Your Guide to Wood Work Cost Calculation in Pakistan
(Samajhain Lakri Ke Kaam Ka Kharcha)

Planning a new construction or renovation in Pakistan? Budgeting for wood work (lakri ka kaam) can be tricky. This guide by Avenir Developments breaks down how to accurately estimate costs for furniture, doors, cabinets, and more, helping you avoid surprises and make informed decisions for your beautiful space.

Woodwork and Carpentry Costs in Pakistan

how much wood is required

Woodwork Core Cost Components
(Bunyadi Baatein)

Wood Material Cost
(Lakri ki Qeemat)

The base price of the wood itself, usually quoted per Cubic Foot (CFT). This varies significantly based on wood type (e.g., Diyar vs. Partal), origin (local vs. imported), and quality grade.

Labour Charges Explained
(Mazdoori ki Tafseel)

The cost of the carpenter’s (mistri) skill and time to cut, shape, join, and install the wood work. This depends on the complexity of the design and the carpenter’s experience level.

Finishing & Polishing Costs
(Polish waghera ka Kharcha)

The expense for materials and labour involved in sanding, sealing, polishing, or painting the wood. High-gloss finishes or specialized paints increase this cost.

Hardware & Fittings
(Handles, Qabzay, aur Locks)

Don’t overlook the cost of necessary hardware like hinges (qabzay), handles, locks, drawer channels, and screws. Premium or imported fittings can add up quickly.

Measuring Unit: Cubic Feet (CFT) Explained
(Pemaish ka Unit: Cubic Foot)

Understanding the standard unit used in Pakistan’s timber market is key. CFT measures volume (Length x Width x Thickness in feet) and is how wood quantity and often pricing are determined.

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calculate wood work cost

Calculate Wood Cost for your Home

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Category Materials Used Labor Cost (PKR/sq ft) Per Unit Cost Range (PKR) Example Projects Usage
Starter Commercial Plywood (Local Brands: Diamond, Merino), MDF, Laminate Sheets 150-250/sq ft 80-120 (Material) + 150-250 (Labor) = 230-370/sq ft Basic shelves, simple wardrobes, TV stands Budget-conscious homeowners, small businesses, student accommodations (common in Lahore's Johar Town, Islamabad's E-11), Bahria Town
Standard MR Grade Plywood (Water-Resistant), Veneered MDF, Particle Board with PVC Finish 300-450/sq ft 150-250 (Material) + 300-450 (Labor) = 450-700/sq ft Modular kitchens, built-in cabinets, medium-complexity wardrobes Urban families (Islamabad G, I - Sectors, Lahore DHA Phase 3-5), Boutique Offices
Premium Marine Plywood (Imported), Solid Wood (Sheesham, Oak), High-Pressure Laminates (Formica), Custom Veneers 500-800/sq ft 300-600 (Material) + 500-800 (Labor) = 800-1,400+/sq ft Custom luxury wardrobes, executive office woodwork, architectural millwork Affluent clients (Islamabad Sector F-6/7, Lahore DHA Phase 6, DHA Phase 7, DHA Phase8, Corporate HQs, Luxury hotels

Why Investing in
Expertise Matters

Choosing the Right Wood & Its Impact
(Sahi Lakri Ka Intekhab Aur Asar)

Pakistan offers a variety of woods, each with different aesthetics, durability, and price points. Popular choices include durable Deodar (Diyar), beautiful Sheesham (Tali), versatile Kail (Pine), and imported options like Ash or Oak. Understanding the difference between hardwoods (stronger, often costlier) and softwoods helps you balance your budget and requirements. Your choice here significantly impacts the final cost per CFT.

Popular Local
Woods in Pakistan

Exploring common choices like Deodar (Diyar), Sheesham (Rosewood/Tali), Kail (Pine), Kikar (Acacia), and Partal. Understand their typical uses, looks, and relative price ranges within Pakistan.

Understanding
Imported Woods

Accurately measure the designated space for a woodworking project. This task requires precise measurements of the area where the woodwork will be installed or constructed.

Hardwood vs. Softwood:
What's the Difference in Cost?

A simple explanation of hardwoods (denser, stronger, usually pricier like Sheesham, Oak) and softwoods (lighter, often cheaper like Pine, Partal) and how this basic classification affects budget planning.

Durability vs. Budget:
Finding the Balance

How to choose wood that meets your durability needs (e.g., high-traffic areas vs. decorative pieces) without unnecessarily inflating the cost. Sometimes, a mid-range wood is the smartest choice.

Aesthetics & Grain Patterns: Matching Your Style

Considering the visual impact. Different woods offer unique colours and grain patterns (like the distinctive look of Sheesham or the uniform texture of Ash). Factor this into your design vision and budget.

why choose

why choose avenir developments

At Avenir Developments, we take the guesswork out of woodwork budgeting. Whether you’re renovating a home, building a commercial space, or designing custom interiors, our accurate, transparent, and efficient cost calculation services ensure you stay in control of your project from day one.

