Furniture maker invoice template
A worked example for furniture makers in the retail, repair and other trades category, with 2026 prices and the VAT rules that apply.
A furniture maker invoice should show a unique invoice number, your name and address, the client's details, the date, each item of work with its price, and the total due. Furniture makers typically allow 7 days to pay and take a 50% deposit. VAT at 20% is added only if you are VAT registered.
Example furniture maker invoice
Dated 1 October 2026 with 7 day terms and a 50% deposit already received. Names and prices are fictional.
Invoice
INV-0042
From
N. Patel
Furniture maker
88 Victoria Road
Manchester
M14 7KL
Bill to
Ms P. Lindqvist
Flat 6, 27 Park Avenue
Bristol
BS8 1LN
- Invoice date
- 1 October 2026
- Due date
- 8 October 2026
- Terms
- 7 days
- Reference
- Furniture maker work, October 2026
| Description | Qty | Unit price | VAT | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bespoke oak dining table, 2.4 m x 1 m, hand finished, per drawing FM-31 | 1 item | £3,200.00 | 20% | £3,200.00 |
| Matching bench, 2.2 m | 1 item | £950.00 | 20% | £950.00 |
| Delivery and installation, 2 person, within 50 miles | 1 fixed | £180.00 | 20% | £180.00 |
- Subtotal
- £4,330.00
- VAT at 20%
- £866.00
- Total
- £5,196.00
- Less deposit received (50%)
- -£2,598.00
- Balance due
- £2,598.00
Typical rates for furniture makers
Guide figures for 2026. Rates vary by region and experience; the VAT figures come from the 2026-27 tax year data.
| Item | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| Typical hourly rate | £35 to £60 |
| Typical day rate | £280 to £450 |
| Payment terms | 7 days |
| Deposit | 50% up front |
| VAT flat rate sector | Manufacturing not listed elsewhere (9.5%) |
| VAT registration threshold | £90,000 taxable turnover in 12 months |
How do furniture makers usually invoice?
Furniture makers quote per piece from an approved drawing, take a deposit of around 50% on commission to buy timber, and invoice the balance before delivery, with the species, dimensions and finish stated because the commission is unique. Larger pieces are invoiced in three stages with a payment when the carcass is approved in the workshop. Delivery and installation are separate lines, and trade orders from interior designers are on 30 day terms.
Furniture makers in this example give the customer 7 days to pay, after a 50% deposit taken before the work starts. Hourly rates run from £35 to £60. A full day is typically £280 to £450.
What should a furniture maker put on an invoice?
Beyond the legal basics, furniture makers should:
- Reference the drawing number and state the timber, dimensions and finish on the invoice.
- Take 50% on commission and the balance before delivery; keep the piece until it clears.
- Invoice large commissions in three stages with a workshop approval visit as the middle one.
- Charge delivery and installation separately, and state the lead time agreed.
Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:
- a unique, sequential invoice number
- your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
- the client’s name and address
- the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
- a clear description of each item of work or goods
- the amount due and when it must be paid
- your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered
Do furniture makers charge VAT?
You only charge VAT once registered, which is compulsory when taxable turnover passes £90,000 in any rolling 12 months. Below that, show no VAT line and no VAT number. Once registered, this work is standard rated at 20%.
On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for furniture makers is usually “Manufacturing not listed elsewhere” at 9.5% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.
Source: GOV.UK: Invoicing and taking payment from customers; GOV.UK: VAT Flat Rate Scheme, how much you pay. Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
- How do furniture makers price a commission?
- Materials plus workshop hours at £35 to £60 an hour in 2026, so a bespoke solid oak dining table is £2,500 to £5,000 and a fitted bookcase £1,800 to £4,000. Quotes follow an approved drawing. Lead times of 8 to 16 weeks are normal.
- What deposit should a furniture maker take?
- Half on commission, because timber is bought and the piece has no other buyer. For commissions over about £5,000, three stages work better: a third on commission, a third on carcass approval, a third before delivery. State the schedule on the first invoice.
- Do furniture makers charge VAT?
- Only once registered, above £90,000 turnover, which a one-person workshop may not reach. Once registered, furniture, delivery and installation are standard rated at 20%. The flat rate sector for manufacturing not listed elsewhere is 9.5%, though timber purchases often make the scheme a poor fit.
More retail, repair and other trades templates
- Tailor invoice template
- Seamstress invoice template
- Upholsterer invoice template
- Welder invoice template
- Jeweller invoice template
- Phone repairer invoice template
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Cite this page: “Furniture maker invoice template (free UK example)”, SoleKit, https://solekit.co.uk/invoice-template/furniture-maker