Bespoke Bar and Restaurant Joiner in Nottingham
Bar and restaurant joinery is the design, making and fitting of timber features for hospitality venues, including bar fronts, back bars, booths, banquettes, host stands and feature walls. These are the pieces customers see, touch and sit on all evening, so they have to look right, feel comfortable and survive punishing daily use. A good fit-out gives a venue its character and its working layout, and it is often the first thing people remember about a place. At Craig Smith Joinery, bar and restaurant joinery is work we take on regularly, across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. We build everything made to measure, which matters in the older, awkward buildings that so many pubs, bars and restaurants occupy, and we bring 30 years of hands-on experience to each project. This guide explains what hospitality joinery involves, with a focus on bar fronts, back bars and booth seating, and how a project runs from first conversation to opening night. Why Hospitality Joinery Is Different Joinery in a bar or restaurant faces conditions that most domestic furniture never meets. That combination of demands is why hospitality joinery needs careful material choices and strong, well-made construction, not just an attractive finish. Our timber joinery guide explains how timber is chosen and worked. Bar Fronts and Counters The bar is the heart of most venues, and its design affects both customer experience and how well staff can work. What a Bespoke Bar Can Include Bar Tops The surface that customers lean on is the most visible part of the bar, and it takes the hardest wear. Common choices include: Bar Top Option Character Things to Consider Solid hardwood, such as oak or walnut Warm, natural, repairable Needs a robust sealed finish against liquids Resin or epoxy finish over timber Glossy, very resistant to spills Needs expert application High-pressure laminate Hard-wearing and easy to clean Less warmth than timber, edges need care Zinc, copper or metal tops Traditional pub character Develops a patina, higher maintenance Stone or composite Very durable Heavy, needs strong support A good joiner will talk through which suits your style, use and budget. Working Height and Comfort Bars are built at a comfortable standing height for customers, with the working side planned around how staff move. The height of the bar, the depth of the top and the position of the foot rail affect how comfortable it is to lean, sit and serve. Getting these details right makes a venue feel welcoming and helps staff work efficiently. Back Bars and Gantries Behind the counter, the back bar holds stock and creates a backdrop for the bar. It is both practical and decorative. Back bars should be planned alongside the layout of the bar itself, so that staff can move freely and reach what they need quickly. The same attention to storage detail goes into our guide to kitchen joinery, where working layouts matter just as much. Booths and Banquette Seating Fitted seating makes the most of the floor space, gives customers comfort and privacy and helps a restaurant feel settled and welcoming. Why Fitted Seating Works Booths A booth is a fixed seating area, usually with a high back and a table. Joinery covers the frame, backs, panelling and often storage or power points. Well-designed booths offer comfort and a sense of privacy, and they stay put without being dragged around during cleaning. Banquettes Banquettes are long, continuous bench seats built along a wall. They suit restaurants and cafes, because they seat several tables along one run and make use of a wall that might otherwise be bare. The joinery builds a strong frame and base, and an upholsterer typically supplies the padded seat and back. What Makes Good Fitted Seating Feature Why It Matters Seat height and depth Comfort over a long meal Back angle and height Support and privacy Strong, well-braced frame Stands up to constant use Durable, wipeable surfaces Easy cleaning between services Protected edges and plinths Resists knocks from feet, trolleys and cleaning Power or USB points Convenient for modern customers Access for cleaning underneath Hygiene and maintenance Upholstery and Fire Safety Padded seating in public premises needs to meet fire safety requirements for upholstery, covering foams, fabrics and fillings. We build the frames and work with upholsterers who supply compliant materials. You should also check the requirements for your venue with your local authority or fire safety adviser. Host Stands, Service Stations and Feature Walls Beyond bars and booths, other joinery makes a venue work. These features should be designed together with the main bar and seating, so the whole venue looks cohesive. Our guide to wall panelling installation shows how feature walls are planned and fitted. Materials and Finishes for Hospitality Choosing materials is a balance between look, durability and budget. In