Custom furniture workshop using reclaimed wood
Starting costs about $23,400 in the United States and 4,070,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $2,460 net per month in the United States and 602,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 15 months, with 45 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 247 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $23,400 | $2,460 |
| Nigeria | 4,070,000 NGN | 602,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £15,800 | £1,670 |
| Kenya | 1,050,000 KES | 79,900 KES |
| India | 519,000 INR | 58,300 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Customers want sturdy, unique, long-lasting furniture, but traditional bespoke work is expensive and flat-pack furniture wears out quickly.
The solution
Build custom tables, shelves, counters and fit-outs from reclaimed wood (quality pallets, beams, demolition sites), with a careful finish.
Your customers
Homeowners furnishing their homes, cafés and restaurants, shops, offices and tourist accommodation seeking a warm style.
How you make money
Pieces from €300 to €3,000, commercial fit-outs quoted at €2,000 to €15,000.
Competition
Traditional carpenters and cabinetmakers, furniture chains, established reuse craftspeople, second-hand sellers online.
Who has an edge
A carpenter or cabinetmaker with a distinctive style, able to source sound reclaimed wood and sell their craft with good photos.
The risks
Irregular wood supply, treated or contaminated wood to reject, underestimated build times, and reliance on the renovation market.
The first 3 steps
- Find three regular sources of sound reclaimed wood
- Build five showcase pieces and photograph them professionally
- Offer a pilot fit-out to a café or shop
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €6,800 − costs €5,100 = €1,700 net per month. Revenue: 4 pieces × €700 + 1 business fit-out × €4,000. Costs: wood and hardware, workshop rent, tools, delivery, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Reclaimed wood furniture?
About $23,400 (United States), 4,070,000 NGN (Nigeria), £15,800 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 247 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $2,460 (United States), 602,000 NGN (Nigeria), £1,670 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 15 months, with 45 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Irregular wood supply, treated or contaminated wood to reject, underestimated build times, and reliance on the renovation market.
Where do I start?
1. Find three regular sources of sound reclaimed wood 2. Build five showcase pieces and photograph them professionally 3. Offer a pilot fit-out to a café or shop
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