The Top 10 Niches For Retired Carpenters and Wood Lovers

Turn your passion, skill, and experience into a successful micro business with any one of these Top 10 Niches for Retired Carpenters.

1. Pet flap doors – strong market for pet-friendly home products like this (30-min quick installation required cut-out in the door).
2. Child friendly wood toys – The market for child-friendly toys is huge (once your prototype is done, you can replicate it for pricing and efficiency).
3. Door hanging – Door hanging specialists are always in demand (most door hangers lack the right tools & machinery).
4. High-end precision carpentry – Seasoned professionals are hard to find these day (always in demand).
5. Cabinet assembly – A great niche for DIY homeowners and businesses alike.
6. Cabinet repair (especially cabinet door hinges) – Someone has to do this! (a niche within a niche).
7. Furniture restoration – Do it for others or buy and upsell – there’s money to be made (turn this into a lucrative hobby).
8. Building props for film, theater & exhibitions – if you’ve build a network in these industries, this is a great niche.
9. Custom high-end coffee tables – Have a home studio? (why not combine with furniture upsell?)
10. Wood shutter blinds & window blinds installer – People are buying shutters and blinds online and need an installer (collaborate with sellers).

Bonus: Floating shelves – floating shelves can be made in interesting variations and are in demand for (1) bedside tables (2) corridors (Lounge)

∆ Just to get this straight—I have little to no experience making things. My only DIY success involves assembling flat-pack furniture with only minor emotional damage 😐 That said, I have spent hours researching this, thanks to our mutual acquaintance, Google Search. Based on my highly skilled analytical abilities (and too much coffee), I’m convinced these are fantastic risk-free—or at least, minimal-risk—retirement businesses.

Let’s dive in –

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Pet Flap Doors

Is there a market for pet flap door installation? Definitely (according to Google search).

Doggy Doors & Flaps appear to be a popular search term. So is Custom Pet Door Installations – Homeowners search for professionals to install pet doors. Either import the flap-doors or tailor make them in your home studio. Pet Flap Doors appear to be on a growth trajectory.

• Townhouse with small gardens.
• Standalone homes.
• Apartments with patios.

🐾 Custom Pet Flap Door Installations by a Skilled Retired Artisan! 🐾Give your furry friends the freedom they deserve with professionally installed pet flap doors! I ensure secure, precise installations — no gaps, no draughts, just perfect craftsmanship. 🔨 Reliable | Neat | Hassle-Free 🔨📍 Serving [Your Area] | 🏡 Custom Fit | 🛠

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Wooden Child Friendly Toys

Here’s what’s trending:

1. Eco-Friendly Wooden Toys – Parents are increasingly looking for sustainable, non-toxic toys.
2. Wooden front-loaders – Durable, handcrafted vehicles for interactive play.
3. DIY Craft Kits for Kids – Pre-cut wooden kits for children to assemble and paint.

If you’re just vaguely interested in wooden toys, you’ve noticed how expensive these things are in the shop. The SA market is expected to expand at an 8.11% CAGR from 2024 to 2029, showing strong demand for quality, handcrafted toys. I think this is definitely worthy of this top 10 niches for retired carpenters.

🚜🛠 Handcrafted Wooden Construction Toys – Built for Big Imaginations! 🛠🚜 Let your little builders take charge with full child-size wooden diggers, scoopers, and more! Designed for durability and safe play, these handcrafted toys bring real construction fun to the backyard. 🔨 Sturdy | Safe | Imagination–boosting 🔨 Crafted by a retired artisan with precision carpentry skills 🌱 Eco-friendly wood | 💪 Built to last | 🎨 Custom finishes available Give your child the gift of hands-on play – message me today! 🚀

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Door hanging Specialist

Another winner of the Top 10 Niches for Retired Carpenters is Door Hanging specialist. I’ve been in construction a long time and I can swear by this niche – It’s a high-demand niche! It’s a high-demand service because it caters for discerning homeowners, Interior designers, builders, renovators, developers – precise door installations are rare these days.