bars and restaurants, edges, corners and base areas take the most punishment, so protective details can make a big difference to how long the joinery looks good. Compliance and Practical Requirements Hospitality premises are subject to rules that domestic spaces are not. These vary depending on the venue, so it is worth checking the details for your own situation. We are joiners, not compliance consultants, so we recommend speaking to your landlord, your local authority or a qualified adviser about the requirements that apply to you. We are happy to work from approved plans. Working Around an Opening Date Hospitality fit-outs often run to tight deadlines, because every week closed costs money. A well-run joinery project is planned around this. Agreeing a clear programme at the start, working back from your opening date, is the best way to avoid last-minute stress. How a Bar or Restaurant Joinery Project Works Step 1: Initial Conversation You tell us about the venue, the concept, the atmosphere you want and your opening date. We ask how staff and customers will use the space. Step 2: Site Visit and Measuring We visit and measure carefully, noting walls, floors, columns, services and access. Older buildings often have uneven walls and
Bespoke Shop Fitting Joiner in Nottingham
Shopfitting joinery is the design, making and installation of timber fittings for shops, cafes, bars, salons and other customer-facing premises. It includes counters, shelving, display units, wall fixtures, seating, changing rooms and back-of-house storage. Done well, it does two jobs at once. It makes the space work for staff and customers, and it gives the business a look and feel that people remember. At Craig Smith Joinery, shopfitting joinery is work we take on regularly, across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. We build everything made to measure, which matters in shop units that are rarely a neat rectangle, and we bring 30 years of hands-on experience to each project. This guide explains what shopfitting joinery covers, what makes a good fit-out, how a project runs and how to get a quote. For larger projects, see our home renovation joinery in Nottingham, covering doors, skirting, storage and structural timber. What Is Shopfitting Joinery? Shopfitting is the wider process of fitting out a commercial premises ready for trading. It can involve many trades, including electricians, plumbers, decorators and sign makers. Shopfitting joinery is the part of that process that deals with timber and board fittings made specifically for the space. Typical items include: Each of these is designed to suit the premises, the products and the brand. Why Bespoke Fixtures Beat Off-the-Shelf Units Catalogue shop fittings are quick and convenient, but they are built to standard sizes for an imaginary standard shop. Real units are different, and a business usually gains from fittings made for the space. For independent businesses in particular, distinctive fittings can be a real advantage over chain competitors. Our guide to bespoke joinery explains why made-to-measure work pays off. What Makes a Good Shop Fit-Out A good fit-out is not just attractive. It works for the people who use it every day. Customer Flow The layout should guide customers naturally through the space, keeping popular items visible and leaving room to move. Counters, displays and queuing areas need to be positioned so that traffic does not bunch up. Visibility and Display Fixtures should show products at the right height and angle, with good lighting. Shelving should be arranged so that best sellers are at eye level and stock is easy to reach and replenish. Brand and Atmosphere Materials, colours and details create a mood. Warm timber might suit a cafe or craft shop, while clean painted surfaces might suit a modern boutique or salon. The joinery should support the brand, not fight it. Practicality for Staff Counters need the right working height, storage in the right places and space for equipment such as tills, card machines, coffee machines and cables. Back-of-house storage should be easy to reach and keep organised. Durability Shop fittings take heavy wear from customers, trolleys, stock and cleaning. Surfaces and edges need to stand up to knocks and daily use. Flexibility Many shops change their displays regularly. Adjustable shelving, movable units and simple modular elements let you adapt without rebuilding. Counters and Service Points The counter is often the centrepiece of a shop, cafe or salon, so it deserves careful design. A bespoke counter can include: Because the counter is the point where customers and staff meet, it is worth getting right. Shelving and Display Units Shelving and display units show your products, so their design affects sales as well as appearance. Shelf depth, spacing and strength should be planned around what you sell. Heavy goods need thicker shelves and stronger supports, while delicate items may