Berkshire Bespoke Carpentry
First Fix & Second Fix Carpentry in Berkshire
Structural timber work through to finish carpentry, including roof carpentry — one carpenter who understands the project from frame to door handle, for extensions and renovations across Berkshire.
Local to Berkshire
Experienced Carpenters
32 years in the trade
Fully Insured
High-Quality Finish
Our Approach
One Carpenter, Start to Finish — Why That Matters
Looking for a first fix, second fix or roof carpenter in Ascot, Bracknell or anywhere across Berkshire? We carry out all three stages on extensions, loft conversions, and renovations — structural framing through to finished joinery, one carpenter throughout.
First fix is the structural carpentry a build needs before the plasterer arrives — stud walls, door frames, floor joists, and the timber structure of the roof. Roof carpentry sits inside this stage, but it is specialist enough that we cover it in its own guide below. Second fix follows once plastering is dry: hanging doors, fitting skirting and architraves, and installing staircases.
Working with one carpenter across all three stages avoids a common problem on multi-trade sites — a second fix carpenter guessing at decisions a different first fix team never wrote down. We build the frame and roof, then return once the plaster is dry to finish it, so everything lines up the way it was meant to.
What We Do
What First Fix, Second Fix and Roof Carpentry Cover
First Fix Carpentry
Stud walls, door linings, floor joists, and the structural timber that goes in before plastering. First fix sets up everything that follows, so it needs to be accurate.
Learn more →Second Fix Carpentry
Hanging doors, fitting skirting and architraves, and installing staircases once plastering is dry. Second fix is the finish carpentry that defines how a room feels.
Learn more →Roof Carpentry
Flat and pitched roof structures, loft conversion dormers, and the timber roof frame itself. This is structural work that building control inspects before it is covered.
Learn more →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: