How much does custom-made furniture cost? We explain what influences the price!

Choosing the right manufacturer and materials is a key factor affecting the cost of custom-made furniture. Well-established companies offer high-quality services but at higher prices, while smaller workshops may provide equally solid solutions at more competitive rates. If you're looking to optimize your budget for custom furniture and understand what to consider when selecting materials, this article is for you.

In this article, we will cover:

• The impact of reputation and experience on pricing
• Material selection – how does it affect costs and durability?
• Furniture type and project complexity – influence on the final price
• Labor, transport, and assembly costs – what to watch out for?
• DIY furniture – is it worth it?
• Cut-to-size furniture – a compromise between ready-made and custom-made solutions

Impact of Reputation and Experience of the Manufacturer

Companies with an established market position, a rich portfolio of completed projects, and recognized quality of workmanship typically offer higher prices that reflect their experience and service quality. Renowned brands provide advanced furniture systems that enhance functionality but also increase costs. Popular solutions include soft-close systems, lift mechanisms for upper cabinets, and advanced interior organization systems that significantly improve the comfort of using furniture. Factors contributing to higher prices also include the use of innovative technologies, manual wood processing, and custom designs tailored to individual customer needs. Smaller carpentry workshops may offer competitive rates, often ensuring equally high quality but on a smaller scale. Before selecting a manufacturer, it is worth analyzing their previous projects, customer reviews, and applied technologies.

Some companies offer a comprehensive service that includes design, consulting, transport, and installation, which increases the final cost. Others limit themselves to production only, leaving transport and installation to the customer, which may reduce costs.

Types of Materials and Their Impact on Price

The choice of raw materials is crucial for the price and durability of furniture, as it affects their strength, aesthetics, and resistance to external factors. Selecting the right material is essential both for functionality and production costs. Several main material groups can be distinguished:

• Solid wood (e.g., oak, beech, walnut) – an exclusive, durable, but expensive material. Used in premium furniture.
• MDF and laminated boards – an economical option, easy to process but less resistant to moisture and mechanical damage.
• Plywood – a compromise between durability and affordability, used in minimalist designs.
• Composite elements (e.g., HPL panels, tempered glass, steel) – used in modern furniture with increased durability requirements.

The cost of materials increases with additional processing, such as lacquering (cost from 10 to 30 €/m² depending on the type of lacquer), veneering (from 20 to 60 €/m²), or applying protective coatings (e.g., laminating, cost from 8 to 25 €/m²). Choosing these options can significantly impact the final price of furniture but also enhances their durability and aesthetics.

See also: Laminate board, wood, or MDF: Which material should you choose for your interior?

Type of Furniture and Complexity of the Project

The type of order significantly affects its price:

• Kitchen furniture – prices start from a few thousand euros and can reach tens of thousands, depending on the equipment (e.g., soft-close guides, cargo systems).
• Built-in wardrobes and dressing rooms – prices range from 400 to 2,000 €, depending on the number of sliding doors and additional features (e.g., LED lighting, organizers).
• Tables, desks, shelves – cost depends on the materials used and construction details, ranging from 100 to several thousand euros.
• Bathroom furniture – requires moisture-resistant materials, which increases the price.

Labour and Installation Costs

Furniture manufacturers apply a margin on various services, and the amount may vary depending on the region, company reputation, and project complexity. For example, in large cities, carpentry service prices may be 20–30% higher than in smaller towns, mainly due to higher business operating costs and greater demand for premium services. In regions with high competition, prices may be more flexible, and negotiation opportunities greater. It is also important to note that some costs can be negotiated, especially for larger orders. Sometimes it is possible to get a discount on installation or transport if the order exceeds a certain value. Alternatively, choosing a less complex design or standard materials may help reduce costs.

• Design and technical consulting – from 50 to 400 €, depending on project complexity.
• Transport and installation – from 100 € to several thousand, depending on complexity and distance from the production facility.
• Labour – price depends on the complexity of the project and region. Specialised solutions (e.g., milled fronts) increase costs.

DIY Furniture – Is It Worth It?

To reduce costs, some furniture elements can be made independently:

• Wall shelves – easy to install, requiring only ready-made boards and brackets.
• Tables – a ready-made tabletop and legs can be assembled independently, saving on labour costs.
• Modular shelves – can be made from prefabricated elements, adding metal brackets for greater stability.
• Cabinet fronts – making them yourself allows for significant savings on kitchen and bathroom furniture.

Customised Furniture to Cut to Size

It is also worth mentioning customised furniture, where the model is already prepared, and the customer only decides on the size. This solution allows for savings on design costs while still enabling furniture to be cut with millimetre precision. This way, furniture can be adapted to an existing arrangement without having to create a fully custom project, which is often associated with higher costs and longer production times.

This type of furniture is an ideal solution for those looking for a compromise between ready-made products and full customised furniture. The customer can choose from various style, material, and colour options while maintaining budget control. Standardised constructions allow for quick implementation of orders since production is optimised for repeatable elements, with size customisation being the only variable.

An additional advantage of this approach is the ability to combine the benefits of modular furniture with the flexibility of customised dimensions. The customer can freely adjust the width, height, or depth of the furniture while maintaining its functionality and aesthetics. This is a great option for those who want to avoid a long design process while still enjoying furniture that fits their interior perfectly.

Summary

The cost of customised furniture depends on many factors, from material selection to construction complexity and quality of workmanship. To optimise expenses, it is worth considering several savings strategies.

Article updated on 07/04/2025