Timber is a well know and widely used sustainable material. In our work we build upon its naturally sustainable qualities by advocating repair over replacement. Repairs require less resources and create less waste as well as being less invasive to the fabric of the building.

It is critical to the quality and longevity of any repair to properly match timber in terms of both strength and movement. Timber is a living organic substance and movement naturally occurs when moisture content is unbalanced. Crucial to our work, we ensure that timber and existing woodwork are dried as necessary whenever repairs and/or preservation works are required.

All of our timber is sourced responsibly and where possible we source our timber locally. We have good working relationships with local independent and leading British sawmills.

Linseed oil putty is a glazing putty traditionally used for the bedding and external face glazing of windows and glazed doors.

Traditionally used since the 1700s, linseed oil putty is regarded as a purely natural product. It consists of linseed oil and more than three quarters whiting chalk (calcium carbonate) making it kneadable limestone.

Linseed oil putty simply requires sunlight to ‘cure’ or ‘harden’, taking 2-4 weeks to dry, after which it can be easily painted over and sealed.

As part of a window refurbishment we would ensure all original putty, as well as any modern alternatives (decorators caulk or silicone), is removed and the woodwork prepared to receive the new or re-claimed glass, which we would re-bed and face using fresh linseed oil putty.

While for conservation and heritage work the use of glazing putty is a requirement, as part of the ‘like for like’ policy associated with such buildings, we also advocate the use of putty as a beautiful and natural material and as an alternative to silicone.

Silicone is a 100% chemical material, know to be toxic and environmentally harmful. It is also a fertile breading ground for a variety of bacterias resulting in a mouldy and ugly appearance after a few years, depending on conditions.

Burnt-Sand Mastic is a traditional joining compound that we recommend and use to seal the gap between the timber frame of a window or door and the buildings masonry or rendered masonry.

A traditional product, Burnt-Sand Mastic has been in use for at least 200 years. A natural product comprised of burnt sand and oil-driers, it hardens slowly while remaining sufficiently flexible. Adhering tenaciously to most surfaces it creates a seal that compliments the timber and stone components without reducing the breathability of either substrata.

Recommended/required in conservation and heritage work, we again advocate the use of Burnt-Sand Mastic as a beautiful and natural alternative to silicone.

While we do not generally offer a painted finish to our joinery work, we do prime all repairs as well as any other areas of bare wood. Priming protects the timber from the elements allowing time for the client to secure a painter or decorator.

We recommend the use of linseed oil paints. In comparison to most chemical based paint, which sit on the surface, oil based paints penetrate the wood offering better protection and coverage. Linseed oil based paints, such as Browns (which we use), are natural products and do not pollute the environment.