Here’s why this could work well for you:

1. Consistent Demand – New builds, renovations, and repairs always require skilled door hanging.
2. Precision Work – Many DIY attempts fail, making professional installation essential.
3. Custom Solutions – Tailored skirting designs and door fittings add aesthetic value.
4. Security & Functionality – Properly installed doors improve home security and insulation.
5. Commercial & Residential Markets – Offices, hotels, and homes all need expert door fitting.

Key: the right tools for the job!

🔨 Expert Door Hanging & Skirting Installation – Precision by a Retired Artisan! 🔨 A well-hung door is more than just an entryway—it’s a statement of quality. Whether it’s interior, exterior, sliding, or custom doors, I bring decades of carpentry experience to ensure perfect alignment, and lasting durability. ✅ Neat | Precise | Hassle-Free Installations ✅ Skirting Installation for a Flawless Finish ✅ Repairs & Adjustments for Squeaky or Misaligned Doors 📍 Serving [Your Area] | 🏡 Custom Solutions | 🛠 Attention to Detail Give your home the perfect doors & skirtings—message me today! 🚀

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High-End Precision Woodwork

This niche required a higher level of expertise, space and machinery. Nonetheless, it’s a great niche, because, frankly, there are so few craftspeople around these days. Pro-tip: Go: for smaller, detail-oriented projects – like –

1. Fine Cabinetry & Bespoke Furniture – Small-scale, high-quality cabinets and custom furniture pieces.
2. Wooden Restoration for Antiques – Precision repairs for vintage furniture and heirloom pieces.
3. Architectural Wood Details – Custom moldings, trims, and decorative woodwork for upscale homes.

✨ Precision Woodworking – Bringing Designs to Life with Expert Craftsmanship! ✨ From concept to reality, I transform detailed designs into high-end custom wood creations with absolute precision. Through architectural detail, bespoke furniture, or intricate wooden art, my years of expertise ensure flawless execution. 🔨 Exacting Detail | Seamless Craftsmanship | Built to Last 🔨 Handcrafted Elegance | Tailored to Your Specifications 🔨 📍 Serving [Your Area] | 🔍 Precision Engineering | 🏡 Custom Commissions If you need exquisite woodwork that turns visions into reality, let’s create something extraordinary! 🚀

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Cabinet Assembly

Cabinet assembly is a solid niche, especially for a retired carpenter looking for precision-focused, smaller-scale work. Normally, the cabinet units arrive is pieces (flat-pack) and require someone with experience to put it together professionally.

Here’s why it’s a great fit –

Commercial & Residential – Residential, offices, hotels, and retail stores require expert cabinet fitting. Act as advisory, procurement over-sight and installer for interior designers and renovators.

Consistent Demand – Homeowners, renovators, and businesses frequently need cabinet installations. They need your experience.

Custom Solutions – Many clients prefer tailored cabinetry for kitchens, offices, and storage spaces. If you can compile an accurate cut-sheet, over-see the cutting process, delivery – you’re in demand.

DIY Challenges – Many people struggle with assembling cabinets, creating demand for skilled professionals.

Luxury & High-End Markets – Premium cabinetry for upscale homes and businesses is a lucrative niche.

🛠️ Expert Cabinet Assembly – Precision by a Retired Craftsman! 🛠️ Perfectly assembled cabinets make all the difference in a home or office. With years of carpentry expertise, I ensure sturdy, and expertly fitted cabinets—whether it’s for kitchens, storage spaces, or custom units. ✅ Neat | Strong | Precision-Fitted ✅ Kitchen, Office, & Custom Cabinet Assembly ✅ Repairs & Adjustments for Misaligned or Loose Cabinets 📍 Serving [Your Area] | 🏡 Tailored Solutions | 🔨 Craftsmanship You Can Trust Let’s build functional and beautifully crafted cabinets together—contact me today! 🚀

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Cabinet Repairs

Cabinet door hinge repairs using proper plates is a smart niche (because these things break over time), especially for homeowners struggling with loose or damaged hinges.

