Carpenters in
Elizabeth, NJ
10 carpenters listed in Elizabeth
Elizabeth is benefiting from spillover demand from Jersey City and Newark, with Midtown and Elmora seeing the most activity. Renovated single-family homes in Elmora are particularly sought after by families, and the city's improving amenities are drawing buyers priced out of neighboring towns.
Carpenters in Elizabeth at a glance
- 10 carpenters are listed in Elizabeth, NJ on Ratedeed.
- 5 of the 5 listings shown here include a phone number you can call directly.
- Listings cover 4 ZIP codes in and around Elizabeth: 07021, 07201, 07202, 07208.
Carpenters elsewhere in New Jersey: Trenton (31), Long Branch (24), Newark (19), Toms River (18), Clifton (10), Cherry Hill (10)
Homes and carpenters in Elizabeth: the local numbers
Housing in Elizabeth
- Elizabeth has about 48,976 homes (housing units).
- The typical (median) home was built in 1957, 13 years older than the New Jersey median of 1970.
- 73% of homes were built before 1980 and 54% before 1960; 7% were built in 2010 or later.
- The median value of an owner-occupied home is $449,300.
- 26% of occupied homes are owner-occupied and 74% are rented.
- 14% of homes are single-family detached houses.
- The most common heating fuel is natural gas from a utility (86% of homes), followed by electricity (10%).
- The median home has 4.3 rooms.
- Median gross rent is $1,523 a month.
- That makes Elizabeth's housing among the older stock in the country: the typical U.S. home was built in 1980.
- Most occupied homes here are rented (74%), so tenants should get their landlord's approval before hiring anyone for repairs or alterations.
- Apartments, condos and attached homes make up most of the housing: only 14% of homes are detached houses, so many jobs involve building rules, shared walls or a condo board.
With 73% of Elizabeth's homes built before 1980, many are covered by federal lead rules: any home built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, and under the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule, contractors who disturb painted surfaces in those homes must be lead-safe certified by the EPA or an authorized state program. Ask to see the firm's certification.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates (Elizabeth, NJ).
Carpenters workforce in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ area
- Median hourly wage
- $35.72
- People employed
- 34,210
- In the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro area, carpenters earned a median of $35.72 an hour ($74,300 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $22.53–$59.52.
- About 34,210 people work in this occupation in the metro area.
- That is a lower share of local jobs than the national average (location quotient 0.84).
- These are what workers earn, not what carpenters charge: a contractor's hourly rate also covers insurance, licensing, vehicles, overhead and profit.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (Carpenters).
Climate in Elizabeth and what it means for carpenters
- The average temperature in Elizabeth is 55°F; summer afternoons average 84°F and winter nights 27°F.
- It gets about 46 inches of precipitation a year, including about 29 inches of snow.
- There are about 82 nights a year at or below freezing and about 21 days at 90°F or hotter.
- It is a heating-dominated climate: about 4,870 heating degree days a year against 1,190 cooling degree days.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Newark Liberty International Airport station USW00014734 (3.5 km from the city centre).
How Elizabeth ranks against other U.S. cities
- Elizabeth has the 36th-oldest housing of the 183 cities RateDeed covers (tied): the typical home was built in 1957. See the ranking
- Carpenters in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro area earn the 23rd-highest median wage of 293 metros: $35.72 an hour. See the ranking
Ranked against the other cities in RateDeed's research, using the figures above.
Top Carpenters in Elizabeth
Listings include contact details and service areas. Check licensing with your state board before hiring.
Showing 5 of 10. See every listing in Elizabeth
More carpenters elsewhere in New Jersey
Listed in other New Jersey cities, not in Elizabeth.
Licensing and consumer protection in New Jersey
Check that any carpenter you hire is licensed and insured before you sign a contract or pay a deposit.
Who regulates this trade
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Office of Consumer Protection — Home Improvement Contractor Registration
Verify a licence on the official register →Insurance and workers' compensation
$500,000 per occurrence general liability minimum for home improvement contractors registered with the state. Workers' compensation is mandatory for all employers.