need small, well-lit display niches. The same principles apply to our fitted bookcases, which show how floor-to-ceiling shelving is planned and built. Cafes, Bars and Hospitality Fit-Outs Food and drink premises have extra demands. Because cafes are often fitted into older buildings with uneven walls, made-to-measure joinery gives a far better result than standard units. Our guide to kitchen joinery explains how hard-working units like these are properly built. Salons, Beauty and Wellness Spaces Hair, beauty and wellness businesses depend on atmosphere and practicality in equal measure. Joinery in these spaces needs to be hard-wearing, easy to wipe down and attractive, since clients notice the details. Materials and Finishes Choosing the right materials is a balance between appearance, durability and budget. Material or Finish Strengths Best Used For Painted MDF Smooth finish, stable, cost effective Counter fronts, wall panels, shelving Solid timber Natural character, strong, repairable Counters, seating, feature pieces Veneered board Real timber look with stability Large panels and feature walls Durable laminate Hard-wearing, easy to clean Worktops and high-traffic surfaces Hard-wearing paint or lacquer Protects surfaces from knocks Fixtures needing a coloured or clear finish A good joiner will advise which combination suits your premises and trade, and where it is worth spending a little more. Our timber joinery guide explains more about the timbers used. Compliance and Safety Commercial premises carry some requirements that domestic spaces do not. These vary depending on the type of premises and its use, so it is worth checking the details for your own situation. We are joiners, not compliance consultants, so we recommend speaking to the building’s owner, your landlord or a qualified professional about the requirements that apply to you. We are happy to work from approved plans. Working Around a Trading Business Timing is critical in shopfitting. Every day a shop is closed can cost money, and opening dates are often fixed. A well-run joinery project is planned around this. Because shop fit-outs often have a deadline, a clear programme agreed at the start is essential. How a Shopfitting Joinery Project Works Step 1: Initial Conversation You tell us about the business, what you sell, how you want the space to feel and when you need to open. We ask about customers, staff and any plans for growth. Step 2: Site Visit and Measuring We visit the unit and measure carefully, noting walls, floors, columns, windows, services and access. Older premises often have uneven walls and floors, which we plan for. Step 3: Design and Drawings We prepare
Commercial Joinery for Offices, Schools and Community Spaces
Commercial joinery is the design, making and fitting of woodwork for non-domestic buildings, such as offices, schools, surgeries, clinics, churches and community halls. It includes reception desks, built-in storage, meeting room furniture, counters, doors, shelving and fitted units. The work is similar in skill to domestic joinery, but it has to cope with heavier use, stricter safety expectations and the practical challenge of working in buildings that people still need to use. At Craig Smith Joinery, we take on commercial projects occasionally, alongside our domestic work, across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. We bring 30 years of hands-on experience and the same made-to-measure approach to every job, and we are upfront about the scale of work we are best suited to. This guide explains what commercial joinery involves, what matters in offices and in education, healthcare and community buildings, and how the quote and project process works. Looking for a study built around how you work? Take a look at our fitted home office furniture in Nottingham. What Counts as Commercial Joinery? Commercial joinery covers woodwork made for businesses and public buildings instead of private homes. Typical examples include: The key difference from domestic work is not the craft itself, but the setting. Commercial spaces are used by many people every day, and the joinery has to look good, work reliably and last under constant use. How Commercial Work Differs From Domestic Work If you are used to commissioning joinery for a home, a few differences are worth knowing. None of this is difficult when it is planned properly, but it does mean a commercial project needs clear communication from the start. Much of the work falls under what is often called architectural joinery, meaning woodwork built into the fabric of a building. Offices and Workspaces Good joinery makes an office feel considered, organised and welcoming. It also helps a workplace function better, because it can be built around how people actually work. Reception Areas A reception desk is the first thing visitors see, so it sets the tone for the whole business. A bespoke desk can be designed to suit the space, the brand