Berkshire Bespoke Carpentry
First Fix & Second Fix Carpentry in Berkshire
Structural timber work through to finish carpentry — one carpenter who understands the project from frame to door handle, for extensions and renovations across Berkshire.
Local to Berkshire
Experienced Carpenters
Fully Insured
High-Quality Finish
Our Approach
One Carpenter, Start to Finish — Why That Matters
Looking for a first fix carpenter or second fix carpenter in Ascot, Bracknell or anywhere across Berkshire? We carry out first fix and second fix carpentry for extensions, loft conversions, and renovations — structural framing through to finished joinery, one carpenter throughout.
The conventional model on a large building site is to use one carpenter for first fix — who frames the stud walls, fits the door linings, and builds the roof structure — and a different carpenter or joinery team for second fix, who arrives after plastering to hang the doors, fit the skirting, and install the staircase. On a large commercial project, that makes sense. On a house extension or whole-house renovation, it creates a problem.
The second fix carpenter arrives on a project they did not build. They do not know which door lining is truly plumb and which was packed to work around a masonry wall that was not built square. They do not know where the stud work is behind the plasterboard, or why a particular section of floor has a low point that was shimmed during first fix. Every minor first fix decision that was never written down becomes a second fix puzzle.
When the same carpenter carries out both stages, none of that applies. The second fix work sits against the first fix framework cleanly because the person fitting it built it. Doors hang true because the linings were set plumb in the first place. Skirting scribes to the floor accurately because the floor was levelled before boarding. The staircase fits because the opening was cut to the right dimensions and the structural trimmer was positioned correctly.
We carry out first and second fix carpentry on house extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions, and large-scale renovations across Berkshire. We are comfortable working on managed sites alongside builders, plumbers, and electricians, and understand the sequencing that a multi-trade project requires. We can also take on carpentry as the primary trade on smaller projects where there is no general contractor — coordinating the sequence with other specialist trades directly.
What We Do
First Fix and Second Fix Work We Carry Out
Stud Wall Construction
Stud partition walls — the internal non-load-bearing walls that divide rooms — are a first fix carpentry task. We set out the stud layout, fix the sole and head plates, and position studs correctly for the plasterboard boarding that follows. We also frame doorways within stud walls to the correct lining widths, and install noggings for any fixings — TV brackets, radiator brackets, cupboard fixings — that will be needed after boarding.
Door Lining and Frame Fitting
A door lining fitted correctly — truly plumb, with the correct reveal for the plasterboard that will follow — makes second fix door hanging straightforward. A door lining that is a few millimetres off plumb means the second fix carpenter has to make a decision between a plumb door and a plumb reveal. We set linings plumb and pack them against masonry or stud work with the care the second fix stage deserves.
Roof Carpentry and Timbers
Flat roof structures for single-storey extensions — joist layout, trimming for roof lights, and the perimeter structure that receives the flat roof covering — and pitched roof carpentry for two-storey extensions and loft conversions are structural first fix work. We carry out both. For loft conversions, we also carry out the dormer structural carpentry — the dormer framing, cheek construction, and any timber-framed elements that will support the dormer roof.
Floor Structure and Subfloor
First fix floor carpentry covers laying the floor joists in a suspended timber floor, installing the subfloor deck over joists or over a concrete slab, and installing any blocking or noggings required. We also carry out stair opening formation — cutting the opening in the first floor for a new loft or extension staircase, trimming the joists correctly, and installing the structural trimmers that carry the load around the opening.
Second Fix — Doors, Skirting, and Stairs
Second fix is the finish carpentry that defines how the extension or renovation looks and feels at completion. We hang all internal doors — including fire doors where required — fit skirting boards and architraves throughout, install window boards, and fit the staircase or staircase components. We work to the same standard on second fix as on any bespoke joinery project — tight mitres, plumb door reveals, and a finish that is ready for the decorator.
Labour-Only Packages
Many self-build projects and owner-managed renovations prefer to source their own materials. We are happy to quote labour only on both first and second fix stages. We advise on material specifications, quantities, and supplier recommendations as part of the quoting process, so that the materials arriving on site are what we need to carry out the work efficiently.
Materials
What Goes Into a First Fix Carpentry Package
Structural softwood — CLS (Canadian Lumber Standard) timber in 38x89mm for stud work, or C16/C24 graded timber for floor joists and roof timbers — is the backbone of first fix carpentry. Specifying the right grade matters for structural work; we use C16 for non-load-bearing stud walls and C24 where the timber is carrying load. All structural timber we supply is kiln-dried to reduce movement after installation.
Door linings and frames are typically supplied in MDF (for painted finishes) or softwood (for varnished or stained finishes). Lining width is calculated based on the wall thickness, including any plasterboard and skim finish. We size linings correctly at the quoting stage so that when the plasterer has finished, the reveal is consistent on both faces of the wall.
Plywood is the standard subfloor decking material — 18mm or 22mm structural plywood depending on joist span. It is dimensionally stable, takes flooring adhesive well, and is significantly stiffer underfoot than OSB (oriented strand board) which is sometimes specified on managed sites to reduce cost. We use plywood as standard on subfloor work and advise clients on the same.
