Carpenter invoice template for decks, framing, fit-outs and repairs: it keeps labour, materials and variations on separate lines so the client or builder can match every dollar to the quote. That is what gets a carpentry invoice paid without a phone call. Free, with GST, your ABN and a PDF download.
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What should a carpentry invoice include?
A carpentry invoice should include the ATO basics (your name, ABN, date, description, price and GST) plus three things builders and homeowners check first: the quote or contract it relates to, labour and materials on separate lines, and any approved variations. Lump-sum invoices that say "carpentry works: $8,400" are the ones that get queried.
- Labour: hours × rate, or the fixed price for the stage ("Frame and sheet laundry wall, as quoted").
- Materials: timber, sheeting, hardware and fixings. Group them sensibly; nobody needs 40 lines of screws.
- Quote, contract or PO number, and the site address.
- Variations: each approved change as its own line with its reference.
- Deposit or progress payments received, with the balance due.
- Licence number, if you hold a builder's or contractor licence (see below).
Then the essentials: a unique invoice number (see how to number invoices), payment terms and bank details. If you are GST-registered, title it "Tax Invoice"; for sales of $1,000 or more the ATO also requires the buyer's identity or ABN, which covers most carpentry jobs. Full checklist: tax invoice requirements.
Should a carpenter charge hourly or a fixed price?
Use a fixed price when you can measure the scope before you start, and hourly when you cannot. A deck, a run of skirting or a set of hung doors suits a fixed price; rot repairs, maintenance and "while you're here" jobs suit hourly, because the real work only shows once the old timber comes off.
- Fixed price: invoice the quoted amount per stage. Changes go through as variations, not extra hours.
- Hourly: show the hours per day, not one total. "3 days, 22.5 hours" is easier to accept than "22.5 hours".
- Materials either way: list them separately. If you add a margin to materials, build it into the unit price consistently rather than as a surprise line.
A fixed-price job starts with a quote. Our free quote generator produces one in the same format as the invoice, and invoice vs quote vs receipt explains when each one applies.
How do you invoice deposits and progress payments for building work?
Issue each deposit and progress claim as its own numbered invoice that names the contract stage and shows the running total paid. For residential building work, deposits are capped by state law, so check the cap before you send the first invoice.
| State | Written contract needed | Maximum deposit (residential) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Contract price over $5,000 incl. GST | 10% of the contract price | NSW Fair Trading |
| VIC | Major domestic building contract for most work over $10,000 | 10% under $20,000; 5% at $20,000 or more | Consumer Affairs Victoria |
| QLD | Domestic building contract over $3,300, in writing, dated and signed | Check QBCC rules for your contract | QBCC |
In NSW, large-job contracts (over $20,000) must include a progress payment schedule; in Victoria, staged payments follow defined stages such as base, frame, lock-up and fixing. Your progress invoice should quote the stage exactly as the contract names it: "Progress claim 2 of 4: frame stage complete, per contract HBC-0412". For the full walkthrough see how to write an invoice for building work.
This is where carpentry cash flow breaks: a quote is accepted by text, the deposit invoice goes out a week later, and progress claims to a builder sit unopened. If you are retyping accepted quotes into invoices and chasing builders for stage payments, InvoiceSonic (from the same team) lets the client accept a quote online and turns it into an invoice, then sends automatic reminders and shows you when the invoice has been opened. Pro is A$19/month, with a free plan to try it.
How do you invoice variations on a carpentry job?
Get the variation agreed in writing first, then bill it as its own line that quotes the variation reference and date. In NSW, agreements to vary a home building contract must be in writing and signed by both the homeowner and the contractor; in Queensland, the QBCC says the contractor must give the variation in writing within five business days of agreeing it, or before the work starts, whichever comes first.
An invoice line such as "Variation 2: add third step and handrail to deck, approved 3 October 2026, $260" leaves nothing to argue about. A line that says "extras: $260" invites a dispute at the final payment.
Does your licence number go on a carpentry invoice?
The ATO does not require a licence number on a tax invoice, but state building rules require it on other documents, so put it on your invoices as well and keep everything consistent. In NSW, home building contracts must include the contractor licence number. In Queensland, licensees must include their QBCC licence name and number in all advertising, which the QBCC defines broadly to include websites, social media and business cards.
Victoria and the other states have their own registration schemes; check your state regulator for the exact rules. If you subcontract to a builder, they report what they pay you to the ATO in a Taxable payments annual report, so make sure your ABN and business name on the invoice match your ABN registration. Without an ABN, the builder may have to withhold 47% of the payment (see our ABN guide).
Worked carpenter invoice example
Example: a fixed-price timber deck with one approved variation. The figures are illustrative, not recommended rates. Copy the descriptions into the Australian invoice generator and replace the quantities and prices with your own.
| Line item | Qty | Rate before GST | Amount before GST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labour: build 4.2 m × 3.6 m deck, as quoted (Q-1188) | 1 | $1,360.00 | $1,360.00 |
| Materials: treated pine framing and merbau decking | 1 | $1,240.00 | $1,240.00 |
| Fixings, joist hangers and stainless screws | 1 | $180.00 | $180.00 |
| Variation 1: add third step, approved 3 October 2026 | 1 | $260.00 | $260.00 |
| Subtotal | $3,040.00 | ||
| GST at 10%, if registered and supply is taxable | $304.00 | ||
| Total including GST | $3,344.00 | ||
Make this useful for your client: Quote the original quote number and the variation reference so the client can tick each line off. If you have already invoiced a deposit, reference that invoice number in the notes and show the balance still owing. If you are not registered for GST, use "Invoice", set GST to zero and remove the GST line. Check the ATO tax invoice requirements before sending a tax invoice.
Frequently asked questions
What should a carpentry invoice include?
Your business name and ABN, the client and site address, a unique invoice number and date, the quote or contract reference, labour and materials on separate lines, any approved variations, the total with GST if you are registered, and your payment details. Add your builder's or contractor licence number if you hold one.
How much deposit can a carpenter ask for?
For residential building work it depends on the state. In NSW the maximum deposit is 10% of the contract price. In Victoria it is 10% if the contract price is under $20,000 and 5% if it is $20,000 or more. In Queensland, check the QBCC rules for your contract. These caps apply to residential (home) building work.
How do I write an invoice for building work?
Reference the contract or quote, describe the stage or work completed, list labour, materials and approved variations as separate lines, show amounts already paid and the balance due, add GST if registered, and set clear payment terms. Issue each progress claim as its own numbered invoice.
Should a carpenter charge hourly or a fixed price?
Charge a fixed price when the scope is clear and you can measure it, such as a deck or a set of doors. Charge hourly for repairs, maintenance and anything you cannot see until you open it up. Either way, put materials on their own lines.
Is this carpenter invoice template free?
Yes. No signup, no watermark, unlimited invoices, and your data stays in your browser.
Builder or carpenter chasing a late stage payment? Follow the steps in how to chase overdue invoices, or compare invoicing apps for builders. When the free PDF stops being enough because you are juggling quotes, deposits and progress claims across several jobs, InvoiceSonic keeps quote acceptance, invoices, reminders and open tracking in one place.
General information, not tax or legal advice. Check the ATO and your state building regulator for your situation. Related: Tradie · Electrician · Plumber.
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