and the practical needs of staff, with features such as: Storage and Filing Offices accumulate paperwork, equipment and supplies. Fitted storage uses wall space efficiently, keeps clutter out of sight and can be sized exactly for the items it holds. Built-in units also avoid the gaps and wasted space that freestanding cabinets leave. The same thinking applies to our fitted home office furniture, scaled up for a busier workplace. Meeting Rooms Fitted units, sideboards, credenzas and display shelving in a meeting room can combine storage with a polished look. Bespoke tables and worktops can be built to the exact size of the room. Kitchenettes and Breakout Spaces Staff kitchens and break areas take heavy use. Joinery here needs hard-wearing worktops, moisture-resistant finishes and practical storage that is easy to keep clean. Our guide to kitchen joinery explains how units like these are properly built. Awkward Spaces Offices in older buildings, converted premises and upper floors often have odd angles, alcoves and sloping ceilings. Made-to-measure joinery makes use of these spaces instead of leaving them empty. Education, Healthcare and Community Buildings Public and community buildings place particular demands on joinery. The work has to be robust, safe and easy to look after, and the buildings are often older, which brings its own challenges. Schools and Education Settings In schools and nurseries, joinery faces heavy daily use. Priorities include: Healthcare Settings Surgeries, clinics and care settings have extra considerations. Churches, Halls and Community Spaces Community buildings often combine old and new. Joinery may include: Because these buildings are often older, careful measuring and a sympathetic design are especially important. Walls and floors are rarely square, so units are scribed to fit tightly against them. What to Plan For in a Commercial Project A few points come up in almost every commercial project, and it is worth thinking about them early. Durability and Materials Commercial furniture takes a lot of wear. Joiners often choose hard-wearing materials, such as quality board with durable laminate or paint, solid timber edges, and robust hardware. The right choice depends on the use, the budget and the look. Fire Safety Fire safety requirements can affect the materials, finishes and layout used in public and workplace buildings. These vary depending on the type of building and where the joinery is used, so they should be discussed with whoever manages the building, and with a qualified professional where needed. Accessibility Reception counters, door widths and storage heights may need to take accessibility into account. Planning for this from the start is far easier than altering it later, and it makes the space more welcoming for everyone. Cleaning and Maintenance Surfaces that are easy to wipe and resist stains make life easier for cleaning staff. Sealed edges, smooth finishes and simple detailing all help. Noise and Disturbance Cutting and fitting work can be noisy and dusty. Much of the work can be made in the workshop, which reduces disruption on site, with fitting kept as short as possible. Site Rules Schools, healthcare settings and some offices have their own rules about access, working hours and safeguarding. We agree these with the building manager before any work starts, so everyone knows what to expect. How a Commercial Joinery Project Works A clear process keeps a commercial project on time and on budget. Step 1: Initial Brief You tell us what you need, where it will go and any deadlines. We talk through how the space is used, who uses it and what the key priorities are. Step 2: Site Visit and Measuring We visit the building and measure carefully, noting walls, floors, services, access routes and anything that could affect the design or the fitting. Step 3: Design and Drawings We draw up the proposed design, so you can see exactly what you are getting. Changes at this stage are easy and inexpensive. Step 4: Written Quote We
Choosing the Best Wood for Fitted Wardrobes
The best wood for fitted wardrobes is not a single timber. A wardrobe is made of several different parts, such as the carcass, doors, shelves, drawers and hanging rails, and each part has different demands. The most durable and best value wardrobes use a different material for each job, chosen to suit how that part is used. Stable board is usually best for the hidden carcass, hardwood or paint-grade timber for doors and frames, and strong, hard-wearing timber for drawers and shelves. At Craig Smith Joinery, we have spent 30 years building fitted wardrobes from our base in Nottinghamshire, and we choose materials part by part, not wardrobe by wardrobe. This guide explains which woods and boards work best in each part of a wardrobe, so you can have an informed conversation with any joiner and understand what you are paying for. If you’re planning wardrobes for your own home, see