How much does joinery cost for your extension?

If you’re planning to fix up your home in Ireland, you’ll want to know how much joinery work will cost. Joinery includes things like doors, window boards, and skirting boards. This guide will break down the costs for you.

Door Basics

Internal doors come in various materials, shapes, sizes, and finishes. Typically, the price of a door includes the frame, architrave, and the ironmongery. But remember, how a door is delivered affects the installation costs.

Delivery and Installation

There are two primary delivery methods:

  1. Pre-hung doors: These come pre-assembled on a frame, ready to fit.
  2. Unassembled doors: Common for self-builds, these require on-site work like hinge routing.

Starting at around €150, unassembled doors are more affordable, but costs rise based on material and design. Bespoke doors crafted by joiners can exceed €650, while sliding doors are similarly priced due to the guide rails and fixtures required.

Ironmongery

This term covers essentials like hinges, handles, locks, and more. With a vast range of materials and designs, the cost varies from below €50 to over €100 per door.

Fire Doors

Safety is paramount. Fire doors are engineered to prevent fire spread. They can cost more than standard doors, but affordable options exist.

Standard Door Dimensions

In Ireland, standard door heights are 1981mm (78”) or 2032mm (80”). Exceeding these dimensions means higher costs. Typical widths for these heights vary, with several standard sizes available. Remember: door thickness also matters; ROI has a standard of 44mm while NI sticks to 40mm.

Architraves, Skirting, and More

Traditional vs. Modern Choices

While pine (particularly red deal) was traditionally chosen for its versatility, the trend is shifting. Now, primed MDF is preferred due to fewer maintenance issues. It’s also common for frames and architraves to match door materials.

Skirting Boards

These form the intersection between walls and floors. Depending on material and design, costs range from under €1 per meter for pine or MDF to over €10 per meter for solid timber.

Liners

Liners fill the gap when a door frame doesn’t match the wall’s width. It’s essential to account for this when budgeting.

Wall Panelling

Panelling is a popular choice among interior designers, offering a touch of elegance. Most commonly, panels cover a third of the wall, about 900mm from the floor.

Types and Costs

  1. MDF Panelling: Routed designs in MDF can exceed €200 per square meter.
  2. Plant-On Panelling: A more affordable option, this method relies on beading applied directly to walls. Costs hover around €100 per square meter.
  3. Picture Framing: This approach divides walls into sections, resembling frames. Costs depend on design, but it can run up to €20 per meter.

Alternative Options

From solid timbers to hardwoods like cedar, there are many choices. These materials, however, can be pricier, sometimes well over €50 per square meter.

Built-In Storage Solutions

Wardrobes

The type of door, presence of mirrors, and added features like tie racks affect the overall cost. On average, a wardrobe may cost around €1,000 per meter.

TV Units

Constructed often from MDF, these units might incorporate glazed shelves and lighting. Being bespoke, their price is variable but can enter the thousand-euro range.

Screens and Additional Joinery

Screens, primarily used to maximize light flow, can replace walls. Their costs, starting from €550-600 per square meter, depend on materials and finishes.

Miscellaneous Joinery Elements

Window boards, framing, shutters, and radiator cabinets can enhance your home’s charm. Just as with other joinery elements, their cost depends on material and finish selection.

Conclusion

Joinery shapes the soul of your home. While costs can vary widely based on numerous factors, understanding them aids in budgeting. As you embark on your Irish home renovation, remember to prioritize quality and aesthetics in tandem, ensuring a space that feels uniquely yours.

Written by Astrid Madsen

Astrid Madsen is the editor of the SelfBuild magazine. Email astrid.madsen@selfbuild.ie

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