Second-Fix Carpentry in London Renovations: What It Includes and Costs
Second-fix carpentry is the finishing carpentry stage that follows plastering and precedes decoration. It includes the visible joinery elements — skirting boards, architraves, door linings, internal doors, and built-in furniture — that define the character and quality of the finished interior.
What Is Included in Second-Fix Carpentry?
Skirting boards: The timber or MDF profile running at the base of walls. Profile choice (ogee, torus, pencil round, square edge, or bespoke) significantly affects the character of the interior. Victorian profiles (tall ogee or bullnose) are appropriate for period renovations; contemporary flat skirting suits modern extensions.
Architraves: The moulding around door and window openings. Traditionally matched to the skirting profile. Period properties benefit from period profiles; modern renovations often use minimal flat architrave or shadow-gap reveals.
Door linings and frames: The frame into which the door sits. In a renovation, door linings are typically installed after plastering and before the doors are hung.
Internal doors: Solid-core or hollow-core panel or flush doors, hung on hinges into the linings. Fire doors (FD30) are required in specific locations — habitable rooms opening onto a staircase in a loft conversion, all doors in HMOs.
Staircase works: Where the staircase is being upgraded or a new staircase installed — newel posts, balustrades, handrails, treads, and risers. Staircase works in loft conversions are significant second-fix items.
Built-in furniture: Fitted wardrobes, alcove shelving, boot rooms, and utility joinery are second-fix carpentry items.
Typical Second-Fix Carpentry Costs in London
| Item | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Skirting board (supply and fit per linear metre) | £15–£35 |
| Architrave (supply and fit per linear metre) | £8–£20 |
| Internal door (supply and hang, including lining) | £150–£400 |
| Fire door FD30 (supply and hang) | £200–£600 |
| Fitted wardrobe (per linear metre, basic) | £300–£800 |
| Staircase (new installation, standard straight) | £3,000–£8,000 |
Period vs Contemporary Details
The specification of second-fix joinery profoundly affects the character of the finished space:
- Period renovation: Tall skirting (150–200mm), matching ogee or bullnose profile, panel doors, traditional door furniture
- Contemporary renovation: Minimal or flat skirting (75–100mm), shadow-gap details, flush doors, lever handles in brushed nickel or matte black
- Hybrid (most common): Period-appropriate skirting in the retained original rooms, contemporary minimal detail in the new extension
RCB Design & Build
RCB Design & Build provides full second-fix carpentry as part of principal contractor renovation delivery — coordinating joinery supply, installation, and coordination with the painting and decorating programme.