how we design and build fitted wardrobes in Nottingham, made to measure for every room. Why Wardrobes Need More Than One Material A wardrobe has to do several jobs at once. The carcass must stay square and carry weight. The doors must look good and stay flat. The shelves must not sag under folded clothes. The drawers must run smoothly for years. Each of these asks something different of the material. If you use one material for everything, you either overspend on parts that are hidden, or under-spend on parts that take wear. A part by part approach avoids both problems. The Main Materials at a Glance Before looking at each part, here is how the common materials compare. Material Character Typical Use in a Wardrobe Oak Hard, strong, open grain, warm colour Doors, frames, drawer fronts, stained finishes Ash Strong, pale, flexible, pronounced grain Doors, shelves, light natural finishes Walnut Rich, dark, premium Feature doors and fronts, stained or oiled Beech Hard, fine even grain, light Drawer sides, rails, internal parts Poplar Light, stable, takes paint well Painted frames and doors Pine Soft, affordable, knotty Painted frames, simple carcasses, budget builds Birch plywood Stable, strong, layered Drawer boxes, carcasses, shelves MDF Smooth, very stable Painted doors and panels, hidden carcass parts Veneered board Real timber surface on a stable core Stained wardrobes needing stability This is a general guide, and your joiner will recommend what suits your design, finish and budget. Our timber joinery guide explains more about how these timbers are worked. The Carcass: The Hidden Box The carcass is the main structure of the wardrobe, made up of the sides, top, base and back. It is mostly hidden, but it carries the weight of everything and needs to stay square for the doors to hang properly. What Works Best What to Avoid Because the carcass is hidden, this is the place to save money without hurting performance, as long as the board is good quality and the thickness is right. Doors: The Part Everyone Sees Doors set the look of the wardrobe, and they also take the most daily handling. They need to stay flat, hang well and hold their finish. Painted Doors Stained or Natural Doors Why Stability Matters Large doors can warp if the material moves with humidity. That is why many joiners use a stable core, such as MDF or veneered board, for big flat panels, and solid timber for frames and edges. Door Frames and Rails Shaker style doors have a frame of rails and stiles around a flat panel. The frame needs to be strong and stable, because the joints take regular stress. Shelves: Strength Under Load Shelves are easy to underestimate. Folded clothes are heavy, and a shelf that bows looks poor and can wear out quickly. A good joiner will size shelves for the load and span, not just the look. Drawers: Where Wear Concentrates Drawers get opened and closed thousands of times, and the joints and runners take the stress. This is where better materials earn their keep. Drawer Boxes Drawer Fronts Runners Runners are not wood, but they matter as much. Soft-close, full-extension runners make daily use far better and are well worth good quality. Hanging Rails Hanging rails carry the weight of many clothes, so strength and rigidity count. Plinths, Trims and Cornices These finishing pieces are visible and take knocks from vacuum cleaners and feet. The Role of Veneer and Plywood Two materials often appear in good wardrobes. Veneered board has a thin layer of real timber on a stable core, so you get the grain and colour of oak or walnut without the movement and cost of solid wood. It is excellent for large stained panels. Birch plywood is made of thin layers glued in alternating directions, which makes it very strong and stable. Its neat edge looks good in drawers and open shelving, and it is a favourite of cabinet makers. Softwood or Hardwood? A common question is whether to choose softwood or hardwood. Neither is right everywhere. A well-made painted pine or poplar frame can look and perform well, while a poorly made hardwood piece will disappoint. Wardrobes and Humidity Bedrooms are usually stable, dry rooms, so most wardrobe materials perform well. A few points are worth remembering. Matching Wood to Your Finish The finish you want often points to the best material. Finish Best Materials Smooth painted doors MDF or paint-grade timber such as poplar Painted Shaker doors MDF panels with MDF or poplar frames Natural oak look Solid oak or oak veneered board Light, modern timber look Ash, or ash veneer Rich, dark look Walnut or walnut veneer Budget painted wardrobe Quality board with painted doors A Worked Example: Choosing Wood Part by Part Imagine a family in Nottinghamshire who want a fitted wardrobe across one wall of their bedroom, with painted Shaker doors, drawers and a natural oak top shelf and trim. They want it to last, but they also want to keep an eye on cost. Here is how we would choose the materials. The result is
