Kitchen Woodwork in Pakistan: Timber and Board Choices, Joints, Finishes, Hardware, How a Carpenter Builds Cabinets on Site, Indicative Rates per Foot and How to Supervise the Work
Kitchen woodwork is the carpentry that makes your cabinets, shelves and counters, and in Pakistan much of it is still built on site by a skilled carpenter rather than ordered ready-made. This page covers timber and board choices, joints, finishes, hardware, how a carpenter builds cabinets on site, indicative rates per foot and how to supervise the work. For ready-made options see modular kitchens, for wood kitchens see wooden kitchens and for boards see cabinet sheets.
Timber and board choices
Solid timber such as shisham, deodar or kikar gives strength but is costly and moves with humidity. Plywood is stable and strong. MDF is smooth for painted finishes. Choose moisture-resistant boards near the sink, and treat timber against termites.
Joints and construction
Good cabinets use dowels, screws and glue, or modern cam fittings, with a solid back panel for rigidity. Check that shelves are supported by pins or fixed, and that the base is strong. Poor joints loosen and sag over time.
Finishes
Finishes include laminate, veneer, paint and PU polish. Laminate is practical. Veneer shows natural grain. PU and paint give a smooth modern look. Apply sealer to edges and backs to stop moisture.
Indicative rates
These ranges show common figures for carpenter-built cabinets per running foot of base and wall units, with materials, before counter and appliances.
| Construction | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Plywood carcase with laminate | PKR 9,000 - 16,000 |
| Plywood with veneer and PU polish | PKR 15,000 - 28,000 |
| MDF with paint or PU finish | PKR 12,000 - 22,000 |
| Solid timber doors with plywood carcase | PKR 18,000 - 35,000 |
| Carpenter labour only, per running foot | PKR 1,500 - 4,000 |
Prices move with brand, model, size and stock. Use these ranges to judge a quote, then compare the exact model and what is included.
Hardware
Good hinges and channels matter more than the timber in daily use. Choose soft-close hinges, strong drawer slides and stainless steel handles. See drawer channels and kitchen accessories.
Site work or workshop
Some carpenters build on site, which fits odd spaces but creates dust and takes longer. Others make in a workshop and assemble on site, which gives a cleaner finish. Ask which method is used and where the work will be done.
Supervising the work
- Drawing. Sign off sizes before cutting.
- Materials. Check boards and hardware on delivery.
- Stages. Pay as work progresses.
- Levels. Check carcases are level and square.
- Final check. Open every door and drawer.
Before you decide
Visit work the carpenter has done and ask for references. Put the specification in writing, including board type, thickness, finish and hardware, and agree a timeline. A skilled carpenter with a clear drawing can build a kitchen that rivals modular work, and cost less for custom sizes. Keep a copy of the signed drawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The carpentry that builds kitchen cabinets, shelves and counters, often by a carpenter on site or in a workshop. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay.
Plywood is stable and strong, solid timber such as shisham or deodar is strong but moves with humidity and MDF suits painted finishes. Use moisture-resistant boards near the sink. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering.
As a guide, plywood with laminate is about PKR 9,000 to 16,000 per running foot, veneer and PU about PKR 15,000 to 28,000 and carpenter labour only about PKR 1,500 to 4,000. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering.
Sign off a drawing, check materials on delivery, pay in stages, check levels and open every door and drawer at the end. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise.
Use treated timber and boards, keep the kitchen dry and check behind cabinets regularly. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Usually the same working day once you send the quantity, the size or rating and a photo. The reply is a written rate with the model, warranty and delivery listed, so you can compare it against other quotes line by line. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit.
Hiring a carpenter?
Send the details and a photo. We reply with a written rate.