Mechanic's lien protection
New Jersey mechanics liens must be filed within 120 days after the last day of work or delivery of materials. The lien remains valid for 2 years from filing but must be enforced through a court action within that period. Unlike many states, New Jersey does not require a preliminary notice, but the lien must be notarized and include a property description verified by the county clerk.
What catches homeowners out in New Jersey
New Jersey requires all home improvement contractors to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs — this is separate from trade-specific licensing. However, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work require additional trade licenses from the appropriate boards. The state's Consumer Fraud Act provides strong protections for homeowners, allowing you to sue for triple damages if a contractor engages in fraudulent practices. Always verify registration at the NJ Consumer Affairs website before signing a contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hiring contractors
How much do carpenters earn in the Elizabeth area?
In the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro area, carpenters earned a median of $35.72 an hour ($74,300 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $22.53–$59.52. About 34,210 people work in this occupation in the metro area. That is a lower share of local jobs than the national average (location quotient 0.84). These are what workers earn, not what carpenters charge: a contractor's hourly rate also covers insurance, licensing, vehicles, overhead and profit. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
How old are homes in Elizabeth?
The typical home in Elizabeth was built in 1957, and 73% of homes were built before 1980. The median owner-occupied home is worth $449,300. With 73% of Elizabeth's homes built before 1980, many are covered by federal lead rules: any home built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, and under the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule, contractors who disturb painted surfaces in those homes must be lead-safe certified by the EPA or an authorized state program. Ask to see the firm's certification. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates.
How much do carpenters charge in Elizabeth?
Carpenter rates in Elizabeth typically range from $45–$95 per hour, with finish carpenters and custom cabinetmakers charging $70–$120/hr. Project costs vary by scope: trim and crown molding installations average $500–$2,000, framing repairs run $800–$3,500, and custom built-in cabinetry ranges from $1,500 to $6,000+. Request quotes from multiple Elizabeth carpenters on Ratedeed to compare estimates.
Do I need a permit for carpentry work in Elizabeth?
Cosmetic woodwork, interior trim, and cabinet installation do not require permits in Elizabeth, NJ. However, structural carpentry — including load-bearing wall removal, room additions, framing alterations, and deck construction — requires a municipal permit. Permits in Elizabeth are handled by the Elizabeth Department of Inspections, 50 Winfield Scott Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07201 and typically take 5–15 business days to process.
What is the difference between finish carpentry and rough carpentry?
Rough carpentry focuses on the structural backbone of a building (wall framing, roof trusses, floor joists, subflooring). Finish carpentry involves decorative, visible woodwork after walls and drywall are completed (baseboards, crown molding, door casing, stairs, and cabinetry). Many carpenters in Elizabeth specialize in one area, while general carpenters handle both.
How do I find a skilled carpenter near Elizabeth?
On Ratedeed, you can browse carpenters serving Elizabeth and view reviews from local homeowners. Ask to see a portfolio of recent carpentry work, check proof of liability insurance, and obtain a written estimate outlining material costs and labor before starting your project.
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What to Know Before Hiring a Carpenter in Elizabeth
Local information for homeowners
Building Department
Elizabeth Department of Inspections, 50 Winfield Scott Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Avg permit processing: 5–15 business days
Visit Building Dept Website🌤️ Climate Considerations
Elizabeth's location on the Arthur Kill waterway exposes it to coastal flooding risks, particularly in Elizabethport and areas near the waterfront. Homes in flood zones require elevated utilities and flood vents per FEMA standards. The city also deals with poor air quality from nearby industrial areas, making high-efficiency HVAC filtration systems a worthwhile renovation investment.
💡 Local Tip
Elizabeth's diverse housing stock ranges from turn-of-the-century Victorians in Elmora to post-war Cape Cods and newer construction. When renovating, check whether your property is in a historic district — Elmora has several designated historic homes that require LPC review for exterior changes. The city's proximity to the port and industrial areas means some neighborhoods require additional environmental testing.
📈 Housing Market
Elizabeth is benefiting from spillover demand from Jersey City and Newark, with Midtown and Elmora seeing the most activity. Renovated single-family homes in Elmora are particularly sought after by families, and the city's improving amenities are drawing buyers priced out of neighboring towns.
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