Solid Wood or MDF for Fitted Furniture
Solid wood is real timber cut from the tree, while MDF is a manufactured board made from wood fibres, wax and resin pressed together. For fitted furniture, neither is simply better. Solid wood offers natural beauty, strength and repairability, and MDF offers stability, a very smooth painted finish and a lower price. The best fitted furniture often uses both, with each material put where it performs best. At Craig Smith Joinery, we have spent 30 years building bespoke fitted furniture from our base in Nottinghamshire, and we use both materials every week. We choose between them based on the job, not on habit. This guide explains how each behaves, where each excels and how to decide, so you can have an informed conversation with any joiner. What Is Solid Wood? Solid wood is timber cut straight from the tree and used as it is. Common choices for fitted furniture include oak, ash, walnut, beech, pine and poplar, each with its own colour, grain and hardness. Hardwoods like oak and walnut are generally denser and more durable, while softwoods like pine are lighter and more affordable. Our timber joinery guide explains how these timbers are worked. Solid wood has natural character. The grain, colour and small variations make every piece slightly different, and it ages gracefully, often looking better with time. What Is MDF? MDF stands for medium density fibreboard. It is made by breaking down wood into fine fibres, mixing them with wax and resin and pressing them into flat, uniform sheets. The result is a smooth, consistent board with no grain and no knots. MDF comes in several grades, including standard, moisture-resistant and fire-retardant versions. It is used extensively in kitchens, wardrobes and painted joinery because it is stable, easy to machine and takes paint beautifully. A Quick Comparison Factor Solid Wood MDF Appearance Natural grain and character Uniform, no grain, best painted Painted finish Good, but grain and movement can show Excellent, very smooth Stained finish Excellent Not suitable Stability Moves with humidity Very stable Strength Strong, holds screws well Good, but weaker at edges and screw holding Moisture Handles it better if sealed Swells if unsealed and exposed Repair Easily repaired and refinished Harder to repair when damaged Weight Varies by species Heavy Cost Higher Lower Strength and Durability Solid wood is generally stronger in terms of structural performance and holds fixings very well. Screws bite firmly into the grain, and joints such as mortise and tenon, dowels and dovetails work at their best. If you need furniture to take heavy loads, repeated use or the occasional knock, solid timber is a reassuring choice. MDF is dense and strong in its own way, and it resists warping and splitting. However, it has no grain, so screws do not hold as firmly, especially if you take them out and replace them repeatedly. Edges can chip or crumble if they are damaged, and MDF does not take shock loads as well as timber. For most fitted furniture, such as wardrobes, shelving and cabinet doors, good quality MDF is more than strong enough, especially when properly supported. The key is using the right thickness, the right fixings and sensible spans for shelves. Moisture and Humidity This is where the two materials differ most, and where honest advice matters. Solid Wood and Moisture Timber is a natural material that absorbs and releases moisture with changes in humidity. It expands slightly across the grain when humid and shrinks when dry. A good joiner allows for this movement in the design, using floating panels and appropriate joints. Properly sealed and finished solid wood handles normal household humidity very well, and it can cope better with the occasional spill. MDF and Moisture Standard MDF swells and loses strength if it gets wet, particularly at cut edges. This is a real limitation in bathrooms, utility rooms, kitchens near sinks and any area with direct water exposure. The good news is that: In a normal bedroom, living room or hallway, MDF performs perfectly well. In wet areas, extra care is needed, and in some cases solid wood or moisture-resistant boards are the better choice. This is a point we cover in our guide to utility room joinery, where damp and steam are part of daily life. Stability and Movement MDF’s great strength is stability. Because it is made of fibres pressed in all directions, it does not expand and contract in the same way as solid timber. That makes it ideal for large flat panels, such as wardrobe doors and cabinet fronts, and for painted joinery where you do not want hairline cracks to appear in the paint over time. Solid wood moves slightly with the seasons. For most furniture this is not a problem if the design allows for it, but it can show up as gaps opening up in panelled doors or paint lines cracking at joints on painted frames. Good joinery takes this into