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Carpentry & joinery

Interior carpentry, parquet and window renovation.

2 min read
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last updated
6 Frequently asked questions

Interior carpentry in Switzerland enjoys a recognized artisan tradition (the "Menuisiers Suisses / VSSM" label). Whether for parquet, stairs, custom furniture or window renovation, choosing a certified carpenter guarantees quality, durability and compliance with Swiss standards.

Types of parquet

Solid wood

Noble wood throughout the thickness (12-22 mm). Can be sanded 4-6 times over 50+ years. Price: CHF 80-180/m² supplied + CHF 40-80/m² installed. Popular species in Switzerland: oak, beech, ash, walnut.

Engineered (3 layers)

A noble wood layer (3-4 mm) on a plywood base. More stable than solid wood, compatible with underfloor heating. Can be sanded 1-2 times. Price: CHF 50-120/m² supplied + CHF 30-60/m² installed.

Laminate

Printed decor on an HDF panel. No noble wood. Scratch-resistant but non-repairable. Price: CHF 20-60/m² supplied + CHF 25-45/m² installed.

How to choose?

Living room / bedroom: 3-layer engineered oak or solid wood (comfort, noble look)

Kitchen / entrance hall: engineered or moisture-resistant laminate

Bathroom: avoid wood, prefer tiles or LVT vinyl

Underfloor heating: engineered is mandatory (solid wood risks cupping)

Installation: steps and duration

  1. Acclimatisation of the wood in the room (48-72 h)
  2. Subfloor preparation: slab grinding, primer, levelling if needed
  3. Underlayment for sound/thermal insulation
  4. Installation (1-2 days for 30-50 m²)
  5. Finishing: skirting boards, oiling or varnishing

Total: 4-7 days for a 30 m² room.

Window renovation

In Switzerland, old windows (single glazing or double glazing from the 70s-80s) account for 10-15% of a building's heat losses.

Modern window types

  • High-performance double glazing (Ug 1.1): CHF 600-900/m² installed
  • Triple glazing (Ug 0.6-0.7): CHF 900-1,400/m² installed
  • Wood: elegant, requires maintenance every 3-5 years
  • Wood-aluminium: wood inside, aluminium outside, zero maintenance
  • PVC: economical, 30-40 year lifespan

When to replace?

If your windows are single glazing or 80s double glazing, replacement pays off in 10-15 years through energy savings + comfort gain + cantonal subsidies (Building Programme: CHF 40-80/m²).

Custom carpentry

Furniture and walk-in wardrobes

A custom walk-in wardrobe costs CHF 2,500 to 6,000 for an 8-15 m² room. Custom kitchen: CHF 20,000 to 60,000 depending on materials (melamine, solid wood, lacquered).

Staircases

  • Straight wooden staircase: CHF 3,500-7,000
  • Quarter-turn staircase: CHF 5,000-12,000
  • Design / spiral staircase: CHF 10,000-25,000

Interior doors

  • Standard wood door: CHF 400-800 installed
  • Door with solid wood frame: CHF 1,200-2,500
  • Sliding or pivot door: CHF 1,500-4,000

Swiss labels to look for

  • VSSM: Swiss Association of Master Carpenters (quality guarantee)
  • Menuisiers Suisses: federation label
  • FSC / PEFC: wood from sustainably managed forests
  • Minergie for high-performance windows

Maintenance

Parquet: vacuum or soft broom 1x/week, damp (not wet) cloth 1x/month, oiling/varnishing every 10-15 years.

Wood windows: stain every 3-5 years (exterior), seal cleaning 2x/year.

Sources

  • VSSM - Verband Schweizerischer Schreinermeister
  • Lignum - Swiss Wood Economy

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Frequently asked questions

For a living room or bedroom, opt for 3-layer engineered oak or solid wood (noble, durable). In a kitchen or entrance hall, a moisture-resistant engineered or laminate floor is sufficient. On underfloor heating, engineered flooring is mandatory (solid wood risks cupping).

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