India's Furniture Economy
The Carpenter Economy
How India's carpenters work on custom orders, the economics of site-made furniture, and why skills and tools are changing.
Carpenters remain central to Indian furniture.
How they work
- Build furniture on site at homes.
- Custom sizes and designs.
- Paid per job or per day.
Advantages
- Custom fit for rooms.
- Buyers choose materials.
Challenges
- Quality varies.
- Takes time and creates dust at home.
- Skilled carpenters are in short supply.
Changing tools
Power tools and modular components speed work.
Migration
Many carpenters migrate from states like Rajasthan and Bihar to cities.
Support
PM Vishwakarma includes carpenters.
The site carpenter
A carpenter spends two weeks building wardrobes in a new flat, adjusting to every wall.
Thinking carpentry is disappearing
It remains widespread.
Key takeaways
- Carpenters build custom furniture on site.
- Custom fit is an advantage.
- Quality and time vary.
- Power tools and modules are changing work.
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