account, which is why Shaker style doors are often made with a stable core even when a solid look is wanted. Finish and Appearance The look you want often decides the material. Painted Finishes MDF is the favourite for painted fitted furniture. Its surface is perfectly smooth and uniform, so paint sits on it evenly with no grain showing through. This gives a crisp, flawless finish, which is why painted kitchens and wardrobes are so often built from MDF doors. Our guide to kitchen joinery shows how this works in practice. Solid wood can also be painted beautifully, but grain texture can show through, and movement can create fine lines at joints. Some people like the slight character this gives, while others prefer the uniform look of MDF. Stained and Natural Finishes If you want to see the natural grain, solid wood or veneered board is the only option. Stains, oils and clear lacquers bring out the colour and pattern of the timber, and no other material gives the same warmth and depth. Veneered Board Between the two
How Per Linear Metre Pricing Works for Fitted Furniture
Cost per linear metre is a way of pricing fitted furniture by the length of wall it covers. A joiner or supplier gives a rate for each metre of wardrobe, shelving or cabinetry along the wall, and the total is that rate multiplied by the length. It is a handy shorthand, and it is why so many people search for a per metre price before they ask for a quote. But the figure only tells part of the story, and used on its own it can be misleading. At Craig Smith Joinery, we have spent 30 years designing and building bespoke fitted furniture, and we are often asked for a per metre price over the phone. This guide explains what a linear metre actually measures, how per metre pricing works, why the same rate can mean very different things, and how to use it sensibly when planning and comparing quotes. What Is a Linear Metre? A linear metre is a measurement of length in a straight line, one metre long. It says nothing about height or depth. In fitted furniture, it refers to the length along the wall that the furniture covers. So a wardrobe that runs along a wall for four metres is four linear metres, whether it is a shallow cupboard or a deep one, and whether it is waist height or floor to ceiling. That is both its strength and its weakness. It is simple to measure and easy to talk about, but it ignores the other two dimensions that have a large effect on cost. Why Joiners and Suppliers Quote Per Metre Per metre pricing is common in the fitted furniture trade for good reasons. For simple, standard projects, it can be a reasonable guide. The trouble starts when a per metre figure is treated as the final price for a project that is anything other than simple. What a Per Metre Price Usually Assumes Any per metre rate rests on a set of assumptions, and these are rarely stated in a quick conversation. Typically, a rate assumes: If your project matches these assumptions, the per metre rate may be quite close to the real cost. If it does not, the real cost can differ a great deal. The Limits of Per Metre Pricing A single per metre figure cannot capture everything that goes into a fitted furniture project. Here is where it falls short. Height Is Ignored A floor-to-ceiling wardrobe uses far more material than a waist-height cupboard, but both could be described in linear metres. Taller units also need more careful fitting and more door area. Depth Is Ignored A shallow shelving unit and a deep storage cupboard take up the same wall length, but use different amounts of material. Complexity Is Ignored A run with corners, steps, sloping ceilings, chimney breasts and radiators takes much longer than a straight run, even if the length is the same. Walls that need scribing to fit tightly add time that a simple rate does not reflect. Internal Fittings Are Ignored A wardrobe with drawers, pull-out trays, lighting and shoe storage is very different from one with a single rail, yet both may be priced per metre. Finish and Materials Are Ignored Solid timber doors, hand-painted finishes and premium hardware cost much more than basic alternatives, but the per metre label looks the same. Site Conditions Are Ignored Uneven walls, narrow stairs, upper floors and awkward access all change the time needed to fit the furniture. For all of these reasons, a per metre price is best seen as a starting point, not a final answer. What Pushes the Per Metre Rate Up or Down Understanding the factors helps you see why two quotes with the same length can differ so much. Factor Pushes the Rate Down Pushes the Rate Up Height Lower units, simple heights Floor to ceiling, tall or stepped units Doors Flat painted doors Shaker, mirrored, veneered or glazed doors Interior Rails and shelves Drawers, pull-outs, lighting, specialist racks Materials Painted board Solid timber, veneers, premium finishes Layout Straight, regular run Corners, curves, slopes, steps Site Easy