The structural framework and finishing touches that turn a shell into a home — studwork, stairs, doors, skirting, and more.
First and second fix carpentry is the backbone of any building project. The first fix — studwork walls, floor joists, roof timbers — creates the structure. The second fix — skirting, architrave, doors, and ironmongery — turns it into a finished room. Getting both stages right is what separates a quality build from a mediocre one.
We provide first and second fix carpentry for builders, developers, and homeowners across Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and the Cotswolds. Whether you're a general builder who needs a reliable carpentry subcontractor, or a homeowner managing your own renovation, we deliver consistent, high-quality work.
We build timber stud walls, partition walls, and structural framing for new rooms, extensions, and loft conversions. All work is plumb, level, and braced correctly — and we take door openings, services runs, and insulation into account during the build.
New floor joists, joist reinforcement, and timber decking for extensions and conversions. We calculate spans and centres correctly, fit herringbone strutting where needed, and ensure the floor structure is solid before the boarding goes on.
Cut roofs, truss roofs, flat roof joists, and roof ventilation. We work with architects' drawings and structural calcs to deliver roof structures that are accurate, square, and ready for the roofer.
We hang doors so they swing freely, close properly, and sit straight in the frame. We fit all ironmongery — hinges, handles, locks, and latches — and adjust everything for a perfect fit.
We fit skirting boards, architraves, picture rails, and decorative mouldings. We mitre external corners, scribe internal ones, and cope joints where appropriate for a clean, professional finish that looks solid for years.
We install new staircases, refurbish existing ones, and fit handrails and spindles. We can match existing styles for period renovations or fit modern designs for new builds and extensions.
First fix carpentry covers all the structural timber work that goes into a building before the walls are closed up. This includes studwork walls and partitioning, floor joists and decking, roof timbers (cut roofs, truss roofs, and flat roof joists), and structural framing for extensions and loft conversions. We also install door linings, window boards, and staircases at this stage.
Second fix carpentry is the finishing stage — everything visible and functional. This includes hanging doors and fitting ironmongery, installing skirting boards and architraves, fitting picture rails and decorative mouldings, and staircase installation including handrails and spindles. We mitre external corners, scribe internal ones, and cope joints where appropriate for a clean professional finish.
We can do both. If you have a staircase from a manufacturer or joinery shop, we'll install it and ensure it's properly fixed, level, and meets building regulations for rise, going, and headroom. We can also manufacture bespoke staircases in our workshop — particularly for period properties where standard sizes don't fit or where a specific style is needed.
Yes — we regularly work as carpentry subcontractors for general builders across Warwickshire. Many builders prefer to bring in a dedicated carpenter for the first and second fix stages rather than trying to do it themselves. We're reliable, we turn up on time, and we deliver consistent quality. If you're a builder looking for a trusted carpentry subcontractor, get in touch.
First and second fix is often part of a larger project: