Carpentry Services Southampton
Carpenter and joiner. Wood window repairs, fitting doors, traditional joinery
Category: Articles
When it’s gone it’s gone. Joinery of a bye gone period
Two examples of dilapidated front porches show the detail that our Victorian home owners and joiners went into the presentation of their main entrance. Along with the fan light above the door the covering porch was a statement of wealth and status. Looking…
Read MoreWhat’s Hiding in Your Wall? Signs of Pests Explained
Rats, Cats and Carpenter Ants A phone call from a prior customer had me scratching my head. They informed me that they were certain that they could hear ‘scratching / rustling sounds’ in the wall that divided their kitchen and…
Read MoreTransparent wood finishes
The Rise of Transparent Wood Finishes and Imitation Hardwoods: Importance of Testing: Dyes and Wood Stains: Varnishes: Polishes (Traditional Internal Furniture Finishes): Oils: Two-Part Coatings: This detailed information provides a solid foundation for understanding the various options available for enhancing…
Read MoreSpecialized Paint Types for Specific Applications
Specialized paints serve distinct functions beyond standard options. Primers prepare surfaces, undercoats provide a uniform base, and anti-condensation paints mitigate humidity issues. Radiator and fire-retardant paints withstand temperature extremes and enhance fire resistance, respectively. Bituminous paint is primarily for waterproofing, presenting challenges when overpainted. Selecting the right paint is essential for optimal results.
Read MoreUnderstanding Gloss Paints for Woodwork
Traditionally, gloss paints have been oil-based, incorporating resins to achieve a hard-wearing and durable finish. While some excellent oil (solvent) based gloss paints remain available, the market now also offers high-performing water-based alternatives. Exploring Emulsion Paints for Interior Surfaces Modern…
Read MoreBasic essentials for a good finish on the redecoration of a room (Part6)
Investing in quality painting tools ensures a professional finish. Inexpensive brushes and rollers can compromise results, while higher-quality options last longer and deliver better performance. Choosing the right types, such as angled brushes and blue decorator’s tape, enhances the painting process. Proper investment in tools ultimately saves money over time.
Read MoreBasic essentials for a good finish on the redecoration of a room (Part5)
The content describes the process of painting woodwork, emphasizing essential steps such as cleaning rollers, choosing paint, and preparing surfaces. It outlines the application of an oil-based undercoat followed by sanding and applying a gloss topcoat. Techniques like masking edges and “laying off” paint are also highlighted for a professional finish.
Read MoreBasic essentials for a good finish on the redecoration of a room (Part4)
Step 4 focuses on applying paint to walls after preparing and painting the ceiling. Start with a thin coat for filled areas, then carefully paint reveals, edges, and around fixtures. Use a roller with an “W” or “M” motion for main areas, ensuring even coverage. Assess the need for a second coat before final touches.
Read MoreBasic essentials for a good finish on the redecoration of a room (Part3)
This guide outlines the essentials and techniques for painting a ceiling. Key tools include a roller, paint, brush, and goggles. Start by cutting in edges, then use a roller for the main area, applying paint in manageable sections and laying off for a smooth finish. Assess for a second coat if necessary.
Read MoreBasic essentials for a good finish on the redecoration of a room (Part2)
Step 2: Laying the Groundwork for a Smooth Finish – Preparing Surfaces With your room safely protected, it’s time to turn our attention to the surfaces themselves. Proper preparation of the walls, ceiling, and woodwork is paramount for a flawless…
Read MoreBasic essentials for a good finish on the redecoration of a room (Part1)
A successful paint job relies on proper preparation before applying any color. Essential steps include protecting your space by covering floors and furniture with plastic sheeting and cotton dust sheets to prevent spills. This groundwork is vital for ensuring a high-quality finish and the longevity of your redecoration efforts.
Read MoreSteps to Safely Replace Your Porch’s Rotting Posts
Porch posts are susceptible to rot and must be carefully replaced, especially when they serve as load-bearing structures. Accurate measurements are crucial to maintain roof height during removal. Replacement involves creating grooves for hardwood keys to ensure stability. Sizing discrepancies with modern timber may require custom solutions.
