Starter kit: what the first paid job needs
A carpenter's kit is a saw for every cut and the tools to make it fit: square, level, nailers and a compressor. Start with what gets trim and small framing done well, and add cabinet and finish tools as the work moves indoors.
| Item | Why you need it | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Framing hammer, 20 oz milled face | Framing, demo and setting nails by hand | $68 (Bon Tool milled face framing hammer, 20 oz, Bon Tool) |
| Cordless drill and impact driver | Screws, holes and hardware all day | Varies by brand |
| Cordless circular saw | Rips and crosscuts on site | Varies by brand |
| Miter saw on a stand | Trim, crown and repeat cuts | Varies by brand |
| Speed square, framing square and chalk line | Layout that stays square | Varies by brand |
| 4 ft and 2 ft levels | Plumb doors, level cabinets | Varies by brand |
| Finish nailer and brad nailer with a small compressor | Trim that goes up fast and clean | Varies by brand |
| Chisels, block plane and a coping saw | Fitting doors and coped trim joints | Varies by brand |
| Step ladder, 6 ft | Crown and ceiling work | $229 (Little Giant King Kombo 6 ft fiberglass Pro bundle, Little Giant) |
Pro kit: what a busy shop adds
Add these when the calendar is full and the starter kit is slowing you down. Most carpenters buy them one at a time, when a job pays for one.
| Item | Why it pays | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Track saw and rail | Straight cuts on sheet goods and doors | Varies by brand |
| Jobsite table saw | Rips and built-ins on site | Varies by brand |
| Framing nailer | Walls and decks without a hammer | Varies by brand |
| Router with a set of bits | Edges, hinges and joinery | Varies by brand |
| Dust extractor | Clean cuts inside occupied homes | Varies by brand |
| Wood moisture meter | Checking stock before it moves in place | $435 (Delmhorst JX-20 wood moisture meter, Delmhorst) |
Van stock: what you restock every week
Parts and supplies that let you finish on the first visit. Keep a short list on your phone and restock on the same day each week.
- Finish nails, brads and framing nails. The three sizes you use every day.
- Construction screws and trim screws. Stronger hold where nails will not do.
- Wood glue and construction adhesive. Joints and subfloors.
- Shims and wood filler. Doors, cabinets and the final fit.
- Sandpaper and sanding sponges. Finish prep before paint.
- Saw blades for the miter and circular saw. A sharp blade means less sanding.
What a carpentry kit costs
The 2 starter kit items we could price add up to $297 at the maker's listed price, out of 9 on the list. The rest vary too much by brand and size to give one honest number, so price them with your supplier.
The 1 pro kit items we could price add up to $435 at the maker's listed price, out of 6 on the list. The rest vary too much by brand and size to give one honest number, so price them with your supplier.
Saws and nailers swing the total most, and cordless platforms lock you into one battery brand. Pick the platform first, then add tools as jobs pay for them.
Prices are the ones shown on each maker's own site on the date in the sources. Dealers and sales change them, so treat them as a starting point.
Where to buy it
Most carpenters buy hand tools and small parts wherever is closest, and set up a trade account for the items they buy every week. Our carpentry suppliers list names the distributors and pro programs for this trade, and the Home Depot Pro vs Lowe's Pro page compares the two big-box programs row by row.
With Koira: the office side of the kit
The kit gets you to the job. Koira runs the rest: estimates with signing and deposits, invoices and card payments and your day plan, all on the free Office plan. Start with the carpentry services list to set your prices.
Sources
- Bon Tool: Bon Tool milled face framing hammer, 20 oz, checked October 9, 2026
- Little Giant: Little Giant King Kombo 6 ft fiberglass Pro bundle, checked October 9, 2026
- Delmhorst: Delmhorst JX-20 wood moisture meter, checked October 9, 2026
- Insureon: Insurance cost for carpenters, checked October 9, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.