What's the difference between first fix and second fix carpentry?

First fix is the structural carpentry done before plastering — stud partition walls, floor joists, door linings, noggins for fixtures. Second fix is the finishing carpentry done after — skirting, architrave, hanging doors, fitting ironmongery.

Do you work to a builder's programme, or do you need to manage the whole job?

Either. Most carpentry work is day-rate or fixed-price labour slotted into an existing build programme run by a main contractor or self-builder. It can also run as a standalone job if that's all that's needed.

Is this the right page if I just want a new kitchen or doors fitted?

No — if you want a specific finished item, the dedicated pages (kitchens, fitted wardrobes, doors and staircases) are the better fit. This page is for structural and finishing carpentry labour as part of a wider build or renovation.

Do you supply the materials?

Usually not — the builder or self-builder supplies timber and sheet materials for first fix, and skirting or architrave for second fix, since it's priced as labour. We can supply if asked, at extra cost.

Bristol · Carpentry by city

Carpentry in Bristol

Professional first and second fix carpentry for new builds, renovations and extensions. TM Carpentry delivers the structural and finishing carpentry that forms the backbone of any project. First fix includes stud walls, floor joists, roof timbers, noggins and door linings before plastering, while second fix covers skirting boards, architraves, internal doors, stair components and ironmongery after the plastering is complete. Whether we’re working as part of a larger renovation or managing the entire project, we ensure every stage is completed to the highest standard. Serving Bath, Bristol and Keynsham.

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10+years in the trade

16areas covered

9services in-house

£2Mpublic liability

What's included

Every carpentry job covers the items below — always. The exact specification depends on your space and what you want it to do.

Stud partition walls, timber framing and noggins (first fix)
Floor joists and structural first-fix carpentry
Door linings, frames and casings (first fix)
Skirting boards and architraves (second fix)
Door hanging and ironmongery — handles, hinges, locks (second fix)
Loft hatches, coving and finishing trim (second fix)

About carpentry in Bristol

What carpentry typically looks like in Bristol

Bristol carpentry work typically happens within Victorian terraces (BS3, BS6, BS7) and 1930s semis (BS9). Most Bristol jobs are standard new-build or extension work — stud walls, floor joists, door linings, skirting, architrave and door hanging. Tom works with main contractors on extension and renovation projects and with self-builders on standalone jobs.

Honest note: The descriptions below are generalisations — what's typical or commonly found across Bristol's neighbourhoods. Every project is different, so Tom will always confirm what's actually needed on the site visit before quoting.

Planning & permissions

The planning context in Bristol

Most Bristol carpentry jobs don't need a planning application — structural framing is hidden behind plasterboard and finishing is carpentry. The exceptions are Listed Building Consent for any change to original features of a Grade II listed property (scattered across BS8 and parts of BS6 / BS9). Most Bristol jobs avoid the planning conversation entirely by working within the existing property.

Common carpentry patterns in Bristol

Common Bristol carpentry patterns: timber-frame stud walls (typically 4x2 or 6x2 C16/C24 graded timber), floor joists (typically 7x2 or 9x2 C24 graded timber), noggins for sheet material fixing, door linings and frames (typically softwood), then finishing: skirting and architrave (standard 100-150mm profile), door hanging with chrome or brass ironmongery, loft hatches, and finishing trim. Most Bristol jobs run on day-rate (£200-£350/day) or fixed-price for larger projects. Materials (timber, sheet, plasterboard, skirting) are usually supplied by the builder or self-builder.

Areas in Bristol