Here’s why it’s a valuable service:

Why Cabinet Door Hinge Repairs Are in Demand

1. Common Wear & Tear – Hinges loosen over time, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
2. DIY Challenges – Many homeowners struggle with proper hinge alignment and reinforcement.
3. Custom Solutions – Repair plates provide stronger, longer-lasting fixes than basic screws.
4. Rental & Commercial Properties – Landlords and businesses need quick, reliable fixes.

🔩 Cabinet Door Hinge Repairs – Precision Fixes by a Retired Craftsman! 🔩 Loose, misaligned, or squeaky cabinet doors? I restore stability and function with expert hinge repairs, using proper reinforcement plates for lasting durability. ✅ Strong | Precise | Seamless Repairs ✅ Fixing Loose Hinges ✅ Cabinet Door Realignment for Perfect Fit 📍 Serving [Your Area] | 🏡 Quality Craftsmanship | 🔨 Expert Solutions Get your cabinet doors working like new—contact me today! 🚀

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Furniture Restoration (includes upholstery)

Furniture restoration, (and upholstery), is a tried and tested niche. If you’re into precision craftsmanship with artistic flair, this makes for a perfect home business. Here’s why it’s a strong niche:

1. DIY Challenges – It’s not for DIYers
2. High Demand for Vintage & Antique Restoration
3. Eco-Friendly Appeal – Restoring furniture is more sustainable than buying new (trending).
4. Luxury Market – High-end clients seek bespoke fabric and leather finishes.
5. Commercial & Hospitality Needs – Hotels, restaurants, and offices require routine furniture maintenance.

✨ Expert Furniture Restoration & Upholstery – Craftsmanship by a Retired Artisan! ✨🛋️ Breathe new life into worn-out furniture with meticulous restoration and upholstery. Whether it’s a beloved antique, a classic armchair, or a luxury sofa, I bring expert precision, quality materials, and timeless craftsmanship to every piece. ✅ Reupholstery | Repair | Refinishing ✅ Antique & Vintage Restorations ✅ Custom Upholstery for Sofas, Chairs & Ottomans 📍 Serving [Your Area] | 🏡 Tailored Solutions | 🔨 Attention to Detail Let’s restore beauty, comfort, and elegance—contact me today! 🚀

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Sets and Props

Another Top 10 Niches for Retired Carpenters is film sets, theater productions, and expos, especially for artisans with a keen eye for detail. I almost skipped this one, but gave it a second thought because, as it turns out, props and sets are a real thing.

1. Film & TV Industry Demand – Productions need custom-built sets, furniture, and props.
2. Expos & Trade Shows – Businesses require custom booths, displays, and signage.
3. Theater & Event Staging – Stage productions need durable, lightweight wooden props.
4. Museum & Art Installations – Galleries and museums commission custom woodwork.
5. Theme Parks & Attractions – Wooden structures for interactive exhibits and decor.

Where Are The Opportunities?

• Film & TV Production Companies – Studios in Cape Town often hire set carpenters.
• Trade Shows & Expos – Events
• Theater & Event Companies – Local theaters and event planners require stage props.

Position yourself as a specialist in custom-built props and exhibition displays, offering bespoke craftsmanship for high-end clients.

🔨 Custom Set Props – Precision Craftsmanship by a Retired Artisan! 🔨 Transform ideas into reality with expertly crafted props for film, theater, and exhibitions. Whether it’s stage sets, themed décor, or intricate wooden props, I bring decades of carpentry experience to create authentic, durable designs. ✅ Film & TV Productions | Theater Sets | Event Exhibits ✅ Precision Craftsmanship 📍 Serving [Your Area] | 🎬 Tailored Creations | 🏗️ Built to Impress

If you need high-quality, handcrafted props, let’s bring your vision to life! 🚀

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Custom Bespoke High-end Coffee Tables

Bespoke coffee tables are not cheap. It’s also not economically practical to import them because of the volume and weight. I think herein lies the opportunity. Custom bespoke high-end coffee tables, expertly made by an experienced retired artisan can be a great selling point.

