Specialist Carpentry and Joinery

We excel in creating extraordinary wooden elements that require exceptional skill, technical expertise, and artistic vision. From heritage restoration and complex architectural features to innovative curved woodwork and bespoke timber structures, our master craftsmen deliver solutions that push the boundaries of traditional joinery.

Based in our fully-equipped Isleworth workshop, our team combines time-honoured techniques with cutting-edge technology to tackle challenging and unique projects.

Have a specialist joinery project in mind? Call us on 07508 018055 for an expert consultation.

Our Specialist Services

We offer advanced woodworking expertise across several specialist disciplines:

Heritage & Conservation

Period Restoration - Authentic repair and replication of historic timber elements using traditional techniques
Listed Building Joinery - Sympathetic conservation work compliant with heritage requirements
Antique Furniture Restoration - Expert repair and conservation of valuable wooden furniture and fittings
Traditional Joinery Techniques - Hand-cut dovetails, mortise and tenon joints, and traditional finishing methods

Architectural Joinery

Curved & Shaped Woodwork - Complex curved staircases, arches, and radius work
Structural Timber Features - Load-bearing joinery and specialist timber engineering
Geometric Panelling - Intricate patterns and decorative wall treatments
Sculptural Elements - Three-dimensional wooden features and artistic installations

Technical Specialisms

Secondary Glazing Systems - Bespoke acoustic and thermal solutions for heritage properties
Heavy Duty Fly Screens - Custom hardwood frames with specialist mesh for period properties
Specialist Veneering - Book-matching, marquetry, and decorative inlay work
Fine Finishing - French polishing, hand-waxing, and specialist paint techniques

Our Approach

Specialist joinery demands a meticulous approach from concept to completion:

1. Expert Assessment

We begin with a thorough evaluation of your project requirements. For heritage work, this includes documenting existing features, researching historical context, and understanding conservation guidelines. For contemporary specialist joinery, we analyse design challenges, structural implications, and material performance. Our team works closely with you to define a detailed brief that captures both technical requirements and aesthetic vision.

2. Specialised Design & Planning

Our technical designers develop detailed plans tailored to your project's unique demands. We produce comprehensive technical drawings, material specifications, and construction methodologies. For complex projects, we may create scale models or prototypes to test solutions.

3. Master Craftsmanship

Our workshop is equipped with both traditional hand tools and precision machinery, allowing us to combine time-honoured techniques with modern efficiency. Each component is meticulously crafted with exacting attention to detail, whether we're recreating historical joinery or realising innovative contemporary designs.

4. Precision Installation

The installation of specialist joinery demands exceptional skill and care. Our installation team has extensive experience handling delicate period features, managing complex fitting challenges, and working in sensitive environments. We use specialised equipment and techniques to ensure perfect positioning and integration of complex wooden elements. The final result is thoroughly inspected to confirm it meets our exacting quality standards.

FAQs

How do you approach heritage joinery restoration?

Our heritage restoration approach begins with thorough documentation and research to understand the original craftsmanship. We assess the condition of existing elements, identifying original materials and construction techniques. Where possible, we conserve and repair rather than replace, using matching timber species and traditional jointing methods. We employ period-appropriate tools and techniques, from hand-planing to traditional finishing methods like shellac and wax. For listed buildings, we work closely with conservation officers to develop sympathetic solutions that preserve historical integrity while meeting modern performance requirements.

What techniques do you use for curved woodwork?

Curved woodwork requires specialised techniques depending on the design and timber species. For gentle curves, we often use steam bending, where wood is heated with steam to make it temporarily pliable before being shaped and dried. For complex curves, we employ lamination—creating thin layers of wood bonded together around a form. For architectural features like curved staircases, we combine traditional coopering techniques with modern CNC technology for precision. Solid timber curved elements may be carved or shaped using bandsaw and spindle moulding techniques. Each approach is selected based on the specific requirements of strength, appearance, and long-term stability.

Can you match historical timber species that are now restricted?

Yes, we have extensive experience finding appropriate alternatives for historical timber species that are now protected or restricted. For example, reclaimed Cuban mahogany can be sourced for heritage projects, or sustainably harvested African mahogany can be colour-matched and aged to create a sympathetic replacement. When working with materials like Brazilian rosewood, which is CITES listed, we can source reclaimed timber with proper documentation or create convincing alternatives using appropriate species and traditional finishing techniques. We maintain relationships with specialist timber suppliers who deal in salvaged historical woods, and we're skilled in ageing and finishing modern timbers to match the patina and character of period joinery.

How do you develop custom secondary glazing for listed buildings?

For listed buildings, we design bespoke secondary glazing systems that provide modern performance while respecting historical aesthetics. We begin by surveying the existing windows, noting period details and operational requirements. Our designs feature slim timber sections with discreet hardware, often set back from the primary window to minimise visual impact. We work with conservation-grade glass options, including laminated acoustic glass for noise reduction and thin-profile double glazing for thermal efficiency. The timber species and finishing are carefully matched to existing interior woodwork. Installation methods are non-invasive, with fixings that avoid damaging historic fabric while ensuring proper ventilation to prevent condensation issues.

What is the typical timeline for specialist joinery projects?

Specialist joinery projects typically require longer timelines than standard carpentry due to their complexity and precision requirements. The design and planning phase usually takes 3-6 weeks, allowing for thorough research and development of detailed specifications. Manufacturing timelines vary significantly based on complexity: heritage reproduction items might require 6-10 weeks, while elaborate curved or sculptural elements could take 10-16 weeks. Complex installations may require an additional 1-3 weeks on site. For listed buildings, allowance must be made for conservation approval processes, which can add several weeks to the overall timeline. We provide detailed project schedules during consultation, highlighting key milestones and critical path elements.

Extraordinary Woodwork Projects

From heritage restoration and curved staircases to intricate architectural features, our specialist craftsmen tackle the most challenging and unique timber projects with exceptional skill and precision.

View Specialist Projects Discuss Your Project