What Drives Interior Fit-Out Costs?
Interior fit-out costs in Munich depend on numerous factors, and generic per-square-metre prices only tell part of the story. The main cost drivers are: materials and finishes (walnut veneer costs three to four times as much as melamine coating), construction complexity (a simple built-in wardrobe is cheaper than a walk-in closet with lighting and soft-close drawers), the extent of preparatory work (do walls need straightening, electrics rerouting, or old fittings removing?), and the on-site installation situation (fifth floor without a lift in Schwabing costs more than ground floor in Unterhaching). Time pressure also plays a role: express orders cost 15 to 25 percent more.
Price Overview: What Does Custom Furniture Cost in Munich?
Here is a realistic overview for Munich in 2026. Built-in wardrobes: A simple hallway wardrobe (2 metres wide, floor to ceiling) costs 2,500 to 4,500 euros. A walk-in wardrobe starts at 6,000 euros and can reach 15,000 with high-end fittings. Shelving and living room furniture: A custom bookcase runs 1,500 to 4,000 euros, a TV unit or sideboard 2,000 to 5,000 euros. Bathroom furniture: A vanity unit with mirror and lighting costs 2,500 to 6,000 euros. Office furniture: A single workstation with desk and storage starts at 3,000 euros, complete office fit-outs range from 15,000 to 80,000 euros depending on size. These prices include surveying, design, manufacturing, and installation — but not electrical or plumbing work.
Custom Kitchens: The Biggest Single Investment
The kitchen is the largest single item in most interior fit-out projects. In Munich in 2026, we see the following price ranges: A functional custom L-shaped kitchen with solid materials and good appliances comes in at 18,000 to 28,000 euros. An upscale kitchen with natural stone worktop, solid wood fronts, and premium appliances (Gaggenau, Bora, Miele) runs between 30,000 and 55,000 euros. Kitchen islands add 5,000 to 15,000 euros depending on size and specification. Important to know: appliances often account for 30 to 40 percent of the total cost. Choosing the second line of a premium manufacturer — for example Neff instead of Gaggenau — can save 3,000 to 5,000 euros without a noticeable drop in quality.
Why Munich Is More Expensive — And How to Save Regardless
Munich is one of the most expensive locations for skilled trades in Germany. Hourly rates for joiners here run 65 to 95 euros net — in rural Bavaria, it is 45 to 65 euros. Add to that the high workshop rents in Munich, which feed into pricing. This explains why identical furniture pieces cost 20 to 35 percent more in Munich than in Augsburg or Rosenheim. You can still save — smartly. First: choose materials deliberately. Oak is beautiful, but European maple or beech cost significantly less and also look excellent. Second: use standard dimensions where possible. If your drawers can be 50 cm deep instead of 47.3 cm, you avoid custom-made runner systems. Third: bundle projects. If you commission kitchen and built-in wardrobe together, planning and travel costs decrease.
The WoodHood Model: Munich Quality, Fair Prices
WoodHood follows a model that fundamentally changes the cost equation for custom furniture: design, planning, and client management are based in Unterhaching near Munich, while the skilled manufacturing takes place in a dedicated workshop in Kosovo. There, trained joiners work with modern CNC machines and quality materials — but workshop costs are 30 to 40 percent below Munich levels. For the client, this means premium-quality custom furniture at prices significantly closer to mass-produced alternatives. A built-in wardrobe that would cost 4,500 euros at a purely Munich-based joinery comes in at around 2,800 to 3,200 euros with WoodHood. Quality control and on-site installation are handled by the Munich team — the client has a local contact and notices nothing about the production location.
Cost Planning: How to Avoid Nasty Surprises
The most common cause of cost overruns in interior fit-outs is not inflated trade prices but inadequate planning. Our most important advice: invest time in the planning phase. Have thorough measurements taken before any quote is produced. Clarify all electrical and plumbing questions before work begins. Define a total budget and communicate it openly — a good joiner will tell you what is possible within that framework. Get at least two, ideally three quotes, but do not compare only the bottom line: check scope of work, material specifications, and whether installation is included. A low price without installation can end up more expensive than a higher all-inclusive price. And always set aside 10 to 15 percent contingency — especially with period buildings in Munich, surprises are the rule, not the exception.