At Owlsworth, our consultancy services are built on decades of experience working on some of England’s most iconic and historically significant buildings. This rare depth of involvement has allowed us to develop an exceptional level of expertise in traditional timber joinery — expertise that we bring to each project with care, precision, and a deep respect for heritage.

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Understanding Historic Joinery 

 

Joinery techniques and materials have evolved significantly over the centuries, influenced by changes in timber availability, technological innovation, and architectural styles. From the relative simplicity of early joinery to the refined elegance of Georgian craftsmanship, the ornate flair of the Victorians, and the understated innovation of the 20th century, each period presents unique challenges — and opportunities — for conservation.

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Our team of joiners and carpenters are not only masters of traditional repair techniques but also highly knowledgeable in the historical context of their craft. With access to a comprehensive in-house library of rare and out-of-print texts, we are uniquely equipped to advise on the correct methods, materials, and stylistic details for any era of joinery — from medieval to modern

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We provide specialist consultancy on all aspects of historic timber joinery, including:

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• Condition Surveys & Reports
  Thorough on-site assessments with detailed documentation of existing conditions, defects, and recommendations for conservation.

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• Repair Strategies & Specifications
  Practical, historically-informed repair schedules tailored to the building’s age, construction methods, and intended use — including timber species selection, jointing techniques, and sympathetic finishes.

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• Heritage Integration
  We work closely with architects, conservation officers, and stakeholders to ensure compliance with heritage regulations and Listed Building Consent while meeting modern performance and safety standards.

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• Bespoke Joinery Solutions
  Where original features are beyond repair, we can design and manufacture accurate replicas using appropriate traditional methods and materials — often with integrated concealed reinforcements where required.

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• Specialist Ironmongery Consultation
  Our in-house traditional blacksmiths can restore, replicate, or custom-create period-accurate ironmongery. This includes forged hinges, latches, and even hand-cut nails that respect original design while allowing for modern performance needs.

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Bespoke Ironmongery & Structural Integration

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Our in-house traditional blacksmithing capabilities set us apart. We refurbish, repair, or replicate historic ironmongery using authentic smithing techniques, often critical to the success of joinery restoration. Our forge allows us to:

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• Reproduce detailed features, such as hand-drawn clasped nails and traditional door / window furniture. 

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• Incorporate hidden structural reinforcements to mitigate movement in large-scale external joinery exposed to environmental extremes.

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• Support the production of specialist joinery such as staircases, structural window assemblies, and large wall panelling — ensuring both historical authenticity and modern performance.