Carpenters in
Houston, TX
227 carpenters listed in Houston
Houston's housing market offers exceptional value compared to other major metros, and the city's population growth continues to fuel demand. The Heights and Montrose remain the most popular renovation neighborhoods, with updated bungalows and modern builds selling quickly. Post-hurricane renovations have also driven demand for resilient building materials.
Carpenters in Houston at a glance
- 227 carpenters are listed in Houston, TX on Ratedeed.
- 14 of the 14 listings shown here include a phone number you can call directly.
- Listings cover 103 ZIP codes in and around Houston, including 76210, 77002, 77003, 77004, 77005, 77006.
Carpenters elsewhere in Texas: San Antonio (139), Dallas (138), Austin (119), Fort Worth (87), El Paso (61), Amarillo (37)
Homes and carpenters in Houston: the local numbers
Housing in Houston
- Houston has about 1,040,576 homes (housing units).
- The typical (median) home was built in 1982, 10 years older than the Texas median of 1992.
- 47% of homes were built before 1980 and 17% before 1960; 17% were built in 2010 or later.
- The median value of an owner-occupied home is $277,800.
- 42% of occupied homes are owner-occupied and 58% are rented.
- 43% of homes are single-family detached houses.
- The most common heating fuel is electricity (64% of homes), followed by natural gas from a utility (34%).
- The median home has 4.4 rooms.
- Median gross rent is $1,361 a month.
- Most occupied homes here are rented (58%), so tenants should get their landlord's approval before hiring anyone for repairs or alterations.
With 47% of Houston'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 (Houston, TX).
Carpenters workforce in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area
- Median hourly wage
- $23.88
- People employed
- 9,600
- In the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX metro area, carpenters earned a median of $23.88 an hour ($49,670 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $18.98–$32.93.
- About 9,600 people work in this occupation in the metro area.
- That is a lower share of local jobs than the national average (location quotient 0.68).
- 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 Houston and what it means for carpenters
- The average temperature in Houston is 70°F; summer afternoons average 92°F and winter nights 47°F.
- It gets about 55 inches of precipitation a year.
- There are about 5 nights a year at or below freezing and about 84 days at 90°F or hotter.
- It is a cooling-dominated climate: about 3,144 cooling degree days a year against 1,220 heating degree days.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Houston William P Hobby Airport station USW00012918 (19.4 km from the city centre).
How Houston ranks against other U.S. cities
- Houston has the 61st-newest housing of the 183 cities RateDeed covers (tied): the typical home was built in 1982. See the ranking
- Carpenters in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX metro area earn the 88th-lowest median wage of 292 metros: $23.88 an hour. See the ranking
Ranked against the other cities in RateDeed's research, using the figures above.
Top Carpenters in Houston
Listings include contact details and service areas. Check licensing with your state board before hiring.
Showing 14 of 227. See every listing in Houston
More carpenters elsewhere in Texas
Listed in other Texas cities, not in Houston.
Licensing and consumer protection in Texas
Texas does not license carpenters at the state level. Check that any carpenter you hire is insured and registered where your city requires it, before you sign a contract or pay a deposit.
Who regulates this trade
No state licence for carpenters in Texas
Structural work still needs a city building permit.
Insurance and workers' compensation
No state-mandated minimum for general liability, but most reputable contractors carry $500,000–$1M. Workers' compensation is NOT required by state law, but contractors without it must provide a certificate of non-coverage. Homeowners should be aware that if a contractor's employee is injured on their property and the contractor lacks workers' comp, the homeowner could be liable.
Mechanic's lien protection
Texas mechanic's lien rules are in Chapter 53 of the Property Code (rewritten for contracts signed on or after January 1, 2022). On a residential project the original contractor must file a lien affidavit with the county clerk by the 15th day of the third month after the month the work was completed, terminated or abandoned (§53.052), and must send you a copy. A lien on your homestead is only valid if a written contract was signed before work began and filed with the county clerk (§53.254). Subcontractors and suppliers who go unpaid must send you notice before they can claim a lien, so ask for signed lien waivers from the contractor and major subcontractors with each payment.
Source: Tex. Occ. Code ch. 1301 (plumbing); TDLR program pages; Tex. Prop. Code §§53.052, 53.254. Reviewed 2026-11-05; not legal advice.
What catches homeowners out in Texas
Texas does not have a state licensing requirement for general residential contractors or roofers — this is a critical distinction from many other states. Anyone can legally call themselves a general contractor or roofer in Texas, which makes local due diligence essential. Some municipalities (Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, Houston) enforce their own local registration or permit requirements. For trade-specific work, verify plumbing licenses through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), and electrical and HVAC licenses through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), as these trades are state-regulated in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hiring contractors
How much do carpenters earn in the Houston area?
In the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX metro area, carpenters earned a median of $23.88 an hour ($49,670 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $18.98–$32.93. About 9,600 people work in this occupation in the metro area. That is a lower share of local jobs than the national average (location quotient 0.68). 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 Houston?
The typical home in Houston was built in 1982, and 47% of homes were built before 1980. The median owner-occupied home is worth $277,800. With 47% of Houston'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 Houston?
Carpenter rates in Houston 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 Houston carpenters on Ratedeed to compare estimates.
Do I need a permit for carpentry work in Houston?
Cosmetic woodwork, interior trim, and cabinet installation do not require permits in Houston, TX. However, structural carpentry — including load-bearing wall removal, room additions, framing alterations, and deck construction — requires a municipal permit. Permits in Houston are handled by the City of Houston Public Works & Engineering, 1002 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77002 and typically take 5–20 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 Houston specialize in one area, while general carpenters handle both.
How do I find a skilled carpenter near Houston?
On Ratedeed, you can browse carpenters serving Houston 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.
Service Areas
Carpenters serving Houston and surrounding ZIP codes
ZIP Codes in Houston
What to Know Before Hiring a Carpenter in Houston
Local information for homeowners
Building Department
City of Houston Public Works & Engineering, 1002 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77002
Avg permit processing: 5–20 business days
Visit Building Dept Website🌤️ Climate Considerations
Houston's extreme humidity, heavy rainfall, and hurricane exposure make water management the top priority for any renovation. Install proper drainage systems, seal foundations, and use mold-resistant drywall in below-grade spaces. Hurricane straps and impact-rated windows are strongly recommended even outside officially designated flood zones. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F, making adequate HVAC sizing and radiant barrier roofing essential.
💡 Local Tip
Houston is the largest US city without formal zoning, which means residential properties can be built next to commercial and industrial uses. Before purchasing or renovating, check the specific deed restrictions and private covenants for your neighborhood — they often impose stricter rules than the city would. Foundation repair is the single most common renovation need in Houston due to expansive clay soils, so budget $5,000–$15,000 for potential foundation work.
📈 Housing Market
Houston's housing market offers exceptional value compared to other major metros, and the city's population growth continues to fuel demand. The Heights and Montrose remain the most popular renovation neighborhoods, with updated bungalows and modern builds selling quickly. Post-hurricane renovations have also driven demand for resilient building materials.
Top Neighborhoods
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