Carpenters in
Trenton, NJ
31 carpenters listed in Trenton
Carpenters in Trenton at a glance
- 31 carpenters are listed in Trenton, NJ on Ratedeed.
- 11 of the 11 listings shown here include a phone number you can call directly.
- Listings cover 12 ZIP codes in and around Trenton, including 08608, 08609, 08610, 08611, 08618, 08619.
Carpenters elsewhere in New Jersey: Long Branch (24), Newark (19), Toms River (18), Elizabeth (10), Clifton (10), Cherry Hill (10)
Homes and carpenters in Trenton: the local numbers
Housing in Trenton
- Trenton has about 34,513 homes (housing units).
- The typical (median) home was built in 1953, 17 years older than the New Jersey median of 1970.
- 79% of homes were built before 1980 and 60% before 1960; 5% were built in 2010 or later.
- The median value of an owner-occupied home is $160,700.
- 38% of occupied homes are owner-occupied and 62% are rented.
- 16% of homes are single-family detached houses.
- The most common heating fuel is natural gas from a utility (64% of homes), followed by electricity (26%).
- The median home has 5.1 rooms.
- Median gross rent is $1,294 a month.
- That makes Trenton's housing among the older stock in the country: the typical U.S. home was built in 1980.
- Home values run 65% below the New Jersey median of $454,400.
- Most occupied homes here are rented (62%), 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 16% of homes are detached houses, so many jobs involve building rules, shared walls or a condo board.
With 79% of Trenton'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 (Trenton, NJ).
Carpenters workforce in the Trenton-Princeton, NJ area
- Median hourly wage
- $31.58
- People employed
- 610
- In the Trenton-Princeton, NJ metro area, carpenters earned a median of $31.58 an hour ($65,690 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $21.49–$58.43.
- About 610 people work in this occupation in the metro area.
- That is a lower share of local jobs than the national average (location quotient 0.59).
- 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 Trenton and what it means for carpenters
- The average temperature in Trenton is 54°F; summer afternoons average 83°F and winter nights 26°F.
- It gets about 46 inches of precipitation a year.
- There are about 100 nights a year at or below freezing and about 16 days at 90°F or hotter.
- It is a heating-dominated climate: about 5,159 heating degree days a year against 965 cooling degree days.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Trenton Mercer CO Airport station USW00014792 (9.8 km from the city centre).
Top Carpenters in Trenton
Listings include contact details and service areas. Check licensing with your state board before hiring.
Showing 11 of 31. See every listing in Trenton
More carpenters elsewhere in New Jersey
Listed in other New Jersey cities, not in Trenton.
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 Trenton area?
In the Trenton-Princeton, NJ metro area, carpenters earned a median of $31.58 an hour ($65,690 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $21.49–$58.43. About 610 people work in this occupation in the metro area. That is a lower share of local jobs than the national average (location quotient 0.59). 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 Trenton?
The typical home in Trenton was built in 1953, and 79% of homes were built before 1980. The median owner-occupied home is worth $160,700. With 79% of Trenton'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 Trenton?
Carpenter rates in Trenton 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 Trenton carpenters on Ratedeed to compare estimates.
Do I need a permit for carpentry work in Trenton?
Cosmetic woodwork, interior trim, and cabinet installation do not require permits in Trenton, NJ. However, structural carpentry — including load-bearing wall removal, room additions, framing alterations, and deck construction — requires a municipal permit. Contact the Trenton building department for permit requirements.
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 Trenton specialize in one area, while general carpenters handle both.
How do I find a skilled carpenter near Trenton?
On Ratedeed, you can browse carpenters serving Trenton 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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