Period features are all the rage in homes across the UK. Whether it’s high ceilings, classic fireplaces, wood beams or sash windows, people are continually opting to add these classic features into their modern homes to give them that extra touch of elegance.
The UK is said to be amid a housing shortage crisis. House prices are higher than they’ve ever been – risen by over 160% since their low point in 1996 – and homeownership is the lowest it has ever been, with more and more young people struggling to raise funds to put down a deposit on a house.
When you invest in bespoke joinery, you can guarantee that the fit, finish and craftsmanship are far superior to off-the-shelf-solutions. Yet “bespoke” has often come to be synonymous with “expensive”, meaning many people may opt to hire a carpenter instead of a joiner – and this is essentially the equivalent of hiring a house painter to paint the Sistine Chapel.
If you live in a conservation area, you may not be able to replace your current timber windows with uPVC windows. Whether you want to give the windows an updated look or to get double or triple glazing fitted, replacing timber windows with uPVC in a conservation area can be tricky. You will certainly need to apply for permission from the council, and it may not be granted. Here’s a guide to everything you need to know about uPVC windows in conservation areas, and why they are not necessary.
If your home is looking a little tired and you reckon it’s time for a bit of DIY, you may want to consider giving your wooden doors and/or windows a fresh coat of paint.
There’s a misconception that wooden doors and windows need to be repainted frequently, however this is not the case; well-treated wood will provide serious longevity. Recoating is only necessary when it shows signs of wear, such as colour fading or a loss of sheen, or after repairing any damage to the timber.
Wood is the greener and more durable option compared to uPVC. There are a number of advantages to choosing wood over uPVC for your windows and doors, such as its beautiful appearance and its greener and more hard-wearing nature. Wood can be more advantageous to uPVC due to its:
Poor craftsmanship can wreak havoc is people’s lives when they end up shilling out for expensive work which is done poorly. A YouGov survey found that 51% of owners of recent new builds experience problems including construction, fittings and utilities, so it’s not just those having work done to their current homes who are experiencing problems.
Stairs are one of the oldest structures in the world and have been about in some form or another since humans first created homes. The first stairs were most likely made from hewn logs or flat rocks that were stacked to overcome difficulties presented by the terrain. As civilisation progressed and building techniques developed, magnificent staircases took shape in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
When deciding what kind of staircase you want fitted into your home or commercial property, it’s important to consider how the style will match its surroundings. Certain types of staircases will be better suited to particular spaces. Thinking carefully about your chosen style can be important for a number of reasons, such as the space restrictions in a room, the décor or the general aesthetic that you’re trying to create.
If you’re considering some bespoke joinery for your home, whether it be new doors or a staircase, there are a number of different aspects you will need to consider. Style and functionality are two key components of interior design; you will want your new joinery to match your home and perform its job well.
The type of wood you choose for your joinery might seem secondary to these decisions. However, did you know that your choice of wood can have a huge impact on the finished product? Certain types of wood lend themselves to particular styles and interior design choices. The right kind of wood can bring warmth to a room, add distinction and enhance your home in so many ways.
All of our Windows, Doors & Staircases can be made in a wide variety of timbers.
Find out more about Wood Types, their characteristics & suitabilities
View
