Carpentry

Carpentry costs in Bath and Bristol vary widely depending on project complexity, materials and specific requirements, making generalised pricing challenging. For basic carpentry work such as door hanging or simple shelving, hourly rates typically range from £30-£45 per hour. More complex bespoke joinery projects are usually quoted based on the complete installation. As indicative examples: fitted alcove cupboards and shelving for a standard Victorian living room typically costs £1,200-£2,500 depending on complexity and materials; custom fitted wardrobes for a master bedroom generally range from £2,500-£5,000 based on size, internal configuration and door styles; staircase renovations typically start from £2,000 for basic refurbishment to £8,000+ for complete bespoke replacements; and custom kitchen installations (carpentry only, excluding units) typically cost £1,500-£3,500. Factors significantly affecting pricing include: timber selection (hardwoods like oak commanding premium prices over softwood or MDF constructions); complexity of design (intricate detailing and non-standard dimensions requiring more skilled labour); property access considerations (particularly relevant in Bath's townhouses with restricted access); finish requirements (paint-grade versus stained/varnished finishes with the latter requiring more preparation); and whether the work involves restoration of period features, which typically demands more time and expertise. For heritage properties in Bath's conservation areas, specialised carpentry often costs 20-30% more than equivalent modern installations due to the additional skills and techniques required. We provide detailed, transparent quotations following property assessment, breaking down materials, labour and any specialist requirements, ensuring you understand exactly what the project involves with no unexpected costs.

Our wood recommendations for Bath and Bristol carpentry projects are tailored to each specific application, balancing aesthetics, durability, sustainability and budget considerations. For painted interior joinery including fitted furniture, skirting boards and architraves, we typically recommend tulipwood (American poplar) or redwood pine for their excellent paint adhesion, stability and cost-effectiveness. When visible timber finishes are desired for items like shelving or feature furniture, European oak remains our most popular recommendation for its outstanding durability, beautiful grain patterns and traditional character that complements both period Bath properties and contemporary Bristol homes. For budget-conscious projects requiring stable finishes, we often suggest using high-quality birch plywood with solid timber edging, providing excellent value while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Kitchen cabinetry typically utilises moisture-resistant MDF for painted finishes or oak/walnut for natural wood kitchens, with solid timber used for high-wear elements like worktops where species such as oak, maple or walnut provide both beauty and functionality. For period property restoration in Bath, we source reclaimed pine or closely matched new timber with appropriate ageing techniques to integrate seamlessly with existing woodwork. External applications demand weather-resistant species – we recommend cedar or pressure-treated Scandinavian redwood for standard decking and fencing, while iroko or oak provide premium options for statement external joinery with superior longevity. For Bath's listed buildings requiring exact historical matching, we maintain relationships with specialist timber merchants supplying rare or character-matched woods. Sustainability remains central to our sourcing policy – we use FSC or PEFC certified timber wherever possible and can provide full chain of custody documentation for environmentally-conscious clients. Each project benefits from specific wood recommendations during our consultation process, considering the unique requirements and context of your particular carpentry needs.

Carpentry project timeframes in Bath and Bristol properties vary considerably based on complexity, size and specific requirements. For standard installations, approximate timescales include: basic door hanging or adjustment typically requiring 2-4 hours per door; simple floating shelving installations generally completed within a single day; fitted alcove units usually taking 2-3 days from preparation to final finishing; and custom fitted wardrobes typically requiring 3-5 days for installation following manufacturing. More substantial projects naturally demand longer timeframes: complete staircase replacements generally require 5-7 working days on site; bespoke kitchen installations typically take 5-10 days depending on complexity; and comprehensive room panelling might extend to 1-2 weeks for intricate designs. These on-site installation periods exclude design, material procurement and off-site manufacturing times, which can add 2-6 weeks to overall project duration for bespoke joinery items requiring workshop fabrication. For Bath's period properties, particularly listed buildings requiring conservation-approved techniques or materials, both preparation and execution timelines may extend by 25-40% compared to standard installations due to the additional care and traditional methods employed. Factors affecting project duration include: material availability (especially for specialist or reclaimed timber); property access restrictions; presence of unexpected issues discovered during installation; and coordination with other trades for complex renovations. We provide realistic timeframe estimates during quotation, incorporating all phases from initial design through manufacturing to final installation and finishing. For occupied properties, we develop efficient work schedules minimising disruption, often completing projects in planned phases to maintain household functionality throughout. Our approach emphasises quality craftsmanship over rushed completion, ensuring durable, precise results while still maintaining efficient project progression.