Read MoreWHAT IS LINSEED OIL PAINT?
Linseed oil paint, derived from flax seeds, offers durability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. It lasts over 15 years and requires minimal maintenance, making it a great alternative to modern paint. With its wicking properties, it protects wooden surfaces effectively. Although it dries slowly and has limited color options, its benefits make it a worthy choice.
Read MoreWhat’s in a door?
I am often told by customers that they have a ‘solid’ Oak/Hardwood door. Indeed that will be the case on some occasions, but the majority are not solid they are composite. There’s also the issue of builders and carpenters stating that the door…
Read MoreA Meeting with a Remarkable Tree
A meeting with a remarkable tree – said to be over a thousand years old. The location is the Wilts/Hants border… The YewAll trees are remarkable and for me the one that is the most remarkable of all is the yew. It’s…
Read MoreDraught proofing
Proofing Sash Windows Sash windows can be draughty, particularly older examples. In fact the total amount of escape of heat around a box sash window is equivalent to having a hole about 4” square to the outside world. Fitting…
Read MoreTHE IMPORTANCE OF TRADITION
By Vicky Alley I began my joinery journey a little later in life than is considered usual. I discovered a love for woodwork whilst up-cycling furniture and decided to go to college to do a joinery diploma at age 38….
Read MoreA Door in Canterbury
This is not an illusion. On a recent short break in Canterbury I came across this door which isthe main entrance to a book shop. The whole building lists (leans) by about 30degrees. Because it is listed, doors had to…
Read MoreA solution to Double Glazing in wooden windows
Some exciting developments have been made in Double Glazing technology. And finally a solution to retrofitting traditional single glazed wooden windows with a double glazed unit has been developed.It is now possible to have a 6.7mm or a 7.7mm clear double…
Read MoreThe future is Accoya
Accoya is a name given to a timber that has gone through the process of acetylation. In essence, this alters the cell structure of wood making it stronger and more durable.Primarily, Radiata Pine is used, which is generally grown on plantations in Australia…
Read MoreFurniture panels with AirTec Edging – Custom built Furniture and storage Cupboards
Furniture panels with AirTec Edging – Custom built Furniture and storage Cupboards. The industry standard is to use cams and locking pins to assemble furniture boards together. We have all seen them and probably used them when we buy flat pack…
Read MoreThe finest Gothic revivalist window
This is probably the finest example of a Gothic revivalist window that I have ever seen. I came across this sash window whilst on a weekend break in Ely, Cambridgeshire. My reason for visiting this city-the second smallest in Britain,…
Read MoreCarpenter’s tools of the trade
I know of no other trade except perhaps a good all-round mechanic who requires so many tools in order to undertake their work. A brief look at online suppliers or trade catalogues will reinforce this statement. However, there are tools…
Read MoreCarpenter’s reference: Architects standard catalogue
The three publications shown here are truly beautiful books. As you can see from the randomly selected pages shown the detail and depth covered on many aspects of the trade is second to none. Subjects covered include Drawing instruments…
Read MoreCarpentry reference: Modern Practical joinery by G.Ellis
Model Practical Joinery by G Ellis , second edition 1925
Read MoreCarpentry reference: The Carpenter’s and Joiners Assistant
The Carpenter and Joiner assistant by J Newlands 1860
Read MoreScarfing in
An area of wet rot to a 1930s window appears to be the result of either water ingress past the putty or insufficient primer used when painting a previous repair. As you can see I made a cut out of…
Read MoreWhat about those hinges?
Without the correct grade of hinges your doors may fail. Failure doesn’t mean that your door falls off its hinges; normally failure comes in the form of a door starting to stick or rub on the door frame. If it’s…
Read MoreWood grotto made from 10,000 tree samples
A captivating new piece of public artwork, made from 10,000 tree samples gathered from across the world, has been unveiled by the University of Bristol. The intricate structure, called Hollow, is located in Royal Fort Gardens and represents the planet’s history…
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