Carpentry costs in Chicago vary based on the scope and complexity of your project, whether you need structural repairs, damage restoration, or finish work. We believe in transparent pricing and detailed estimates so you understand exactly what your home needs and what the work will cost.
Pricing guide
These rates are indicative. Every job is unique: size, access, complexity. Request a free estimate for exact pricing tailored to your situation.
| Service | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Rot & Dry Rot Repair | From $650 | Chicago's humid summers and severe freeze-thaw winters make wood rot a fact of life here. The city's brick bungalows and greystones carry most of their wood in porches; window frames; trim and decks. We cut out decayed framing; siding and trim; treat surrounding wood; and rebuild with rot-resistant lumber, a permanent repair; not a cosmetic patch. |
| Termite Damage Repair | From $1,200 | Chicago's humid summers bring real termite pressure to the region's older homes. After the exterminator leaves; the damaged wood stays, we replace termite-eaten studs; sills; trim and subfloor sections across Chicago homes; working from your pest inspection report and restoring full structural integrity. |
| Floor Joist & Subfloor Repair | From $1,800 | Sagging; bouncy or soft floors in Chicago's older bungalows and two-flats usually trace to damaged joists or subfloor. They can also trace to foundations shifting with the region's severe freeze-thaw cycle. We sister or replace compromised joists and rebuild subfloor sections, leveling floors before finishes go back down. |
| Beam Replacement & Load-Bearing Wall Removal | From $3,500 | Open-concept conversions and failing beams call for real structural carpentry. We install engineered beams; replace sagging headers and remove load-bearing walls, always built to the engineer's specs and City of Chicago building permit requirements. |
| Framing & Structural Carpentry | From $2,500 | Remodel framing done right: new interior walls; garage and basement build-outs; and wall openings. We also repair storm- and water-damaged framing. Straight; plumb and code-compliant, the bones your finish work deserves. |
| Finish & Trim Carpentry | From $550 | The details that separate a real finish carpenter from a handyman: tight miters; scribed fits; consistent reveals. Casing; paneling; wainscoting and custom trim work throughout Chicago homes; old and new. |
| Crown Molding & Baseboard Installation | From $450 | Crown molding; baseboards; chair rail and window trim installed with coped joints and clean caulk lines. It is the finish Chicago's Gold Coast and Old Town homes demand, matched to existing period profiles or kept crisp and modern. |
| Custom Built-Ins & Shelving | From $1,900 | Built-in bookshelves; window seats; media walls; closet systems and Murphy beds for Chicago homes. Each one is custom-fitted to bay windows; sloped ceilings and every awkward alcove of a bungalow or greystone. |
| Interior Door Installation & Repair | From $350 | Doors that stick; swing open on their own; or never latched right are common in Chicago's century-old homes. Foundations shift with the region's severe freeze-thaw cycle. We hang; adjust and replace interior doors; repair jambs and frames; and install pocket and barn doors. |
| Exterior & Entry Door Installation | From $850 | Entry; back and French doors installed weather-tight against Chicago's lake-effect winters. Every unit is properly flashed; insulated and secured against wind-driven rain. We repair rotted door frames and thresholds or replace the full unit. |
| Cabinet & Vanity Installation | From $1,100 | Precise installation of kitchen cabinets; bathroom vanities and laundry storage. We level on Chicago's often out-of-level older floors; scribe to out-of-square walls; and align hardware and adjust doors. |
| Stair & Railing Repair | From $600 | Squeaky treads; loose banisters; worn stringers: we repair and rebuild the staircases Chicago homes climb every day. We also restore period railings and install code-compliant handrails and attic ladders. |
| Deck & Porch Repair | From $900 | Lake-effect snow load and severe freeze-thaw cycles are hard on Chicago decks and porches. We replace rotted boards; posts and railings; repair stairs and structural framing; and get outdoor spaces safe and solid before winter, repair-first; honest about when replacement wins. |
| Fascia, Soffit & Exterior Trim Repair | From $700 | Peeling paint and soft fascia boards are often the first sign of ice-dam moisture behind the roofline. It shows up after a heavy Chicago winter. We replace fascia; soffits and exterior trim with primed; rot-resistant material, closing the gaps that let winter moisture and pests into the roofline. |
What Affects the Price
- Scope of Damage or Project Size : Small repairs like trim installation cost less than major structural work like beam replacement or load-bearing wall removal. The more material and labor required, the higher the investment.
- Material Quality and Selection : The type of wood, hardware, and finishing materials you choose directly impact the final price. Premium woods and custom details cost more than standard options.
- Accessibility and Home Condition : Homes with difficult-to-reach areas, water damage, or hidden structural issues may require extra time and expertise, affecting the overall cost.
- Timeline and Scheduling : Rush jobs or work requiring coordination with other trades may incur additional costs. Standard scheduling typically offers the best value.
What's included
- Travel included across the Chicago area
- Professional labor & equipment
- Rotted wood, demo debris & offcut haul-away
- Job site cleanup
- Written estimate before work begins
To get an accurate estimate, describe the problem in detail and note the location in your home. Our team will schedule a free consultation to assess the work and provide a transparent quote. Call Chicago Carpentry at (312) 685-4329 to discuss your project and receive a detailed estimate that includes labor, materials, and timeline.
Pricing FAQ
Why do carpentry prices vary so much between different types of work?
Carpentry projects range from simple finish work like baseboard installation (starting at $450) to complex structural repairs like beam replacement (starting at $3,500). Prices depend on the skill required, time involved, materials used, and the extent of damage or customization. Structural work typically costs more because it requires engineering knowledge and building code compliance.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes, Chicago Carpentry provides free consultations and detailed estimates. Contact us at (312) 685-4329 to schedule an appointment. We'll inspect your project, discuss your needs, and provide a transparent quote with no hidden fees.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept standard payment methods including cash, check, credit cards, and bank transfers. For larger projects, we can discuss payment schedules and deposits. Ask about financing options when you call (312) 685-4329.
Are your starting prices the final cost?
Starting prices reflect typical projects in Chicago. The final cost depends on your specific situation, material choices, and any complications discovered during the work. We provide detailed estimates upfront so there are no surprises.
How long does a typical carpentry project take?
Timeline varies by project. Simple finish work like door installation may take one day, while structural repairs or custom built-ins take longer. We'll provide a realistic timeline during your estimate consultation.