How Much Does Custom Furniture Cost in 2025?
Custom furniture costs an average of $2,600
Custom furniture costs an average of $2,600, with average costs ranging from $1,000 to $4,250.
Major cost factors include furniture type, chosen materials, and labor costs.
Expect to pay $30 to $150 per hour, often quoted by pros as a flat project fee.
Balancing your budget involves careful selections of materials, finishes, and necessary customizations.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Custom furniture costs, on average, between $1,000 to $4,250, with most homeowners paying an average of $2,600. Depending on the type of furniture you want, the materials you use, and the labor price, your cost may vary as well when budgeting for custom furniture. A smaller piece of custom furniture without a lot of finishes or detailing can cost as little as $100, while a larger, intricate piece can go as high as $9,600.
Custom Furniture Cost Factors
Several key factors shape the final price of your custom piece. Pay close attention to the furniture type, materials, finishes, labor rate, and overall build quality.
Furniture Type
The type of furniture you commission is one of the biggest cost drivers. A desk won’t cost the same as a bed frame, and a dresser, on average, runs higher than an end table. Below are common custom pieces and their starting prices.
| Furniture Type | Starting Cost |
|---|---|
| Dining table | $1,200 |
| Set of six dining chairs | $1,300 |
| Bed frame | $1,000 |
| Dresser | $1,000 |
| Bedside table | $500 |
| Desk | $400 |
| Sofa | $2,200 |
| Built-in cabinetry | $500 per linear foot |
| Shelving | $1,000 |
A custom table could be a simple construction of inexpensive timber, costing as little as $200 in materials. On the other hand, an intricately crafted dining table made of luxurious hardwood with lots of details could cost $10,000 to $20,000—when it comes to custom furniture, there’s no upper limit on what you can spend.
Materials
Material choice has a powerful effect on price. Take wood, for example—rarity, quality, and unique characteristics can push costs up or down.
Pine, for instance, is one of the most inexpensive types of wood, but it is on the softer side and isn’t as durable as other types. On the other hand, walnut or mahogany are luxurious, sought-after, and highly durable materials, but the price tag is substantially higher. The same goes for metals—aluminum is a low-cost material that can work well for custom furniture, but it doesn’t offer the same durability and longevity as a more expensive steel material.
To a lesser extent, materials other than wood and metal can vary in cost. Furniture upholstery costs far more when building a leather sofa versus a simple rayon one, for instance. However, the leather sofa will likely last far longer and look great for years to come, whereas a less costly material might need to be replaced within a few years.
Additionally, finishing options can significantly impact your overall budget. For example, powder-coating or electrostatic painting for metal furniture can range from $340 to $1,020, and staining or painting wood often costs between $80 and $800. Over time, you may also invest in furniture refinishing to maintain its appearance.
| Finishing Method | Used For | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Staining | Wood furniture | $150–$400 |
| Painting | Wood furniture | $80–$800 |
| Powder-coating/Electrostatic painting | Metal furniture | $340–$1,020 |
Labor
Skilled craftsmanship drives up labor costs. Expect to pay $30 to $150 per hour, often quoted as a flat project fee. Rates rise in urban markets or when demand is high, and many pros add minimum charges for small jobs or consultations.
| Pro Type | Hourly Rate | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture maker | $40–$120 | Designs and builds the custom piece |
| Carpenter | $30–$150 | Installs built-ins, structural work |
| Upholsterer | $40–$100 | Handles all fabric and padding work |
| Installer | $50–$100 | Delivers and sets up furniture in your home |
DIY vs. Hiring a Custom Furniture Pro
DIY projects can reduce upfront costs but demand significant skill, specialized tools, and extra time. Mistakes during construction or finishing often increase expenses and extend project timelines. For complex or load-bearing furniture, professional expertise delivers the best long-term value.
Hiring a professional craftsperson delivers expert workmanship, access to premium materials, and warranty protection. Pros charge $30 to $150 per hour, and the extra investment often pays off in quality and longevity. Connect with a local custom furniture pro and turn your design into a reality.
Budgeting for Custom Furniture
Custom pieces can get pricey, but because you control most cost factors, it’s still possible to score a one-of-a-kind look without blowing the budget. Here are a few budgeting tips for custom furniture:
Where possible, limit luxurious materials—consider whether your dresser must be made of solid oak versus a more inexpensive wood, such as pine.
Balance lower-cost materials with durability, ensuring you don’t have to pay furniture repair costs prematurely.
Reduce customizations to what is necessary—spend your money on getting a bed frame that’s the perfect size rather than including expensive ornamental trims or special wood inlays.
Look into recycled materials as a way to cut costs while providing a unique look to your furniture.
Reduce costs by using simpler finishes like oil or paint rather than expensive polishes or powder-coated metals.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
