When planning a build, a renovation or a new piece of furniture, you might have come across joiners. Specialising in anything that joins two or more pieces of wood, they have a range of skills that are often crucial to any build. 

Read on for more information about joinery, including:

• What is a joiner?
• What jobs can a joiner do?
• How much does a joiner cost?
• Can my joiner work with other materials?
• Will I need a carpenter for my job too?
• Does my joiner need to be licensed?
• How do I find a joiner?
• Getting quotes for joiners
  

What is a joiner?

If you’ve looked into getting work done by a joiner, you may be confused about the difference between a joiner and a carpenter. It’s common to not know which one you need when planning a new job. 

Simply put, a joiner works on joints. Anywhere wood or other materials join together could fall under the purview of a joiner. The majority of their work will be with timber, though many can work on other materials for specific jobs. 

As they work mostly with wood, they are also carpenters and this is where most of the confusion comes in. A good way to think about it is that joiners are specialist carpenters. Their job is to make the materials in a workshop or warehouse while a carpenter is the one who usually installs the materials onsite. 

What jobs can a joiner do?

Joiners are the ones who create materials to be installed in your home or work site. They can work on many aspects of your home, creating great pieces like:

• Windows and door frames
• Staircases 
• Custom furniture
• Shelving or display racks 
• Room renovations or other construction
• Commercial jobs requiring joinery

If you want more information on the types of work a joiner can do, check out our guide: How can a joinery expert help me? 

How much does a joiner cost?

Joinery costs will change depending on the job. When providing a quote, they’ll consider several factors including:

Size of the job - larger items usually take longer and can be more complicated to put together. Joiners usually charge by the hour, so anything that prolongs the time it takes to build will increase the cost.

The complexity of the work - for custom jobs or items that require more complex joins or construction the price can rise too. A simple vanity will be much cheaper than a complex staircase or kitchen cabinets. 

Materials used - some timber, like pine, can be much more budget-friendly than others, like hardwoods. Depending on the material you want for your job, the costs will usually be folded into the overall quote you receive.

Most joiners charge by the hour and on average, it can cost around $55 per hour. You will generally find that joinery rates will be between $50 - $65 per hour. 

Some examples of common jobs and their costs include:

• $650 for cabinet modifications. 
• $900 to refurbish an old wardrobe
• $2000 to build a kitchen cabinet 
• $2400 to replace bathroom and kitchen cupboard doors

Depending on your job, your joiner may need anywhere from three business days to four weeks or more if it’s a more complicated job. For instance, Jagant Interiors estimates a 3-4 week turnaround for a full kitchen to be fabricated depending on your finishes. 

Can my joiner work with other materials?

Most joiners have experience with other materials and can incorporate them into any work that they do. Plastics, cement and some metals are common materials that they may be experienced with.

If your job requires materials other than wood, it’s a good idea to check with your joiner to make sure that they are experienced with the material. 

Will I need a carpenter for my job too?

A carpenter will often be needed as well as a joiner, so it’s a good idea to factor this into your budget. The carpenter’s job will be to install the products that the joiner makes. 

In some cases, like kitchen cabinets, you may want to use a cabinet maker or go through your kitchen renovator or builder instead. They will be doing the same work but may be able to work better with the rest of your build or renovation. 

Does my joiner need to be licensed?

Carpenters, including joiners, need to be licensed in almost all Australian states. In some states, they may be required to have a builder’s licence. 

If you are unsure what licenses they need to work on your job then you can always check with your local city council or state government. 

How do I find a joiner?

Before you hire a joiner it can be a good idea to ask them some questions to make sure that you get the right service for your needs. Some of these questions include:

• How long will the job take?
• Do you have experience with the job?
• Are you insured to work on my home?
• Can you provide a written quote? 
• Do you have references I can follow up on?

Getting quotes for joinery 

At hipages, we always recommend getting at least three quotes before hiring a tradie. The cheapest option may not always be the best one and you may find that there are additional costs down the line that can add up. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything you’re unsure about. You can always ask about the quotes and get an itemised list of what you are paying for. One way to do this is to request a written quote. This will make it easier to compare the quotes you receive and choose the right service for you.