Whether you’re furnishing your coastal retreat in Mornington or upgrading a family home in Mount Eliza, knowing how much to pay someone to build a dresser can be a tricky question. In Australia, particularly in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, custom furniture-making costs vary widely depending on materials, craftsmanship, and local market rates. With Mornington Cabinet Makers, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from labour costs and materials to factors influencing price—so you can make an informed decision while staying within budget.
Why Choose a Custom-Built Dresser?
Before diving into numbers, it’s worth asking: why hire someone to build a dresser at all?
In a region like Mornington, where beachside elegance meets modern living, homeowners are increasingly turning to custom furniture to match interior aesthetics and space constraints. A custom dresser allows you to:
- Match the wood tone to existing bedroom or living room furniture
- Choose durable, high-quality materials (like Tasmanian oak or Victorian ash)
- Design to your specifications (number of drawers, dimensions, soft-close hardware)
- Support local carpenters and trades in the Mornington Peninsula region
Average Cost to Build a Custom Dresser in Mornington
💰 Ballpark Estimate:
For a mid-range custom dresser (about 1200mm wide, 900mm high with 4–6 drawers), expect to pay AUD $800 to $2,500 in Mornington.
Cost Breakdown:
| Component | Price Range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Labour (10–20 hours) | $500 – $1,500 |
| Materials (wood, finishings) | $250 – $700 |
| Design & Planning | $50 – $300 |
| Delivery (optional) | $50 – $150 |
Keep in mind these are estimates. Intricate designs, imported wood types, or rush jobs can drive prices higher.
Factors That Influence the Price
1. Material Choice
Hardwoods like Tasmanian oak, blackbutt, or jarrah cost more than pine or MDF. In Mornington, where salt air can affect durability, many locals opt for moisture-resistant finishes or treated timber.
2. Labour Rates in Mornington Peninsula
Skilled tradespeople in Mornington often charge $40–$75 per hour, depending on experience and demand. If you hire a furniture maker from nearby Frankston or Mount Martha, prices may vary slightly.
3. Complexity of Design
Simple, Shaker-style dressers are easier and faster to build than ornate, French Provincial pieces with mouldings or carvings.
4. Custom Features
- Soft-close drawers
- Built-in cable management
- Modular configurations
All these add to labour and parts cost.
5. Workshop vs. On-Site Build
Hiring a carpenter with a local Mornington-based workshop might save you money versus someone who builds on-site and needs transport allowances.
Local Carpenters & Furniture Makers in Mornington
If you’re searching for someone to build your dresser locally, here are some options to consider:
🔨 Local Mentions:
- Mornington Cabinet Makers – known for bespoke cabinetry and dressers
- Coastal Joinery Mornington – specialises in coastal-style and minimalist furniture
- Mount Eliza Interiors – offers design-to-build solutions tailored to Mornington homes
Make sure to ask for:
- Portfolio samples
- A breakdown of pricing
- Timber sourcing info (e.g., is it FSC-certified or locally milled?)
Should You Buy Flat-Pack Instead?
With popular furniture retailers like IKEA, Freedom, and Fantastic Furniture offering ready-to-assemble dressers, why go custom?
Pros of Flat-Pack:
- Lower cost (as low as $200)
- Easy availability
- Wide variety of styles
Cons:
- Lower durability (especially in Mornington’s coastal humidity)
- Limited customisation
- Assembly required—or pay someone else to assemble it
🧰 Pro tip: If you do buy flat-pack, hiring a handyman in Mornington to assemble it will typically cost $80–$200, depending on the complexity.
Is It Worth Paying More for a Custom Dresser?
Short answer: Yes—if quality, longevity, and personalisation matter to you.
A custom-built dresser:
- Lasts for decades, especially when built with solid Australian hardwoods
- Increases your home’s interior value
- Reflects your style and spatial needs perfectly
Especially in the Mornington Peninsula, where design aesthetics trend toward Hamptons, coastal luxe, and Scandi minimalism, a well-built dresser becomes a centrepiece in the bedroom, hallway, or even a multi-use guest room.
Cost-Saving Tips for Mornington Residents
- Supply Your Own Timber – Some locals source reclaimed wood from Mornington Timber & Hardware or Urban Salvage in Spotswood, reducing material costs.
- Opt for Simple Designs – Fewer drawers and clean lines equal lower build time and cost.
- Combine Orders – Need other pieces like nightstands or a matching bookshelf? Combining builds can lower your per-item labour cost.
- Ask About Offcuts – Some woodworkers in the Peninsula area offer discounts if they can use timber offcuts from larger jobs.
How to Hire the Right Person
When selecting someone to build your dresser, consider:
- Reviews: Look at Google and Hipages listings in Mornington
- Qualifications: Are they a registered builder or cabinetmaker in Victoria?
- Timeframe: Custom builds can take 1–4 weeks
- Communication: Are they responsive and open to collaborative design?
Final Thoughts
So, how much should you pay someone to build a dresser in Mornington, Australia? Expect to budget between $800 and $2,500, depending on complexity, materials, and the maker’s experience.
Choosing to go custom not only enhances your interior space but also supports local craftsmanship in the vibrant, design-forward community of Mornington Peninsula. Whether you want a minimalist oak dresser or a statement piece in beachy whitewash, investing in a locally made dresser brings both aesthetic and functional rewards.