Things to consider when starting a woodworking business

Timber is an immensely versatile material that people have been crafting things out of for thousands of years but not everyone has the skill or the patience to turn a plank of wood into a table, a chair or a patio.

If you’re naturally good with your hands and have always fancied turning that natural ability into a profession then there are few professions as noble and potentially lucrative as woodworking. While AI and machines might overtake office-based jobs, it will be a long time before they can match the dexterity of human hands so if you’re looking for something futureproof, this could be it. But there are several things you’ll want to consider before getting started. Workshop size and restrictions

You’re going to be spending most of your day dealing with hard wood and power tools, so you’ll need an appropriate work environment with the right space and the right ventilation. The space should be large and open enough to store all your materials and ensure you’re not tripping over yourself. Also, as most power tools are noisy you may want to soundproof the workshop to keep the noise levels contained, particularly if you’re working out of your home and have close neighbours.

What services will you offer?

The services you offer will come to define the kind of carpenter you become. Think about what you’re good at and what the market demands and try to find a comfortable middle ground. Wooden furniture is always going to be in demand, but you might find your niche in crafting more unique, bespoke pieces. You should also consider offering to repair and upscale existing pieces too as this will really increase your potential for work.

Logistics and Suppliers

Wood is your resource and you’re going to need a lot of it. The real key is finding a steady supply of timber that is of decent quality and affordable. You could find an exotic variety of woods or stick to something more common like plywood sheet timber. Another option could be to scour timber yards looking for cheap offcuts to use. This, however, will probably prove prohibitively time-con-suming.

Marketing to your audience

You need to market your audience so people are aware of your business whether this is via word of mouth, social media or even local papers. A leafleting campaign of the immediate area can be use-ful if you’re trying to build a local following but always start by telling your friends and family. They can be your greatest cheerleaders and are effectively a free marketing resource. Also, if you are planning on specialising in something, make it the primary focus of all marketing materials.