces cost significantly more. Cost drivers include interior partitions, pull-outs, lighting, high-quality woods (e.g., walnut), lacquered fronts, and concealed fittings.

Roof truss and roofconversion Carpenters and joiners are responsible for construction and conversion work in the roof area. Guideline values: Roof truss replacement often costs CHF 160–300/m² Renovation with above-rafter insulation often costs CHF 450–550/m² Finishing work includesinterior cladding (CHF 70–100/m²) and, depending on the project, flooring, doors, furniture, and heating systems.

Woodenfacades Wooden facades create a warm appearance, improve the building envelope, and can support insulation. Cost: approx. $220–480/m²including substructure, insulation, and cladding. The price depends heavily on the type of wood, profile, insulation thickness, and detail connections. High-quality woods are more expensive but often reduce subsequent maintenance costs.

Wooden windows and wood-aluminumwindows Wooden windows offer a natural look and good insulation values, while wood-aluminum variants are easier to maintain but more expensive. Guideline values: Double glazing approx. $420/ m² Triple glazing approx. $470/m² Price factors include sound insulation, security features, fittings, number of sashes, and special dimensions.

Carports and outdoorstructures Wooden carports, pergolas, and canopies are classic carpentry/joinery projects. Cost of a wooden carport: approx. $5,000–10,000 The price increases for special roof shapes, foundations, sizes, integrated storage rooms, or combinations with glass/metal.

Refreshing a small kitchen (approx. 14–22 m²) A compact kitchen renovation often involves replacing fronts, adapting existing cabinets, replacing individual appliances, and making minor alterations. The budget is often between CHF 7,000 and CHF 12,000, depending on the materials, appliances, and fittings chosen. It becomes more expensive if appliances are fully integrated or completely new drawer systems are installed. Replacing a wooden facade The cost of a rear-ventilated wooden facade, including insulation, substructure, and installation , is usually between CHF 220 and CHF 480 per square meter. For a single-family home with a facade area of 80–120 square meters, this often amounts to CHF 20,000–50,000. The decisive factors are the quality of the wood, the choice of profile, and complex connections. Built-in cupboard under thestairs A custom-fit cupboard in the sloping ceiling usually costs CHF 2,500–5,000. Pull-out shelves, lighting, complex interior divisions, or high-quality fronts significantly increase the price. In return, you gain storage space that would otherwise remain unused. Converting the attic (carpentry work sub-project) Carpentry work in attic conversions often includes paneling, doors, floor construction, custom-made furniture, and substructures. For an average attic (approx. 20–35 m²), CHF 30,000–45,000 is a realistic estimate, depending on the insulation concept, type of wood, and complexity of the sloping ceilings.

When you can do a lot yourself Minor repairs, simple shelves, flat-pack furniture, or simple adjustments can be done well on your own with the right tools. This also applies to maintenance work such as oiling or minor trimming, if precision and appearance are not of the utmost importance. When a carpenter is the better (or only) choice As soon as custom work, complex installations, high loads, or high-quality materials are involved, it is worth hiring a professional. This applies above all to kitchens, built-in cupboards, doors, roof projects, facades, and sophisticated interior design— anywhere where a precise fit and high-quality installation are crucial. Where DIY store solutions remain sensible Standard products such as simple shelving systems, inexpensive cabinets, or floors for self-installation can be a pragmatic solution when budget is more important than durability or exact fit. Where custom-made products are clearly superior If you want to make use of niches, need special dimensions, or want a high-quality result, custom-made products show their strengths. Good carpentry solutions not only look better, but are often more durable and functional— for example, in stair cabinets, custom kitchens, or built-in units in sloping ceilings.

Inappropriate wood typeselected Wood varies greatly in terms of hardness, behavior when exposed to moisture, and care requirements. Using the wrong material in the bathroom or kitchen can result in warping, stains, or damage. Budget set too low In addition to materials, planning, manufacturing, machine time, and installation also need to be taken into account. If you only look at the price of the wood, you will often be in for surprises. A clear quote with all items listed will prevent this. Inaccuratemeasurements A few millimeters can determine whether a fitting will work. Incorrect measurements lead to rework, delays, and additional costs. Therefore, if in doubt, have a carpenter measure on site. Cheap fittings Drawer runners and hinges determine suitability for everyday use. Cheap fittings wear out faster, rattle, or sag. Quality pays off over the years. Use not well thoughtout A piece of furniture can look great but still be impractical. Storage space, access, load, and daily routines should be clear before planning. Forgetting assembly and transport Not everything that is perfectly constructed in the workshop will fit easily through the stairwell or be easy to assemble on site. Logistics, access, and installation must be considered early on.

A carpenter is always the right choice when you need a solution that fits precisely, lasts a long time, and looks high-quality. Custom-made furniture, individual fixtures, and sophisticated renovations often bring clear added value in terms of comfort and quality of living. For simple standard furniture or smaller projects, however, a DIY store solution may be more economical. The higher your standards for fit, material quality, and durability, the more clearly it pays to hire a professional.