Yes, matching existing woodwork in Bath's approximately 5,000 listed buildings and numerous period properties is one of our specialist capabilities, developed through extensive experience with the region's architectural heritage. Our approach begins with detailed assessment of original features, documenting timber species, construction techniques, moulding profiles, joint types, and finish characteristics. For Georgian and Victorian properties predominant in Bath, we're experienced in replicating distinctive architectural elements including ornate skirting profiles, complex architraves, panel mouldings, and decorative cornices. We employ traditional woodworking methods including hand-cutting dovetail joints, crafting mortise and tenon connections, and replicating period-specific details that machine manufacturing cannot accurately reproduce. Our workshop maintains an extensive library of custom cutters allowing precise matching of historical moulding profiles particular to different architectural periods and property types. For timber matching, we source appropriate species – often reclaimed pine for Victorian woodwork or oak for earlier Georgian features – selecting grain patterns and character that harmonise with existing elements. Where original timbers have developed distinctive patina through age, we apply specialist finishing techniques including hand-colouring, distressing, and traditional wax or oil applications to integrate new elements seamlessly. For Bath's listed buildings, we understand conservation requirements for like-for-like replacement, providing detailed documentation for planning approval when needed. Our carpenters receive specific training in heritage joinery techniques, ensuring authentic reproduction rather than approximate imitation. This commitment to authentic matching extends beyond visible aesthetics to underlying construction methods, ensuring that restored elements maintain historical integrity while meeting modern performance expectations. While perfect matching of centuries-old timber presents inherent challenges, our attention to detail and preservation-focused approach consistently delivers results that satisfy both conservation requirements and client expectations, preserving the distinctive character that makes Bath's architectural heritage internationally significant.

Our bespoke fitted furniture process for Bath and Bristol properties follows a structured approach ensuring exceptional results tailored to your specific requirements. We begin with an in-depth consultation exploring your practical needs, aesthetic preferences, storage requirements and budget parameters. During this conversation, we discuss material options ranging from traditional solid timbers to contemporary engineered boards, finish possibilities from hand-painted to natural wood treatments, and hardware selections complementing your interior style. Following initial consultation, our carpenters conduct detailed site measurements, documenting all relevant dimensions including challenging features like sloping ceilings in Bath's period properties or uneven walls in Bristol's Victorian homes. We pay particular attention to practical considerations including access routes, existing services, and structural elements that might impact design. Our design team then develops concept proposals incorporating your requirements with optimal space utilisation, presenting these as detailed CAD drawings or hand sketches depending on project complexity. This design phase remains collaborative, with refinement based on your feedback until the perfect solution is achieved. Once designs are approved, we provide comprehensive quotations breaking down all costs for materials, manufacturing, installation and finishing. For manufactured elements, we create detailed workshop drawings specifying every component dimension, joint type, material selection and hardware position. Manufacturing typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on complexity and material availability, with all components carefully created in our workshop using precision machinery for consistent quality. The installation phase is meticulously planned, with experienced carpenters ensuring minimal disruption while achieving perfect alignment and integration with your property. Final finishing, whether paint application, oil treatments or varnishing, is completed to exacting standards with appropriate drying time between coats. The process concludes with a detailed walkthrough, ensuring complete satisfaction with both functionality and aesthetics before project completion. This comprehensive approach delivers truly bespoke furniture perfectly tailored to your unique space and requirements.

Yes, we undertake comprehensive structural carpentry work throughout Bath and Bristol properties, with our qualified team experienced in both traditional and contemporary timber construction techniques. Our structural capabilities include installation and repair of roof structures, floor joists, load-bearing beams, timber stud walls, and structural bracing. For Bath's numerous period properties with original timber frameworks, we specialise in sympathetic structural repairs including replacement of deteriorated beam ends, sistering of weakened joists, and traditional scarfing techniques to extend structural timbers without complete replacement. We're experienced with structural challenges specific to the region, including remediation of local dry rot issues common in Bath's basement areas, repair of fire-damaged structural elements, and reinforcement of timber floors to meet modern loading requirements while preserving original character. Our approach to structural carpentry begins with thorough assessment, often working alongside structural engineers for complex projects requiring calculations and building regulation approval. We understand the distinctive construction methods employed in different architectural periods, from Georgian properties with substantial primary timbers to Victorian buildings with their typical joist and purlin configurations. For contemporary structural carpentry, we're fully conversant with modern timber engineering including installation of glulam beams, I-joists, metal web joists, and timber frame construction elements. All structural work is completed in full compliance with current building regulations, with appropriate notifications and certification where required. For listed buildings in Bath's conservation areas, we have extensive experience navigating planning requirements for structural modifications, balancing essential strengthening with heritage preservation concerns. Our carpenters receive regular training in structural techniques and safety procedures, ensuring work is completed to the highest standards with appropriate site protection and temporary support methods during structural interventions. Unlike some general carpentry services, our capability extends to complex load-bearing elements where precision and technical knowledge are essential for both safety and compliance purposes.