Prices and facts on this page were checked in September 2026.
Carpenters and furniture makers in Malta
Dapperlance lists independent carpenters, custom furniture makers and upholsterers in Malta, with workshops in Msida and Santa Venera. Between them they cover custom furniture and vanity units, epoxy and casting work, refurbished antique pieces, and home, car, yacht and aviation upholstery with imported materials such as Sunbrella. Message any of them for free from their listing.
What does custom furniture cost in Malta?
Custom carpentry and upholstery in Malta is quoted per piece after measuring, and no Malta workshop we checked publishes a rate card. We looked at Malta carpenters' and upholsterers' own websites in September 2026 and found galleries, not prices. The table below shows how each kind of job is usually priced so you can read a quote.
| Job | How it is priced |
|---|---|
| Fitted wardrobes and kitchens | Per running metre or per unit, board grade and hardware named |
| Custom tables, vanities, shelving | Fixed price per piece from a drawing |
| Sofa or armchair re-upholstery | Per piece, fabric priced per metre on top |
| Car and boat upholstery, covers, canopies | Per job, material grade drives it |
| Furniture assembly and small repairs | Hourly or per item, ask before booking |
Three things move the price. Material: solid wood costs several times more than melamine faced board, and marine grade fabrics several times more than a standard upholstery cloth. Hardware: soft close hinges, drawer runners and handles are a large share of a fitted job, and the brand should be on the quote. Finish: spray lacquer, veneer and epoxy resin all add workshop time.
How to choose a carpenter or upholsterer in Malta
Ask for a drawing or a photo of the reference piece with the quote, and a delivery date in writing. There is no carpenter's licence in Malta and the Building and Construction Authority's contractor licence covers construction, demolition and excavation rather than joinery. A workshop you can visit is worth more than a licence: look at the joints, the edge banding and the inside of a drawer on a finished piece.
For upholstery, ask whether the frame and springs are checked and repaired as part of the job, and whether the fabric comes from their stock or you can bring your own. Imported outdoor and marine fabrics matter in Malta, sun and salt destroy standard cloth in two summers.
Common mistakes to avoid: paying a large deposit with no drawing (a third on order, the rest on delivery is normal), measuring the space yourself for a fitted piece (let the maker measure, Maltese walls are rarely square), and choosing a fitted kitchen by the door style alone when the carcass board and hinges decide how long it lasts.
Browse the carpenters and upholsterers listed above and message them directly, it is free. Related categories: Building & Renovation and Handyman.
Frequently asked questions
How long does custom furniture take in Malta?
Four to eight weeks from confirmed drawing to delivery is typical for a single piece or a wardrobe, longer for a full kitchen or in the run up to summer. Imported hardware and fabrics add lead time. Get the date in writing with the quote.
Is re-upholstering cheaper than buying new?
For a well made frame, usually yes, and the result outlasts a new budget sofa. For a cheap frame with sagging springs it often is not. Ask the upholsterer to look at the frame first, an honest one will tell you when replacement makes more sense.
What deposit is normal?
Around a third on confirming the drawing, sometimes half if materials are ordered specially, with the balance on delivery. Be cautious about paying in full up front for a piece that does not exist yet.
Can a carpenter in Malta match an existing piece?
Usually, from a photo and measurements. Old Maltese furniture is often solid wood in dimensions no shop stocks, so a workshop is the practical route for matching a wardrobe door or extending a table. Some makers also refurbish antique pieces rather than replacing them.