Fire-rated materials are required in specific locations — loft conversions, properties with integral garages, and around certain door openings. We are familiar with the fire performance requirements for both first fix (compartmentation, fire-stopping) and second fix (fire door specifications) and carry out work to comply with current building regulations as standard.
How It Works
From Planning to Sign-Off
Site Visit or Drawing Review
For larger projects we review the architectural drawings before visiting. For extensions and renovations we visit the site, assess what is there, understand the build sequence, and confirm what carpentry scope falls within our package.
Fixed-Price Quote
Itemised written quote — first fix and second fix priced separately so you can see each stage. Supply-and-fit and labour-only rates provided as alternatives. Fixed price within two working days.
Build Programme Confirmation
We confirm our start dates for first fix and second fix stages and coordinate with the builder or project manager on sequencing around other trades. First fix is typically before plastering; second fix is typically two to four weeks after plastering.
First Fix Stage
Stud walls, door frames, roof timbers, floor structure — all completed to a standard that passes building control inspection. We notify you when first fix is ready for the plasterer.
Second Fix and Sign-Off
Doors hung, skirting and architraves fitted, staircases installed. Walk-through on completion. Every door checked for alignment and hardware function. Ready for decorator. Post-installation issues resolved at no charge.
Pricing
What Does First and Second Fix Carpentry Cost in Berkshire?
These are indicative ranges for recent Berkshire projects. First and second fix costs vary significantly with project size, complexity, and whether supply and fit or labour-only is required. An itemised quote is always provided before work starts.
| Carpentry Work | Typical Range (supply & fit) |
|---|---|
| Stud partition wall (per linear metre, including door frame) | £80 – £160 |
| Door lining and frame fitting (per opening) | £120 – £200 |
| Door hanging, second fix (per door) | £180 – £320 |
| Staircase installation, second fix (timber staircase supplied) | £600 – £1,400 |
| Single-storey extension first fix (stud walls, door frames, flat roof) | £4,000 – £8,000 |
| Single-storey extension second fix (doors, skirting, architraves, stairs) | £3,000 – £7,000 |
| Loft conversion first fix (structural, dormer framing) | £5,000 – £12,000+ |
Labour-only rates are typically 40–50% of supply-and-fit figures. The biggest cost driver is project complexity — a simple rectangular extension is straightforward to estimate; a loft conversion with dormer and complex roof geometry requires a site visit before quoting. We provide itemised quotes in all cases so you can see where the cost lies.
Common Questions
First Fix & Second Fix — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between first fix and second fix carpentry?
First fix is the structural carpentry before plastering — stud walls, door frames, floor joists, and roof timbers. Second fix is the finish carpentry after plastering — hanging doors, fitting skirting, architraves, staircases, and window boards. We carry out both stages.
Do you work on house extensions and new builds?
Yes. We carry out first and second fix for single-storey and two-storey extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions, and large-scale renovations across Berkshire. We are experienced at working on managed sites alongside other trades.
Can you provide a labour-only price?
Yes. If you prefer to source your own materials, we quote labour only. We advise on material specifications, quantities, and suppliers as part of the quoting process. Labour-only and supply-and-fit prices are provided as alternatives.
How much does first and second fix carpentry cost in Berkshire?
First fix for a typical single-storey extension typically runs £4,000–£8,000. Second fix for the same extension runs £3,000–£7,000. Labour-only rates are around 40–50% of those figures. We provide an itemised fixed-price quote after reviewing drawings or visiting the site.
Do you work alongside other trades on site?
Yes. We understand how building site sequences work and communicate directly with builders and project managers. We do not need hand-holding through the first fix / second fix sequence.
Can you do both first fix and second fix for the same project?
Yes — and this is almost always the better approach. When the same carpenter carries out both stages, second fix sits more cleanly against the first fix framework because the carpenter understands exactly how it was built.
How long does first fix take on a typical extension?
A single-storey rear extension typically takes three to five days at first fix. A two-storey extension takes five to ten days. Loft conversions vary widely. We give specific timelines in the written quote.
Do you need building regulations approval for first fix carpentry?
For structural elements — load-bearing stud walls, floor joists, roof timbers — building control will inspect before the work is covered. We carry out work to the required standards and advise on when building control inspection is needed.
Related Services
Often Paired With First and Second Fix
Skirting & Architraves
Skirting and architraves are second fix carpentry. When we carry out both stages of a project, the skirting is fitted by the same carpenter who built the stud walls it sits against.
Internal Doors
Door hanging is second fix work. We hang all internal doors — panel, shaker, solid timber, and fire doors — as part of the second fix package, or as a standalone service if the structure is already complete.
Staircase Upgrades
For loft conversions and two-storey extensions, a new staircase is part of the second fix package. We install the staircase structure at first fix and fit the balustrade, treads, and handrail at second fix.
Get a Free Quote for First Fix & Second Fix Carpentry
Tell us about your project and we'll arrange a free site visit or drawing review. Fixed-price written quote within two working days.
We carry out first and second fix carpentry across Berkshire and surrounding areas: