What is the difference between a carpenter and a joiner?

Broadly, a joiner makes timber components — doors, staircases, fitted units — often in a workshop, while a carpenter fits and installs timber on site. Plenty of tradespeople do both, so describe the job rather than worrying about the job title.

Can a door be adjusted rather than replaced?

Often yes. Doors that catch or no longer latch are frequently down to dropped hinges, a swollen edge or a shifted frame, all of which can be eased, planed or rehung. Replacement is usually about appearance, fire rating or damage rather than fit.

Do I need to empty the room first?

For skirting, flooring and fitted units, yes — clear floor space and wall access make the job faster and reduce the risk of damage. Confirm with the carpenter what they need moved and who moves it.

How is bespoke joinery priced?

It is normally measured and quoted per project rather than per metre, because the design, materials, finish and site conditions all vary. Expect a site measure before a firm price on anything fitted.

What should I include when posting a carpentry job?

Room dimensions or the number of doors and metres of skirting, photos of the existing work, the finish you want, and whether materials are included. That is usually enough for a carpenter to quote without a first visit.

Carpenters in the West Midlands

Carpentry covers everything from a single sticking door to a room full of bespoke joinery. Most jobs posted on FixAll-er fall into three groups: fitting and finishing (doors, skirting, architrave, shelving), repairs to existing timber, and made-to-measure work built for a specific space.

Second-fix carpentry — hanging doors, running skirting and architrave, boxing in and fitting shelves — is the day-to-day work. Bespoke joinery, such as alcove units or a fitted wardrobe, is usually measured on site and built either in a workshop or in place. Describe the room, the timber finish you want and whether decorating is needed afterwards, and you will receive quotes from carpenters interested in the job.

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Typical carpentry jobs

Door hanging: internal doors, fire doors, rehanging and easing sticking doors
Skirting boards: replacing, matching existing profiles, scribing to uneven walls
Architraves and mouldings: door and window casings, picture and dado rails
Shelving: floating shelves, alcove shelving, loft and garage storage
Flooring: solid and engineered wood, laminate, floorboard repair and levelling
Repairs: rotten window sills, stair treads and spindles, gates, doors that no longer close
Bespoke joinery: fitted wardrobes, alcove units, window seats, bookcases, media walls
General woodwork: stud walls, boxing in pipework, loft hatches, decking and garden structures
Kitchen carcass and worktop fitting, and cabinet door adjustment

What to think about before you book

Supply and fit, or labour only

Timber, doors, ironmongery and flooring are a large part of the cost. Make clear whether you are buying materials or expecting the carpenter to, and ask for them to be listed separately in the quote.

Timber and finish

Softwood, MDF, oak and engineered board behave and price very differently. Say whether the work will be painted, stained or left natural, since that changes the material a carpenter will recommend.

Matching existing work

Older homes often have skirting and architrave profiles that are no longer sold as standard. A photo and a rough profile measurement helps a carpenter say whether they can match it, source it or need to have it machined.

Making good afterwards

Fitting work usually needs filling, caulking and decorating to finish. Agree up front who does that, or plan for a decorator to follow on.

Fire doors and regulations

Fire doors in flats and houses in multiple occupation have specific requirements for gaps, intumescent strips and ironmongery. Say if a door is a fire door so it is fitted and certified correctly.

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Carpentry: common questions

What is the difference between a carpenter and a joiner?: Broadly, a joiner makes timber components — doors, staircases, fitted units — often in a workshop, while a carpenter fits and installs timber on site. Plenty of tradespeople do both, so describe the job rather than worrying about the job title.
Can a door be adjusted rather than replaced?: Often yes. Doors that catch or no longer latch are frequently down to dropped hinges, a swollen edge or a shifted frame, all of which can be eased, planed or rehung. Replacement is usually about appearance, fire rating or damage rather than fit.
Do I need to empty the room first?: For skirting, flooring and fitted units, yes — clear floor space and wall access make the job faster and reduce the risk of damage. Confirm with the carpenter what they need moved and who moves it.
How is bespoke joinery priced?: It is normally measured and quoted per project rather than per metre, because the design, materials, finish and site conditions all vary. Expect a site measure before a firm price on anything fitted.
What should I include when posting a carpentry job?: Room dimensions or the number of doors and metres of skirting, photos of the existing work, the finish you want, and whether materials are included. That is usually enough for a carpenter to quote without a first visit.

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