Why High-End Coffee Tables Are in Demand from High-End Clients

1. Luxury Home Decor Trends – Homeowners and designers seek unique, statement pieces.
2. Custom Craftsmanship Appeal – Clients prefer handmade, one-of-a-kind designs, over mass-produced furniture.
3. Corporate & Hospitality Markets – Hotels, offices, and lounges require high-end coffee tables.
4. Collectors & Art Enthusiasts – Some buyers view custom furniture as functional art.

☕ Bespoke High-End Coffee Tables – Handcrafted Elegance from My Home Studio! ☕ Elevate your living space with custom, artisanal coffee tables, designed and crafted with passion, and premium materials. Each piece is uniquely built to reflect timeless style and lasting durability. 🔨 One-of-a-Kind Designs | 🔨 | Custom Finishes Available 🔨 Made with Expertise in a Retired Artisan’s Home Studio 📍 Serving [Your Area] | 🏡 Custom Commissions | ✨ High-End Statement Pieces If you’re looking for a distinctive, handcrafted coffee table, let’s create something extraordinary! 🚀

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Wood Shutters and Window Blinds Installer

Google search spits out some great numbers with wood shutter blinds and window blinds installation. There are also a number of very successful online stores selling these things direct – AKA installation experts are in demand to put them up. The data shows a strong market for custom, high-end window treatments in South Africa. Here’s why this could be a great fit for you:

Why Wood Shutter & Window Blind Installation is a Strong Niche

1. Luxury Home & Office Demand – Many homeowners and businesses prefer custom-fitted blinds.
2. DIY Challenges – Many people struggle with proper installation, creating demand for skilled professionals.
3. Commercial & Hospitality Markets – Hotels, offices, and restaurants require premium window treatments.

🪟✨ Expert Window Shutter & Blinds Installation – Precision by a Retired Craftsman! ✨🪟 Enhance your home with beautiful, perfectly installed window shutters and blinds. With years of carpentry expertise, I ensure seamless fitting, durable craftsmanship, and a polished finish for every installation. ✅ Wooden Shutters | Roller Blinds | Venetian & Roman Blinds ✅ Custom Fitting & Repairs for Homes & Offices ✅ Expert Craftsmanship for Lasting Quality 📍 Serving [Your Area] | 🏡 Tailored Installations | 🔨 Precision Work Upgrade your windows with stylish, functional shutters & blinds—contact me today! 🚀

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Bonus: Floating Shelves

I love this idea because these ‘floating shelves’ you get at Builders (and others) are not great (and they’re expensive) – Nonetheless, they stock these shelves because they sell well. Why not take it up a notch and produce really good, (think) bespoke floating shelves – people appreciate unique, handcrafted items over mass-produced goods. People often value the story and the human touch behind artisanal products.

1. Value for Money: artisanal quality at standard retail prices presents a compelling value proposition.
2. Many consumers actively seek to support independent creators, especially retirees who are pursuing their craft.
3. Home Decor Trends: Floating shelves are a popular and versatile home decor item.

– Secret find! – Exquisite floating shelves, made by a retired carpenter, available at regular shop prices. Don’t miss out on this incredible value for handcrafted quality. Delivered in Cape Town from R500 (installed)

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There you have it – my Top 10 (err 11) Niches For Retired Carpenters.

If you have a skill, the space to store your machines and tools – and want to do something useful and creative in between golf and pruning the shrubs, I hope these ideas will inspire you into action.

You can do a single niche (more time for golf) – or combine 2-3 niches and double/triple your earnings) – if you’re making something spectacular, produced your prototype – then list it here on Older Warriors

Let me know in the comments if you have personal experience with any of these ideas – and help out if I’ve missed anything.

Cheers