Here’s why we’re trusted across Pakistan:

🪵 Precision in Every Detail – From custom cabinetry to full-scale interior woodworks, our calculations factor in material types, finishes, hardware, and labor to give you an exact, itemized breakdown.

📐 Industry Expertise – With deep knowledge of local market rates and material availability, we provide cost estimates that are both competitive and realistic—no hidden surprises.

📊 Smart Budgeting Tools – We use advanced estimation software and time-tested methodologies, giving you fast, reliable results that align with your project goals.

🧱 Integration with Design & Execution – As a full-service development firm, we align woodwork costs with architectural and interior plans, ensuring harmony across the board.

💬 Consultation & Flexibility – Need a premium or budget-friendly solution? We offer multiple costing tiers to match your vision without compromising on quality.

📍 Local Insight, Nationwide Reach – We understand the unique challenges and pricing variations across regions in Pakistan—from Karachi to Lahore to Islamabad.

Saving You Cost and Time

We design for people. Our considered and innovative design-led approach to contemporary architecture delivers what you want, and what you didn’t know you needed.

calculate wood requirements

FAQs

Woodwork plays a crucial role in various aspects of house construction. Key areas include:

  • Structural Framing: Framing walls, floors, and roofs (often using lumber).
  • Exterior Elements: Siding, fascia, soffit, decks, porches.
  • Interior Elements: Wall paneling, trim (baseboards, crown molding, door and window casings), staircases, railings.
  • Doors and Windows: Wooden doors and window frames.
  • Cabinetry and Built-ins: Kitchen and bathroom cabinets, shelving, closets.
  • Flooring: Hardwood, engineered wood, and sometimes as a subfloor material.

Hidden costs often include transportation of wood, wastage (typically add 10-15% extra wood quantity), specific hardware (specialty hinges, premium handles), intricate carving labour, and multiple coats of high-quality polish or paint which require more labour and material. Always clarify these with your contractor.

Several wood species are used, each with different properties:

  • Softwoods (e.g., Pine, Fir, Spruce): Primarily used for structural framing due to their affordability and workability. Also used for sheathing, subflooring, and some trim.
  • Hardwoods (e.g., Oak, Maple, Cherry): Favored for flooring, cabinetry, high-end trim, and furniture due to their durability, hardness, and aesthetic appeal.
  • Engineered Wood Products (e.g., Plywood, OSB, LVL): Used for sheathing, subflooring, and structural components, offering stability and consistent quality.
  • Treated Wood: Lumber chemically treated to resist rot, decay, and insect infestation, commonly used for exterior applications in contact with the ground or exposed to moisture (e.g., deck joists, fence posts).

Proper care and preventative measures are essential:

  • Moisture Control: Protect wood from excessive moisture, which can lead to rot, warping, and mold growth. Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens, and address any leaks promptly.
  • Pest Control: Protect against termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-boring insects through regular inspections and appropriate treatments if necessary.
  • Proper Finishing: Apply appropriate sealants, stains, or paints to protect wood from moisture, UV rays, and wear and tear. Maintain these finishes as needed.
  • Regular Maintenance: Inspect woodwork for any signs of damage (cracks, rot, insect activity) and address them promptly. Keep exterior wood clean of debris.
  • Proper Installation: Ensure woodwork is installed correctly with appropriate fasteners and techniques to prevent stress and movement.

Several factors influence wood selection:

  • Structural Requirements: Load-bearing elements require strong and stable wood.
  • Durability and Wear: High-traffic areas like flooring require harder, more durable wood. Exterior elements need resistance to weather and pests.
  • Moisture Exposure: Areas prone to moisture require moisture-resistant wood or proper sealing and ventilation.
  • Aesthetics: The desired look and feel will influence the choice of wood species and grain patterns.
  • Budget: Different wood types have varying costs.
  • Workability: Some woods are easier to cut, shape, and fasten than others.
  • Sustainability: Consider sustainably sourced wood options.

The woodwork phase generally involves these steps:

  • Framing: Constructing the skeletal structure of walls, floors, and roof.
  • Sheathing and Subflooring: Applying panels to the framing for structural support and a base for finishes.
  • Roofing Structure: Building the roof trusses or rafters and applying roof decking.
  • Exterior Woodwork: Installing siding, fascia, soffit, and exterior trim.
  • Window and Door Installation: Fitting wooden frames and doors.
  • Staircase Construction: Building wooden stairs and railings.
  • Interior Trim Work: Installing baseboards, crown molding, door and window casings.
  • Cabinetry and Built-in Installation: Installing kitchen and bathroom cabinets, shelving, and other built-in features.
  • Flooring Installation: Laying hardwood or engineered wood flooring.
  • Finishing: Sanding, staining, and sealing wooden surfaces.
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