access, square walls Uneven walls, difficult access Hardware Basic fittings Soft-close hinges, premium runners Most projects are a mix. A simple, straight run with a few high-quality features sits somewhere in the middle, while a complex, fully fitted room with premium finishes sits at the top. Per Metre Cost by Type of Fitted Furniture Different kinds of fitted furniture have very different typical per metre levels, because the amount of material and labour per metre differs a lot. Type of Fitted Furniture Relative Per Metre Level Why Open shelving or simple bookcases Lower Less material and no doors Simple hinged door wardrobes Lower to mid Straightforward construction Sliding door wardrobes Mid Track systems and large door panels Alcove cabinets with doors Mid Precise scribing and door fitting Floor-to-ceiling bookcases with cupboards Mid to higher More material and mixed construction Wardrobes with drawers and extensive fittings Higher More hardware and workshop time Utility room joinery and storage rooms Mid to higher Worktops, plumbing and appliance housing Bespoke kitchens Highest Worktops, appliances, many doors and drawers These are relative levels, not prices. They show why a per metre figure for one type of furniture cannot be applied to another. For a closer look at how kitchens are put together, see our guide to kitchen joinery. A Worked Example: How a Per Metre Figure Becomes a Quote To show how this works in practice, here is an illustration using an index instead of pounds. Imagine a base rate of 100 for each linear metre of a simple, floor-to-ceiling wardrobe with flat painted doors, rails and shelves. This is only an illustration, not a price. The starting point: A four metre run at the base rate gives 4 x 100 = 400. Adding upgrades: The adjusted total: 400 + 60 + 50 + 40 + 20 = 570. The same four metre run now sits well above the simple base
Bespoke Joinery or Flat-Pack Furniture
Bespoke joinery is furniture designed, made and fitted for one specific room, while flat-pack furniture is mass-produced in standard sizes and assembled at home. Bespoke costs more upfront and offers a perfect fit, better materials and a long life. Flat-pack costs less and is quick and convenient, but it is limited by standard sizes and usually built from lighter materials. Neither is right for every situation, and the best choice depends on your space, your budget and how long you want the furniture to last. At Craig Smith Joinery, we have spent 30 years building bespoke furniture across Nottinghamshire, so we are obviously biased towards joinery. But we also believe in giving honest advice, and there are times when flat-pack is the sensible choice. This guide compares the two fairly, so you can decide what suits your home. What Is Bespoke Joinery? Bespoke joinery is furniture and woodwork made specifically for you. A joiner visits your home, measures the space, agrees a design with you and builds every piece in a workshop before fitting it on site. Nothing comes from a catalogue. Our guide to bespoke joinery covers the approach in more detail. That means you control: What Is Flat-Pack Furniture? Flat-pack furniture is made in large quantities in a factory, packed flat in boxes and assembled by the buyer or a fitter. It is built to standard dimensions so it can be sold to as many people as possible, and it is typically made from particleboard, MDF or similar manufactured boards with a laminate or foil finish. Its main strengths are price, availability and convenience. You can often buy it and take it home on the same day, and good flat-pack designs can look very smart. A Quick Comparison Factor Bespoke Joinery Flat-Pack Furniture Upfront cost Higher Lower Fit Exact to your room Standard sizes, gaps are common Materials Chosen by you, often solid timber or quality board Usually lighter manufactured board Lifespan Often decades Often a few years to a decade Repair and change Can be repaired, refinished and altered Often replaced if damaged Design choice Fully tailored Limited to the range Speed Takes weeks to design and make Often available immediately Moving home Usually stays with the house Can be taken apart, but often damaged The rest of this guide looks at each of these in more detail. Fit: The Biggest Difference Fit is where bespoke makes its strongest case. Real rooms are rarely square. Walls lean, floors slope, ceilings dip, and chimney breasts and alcoves interrupt the lines. Standard furniture assumes none of that. With flat-pack, you usually end up with: With bespoke, the joiner measures the room as it actually is, builds to those measurements and scribes the edges so each unit sits tight against the wall. Every centimetre is used, and the finished piece looks built in. In a regular, square room, a good flat-pack system can fit very well. In older homes, lofts and rooms with alcoves, the gap between the two is much bigger. Our alcove cabinets and fitted bookcases are good examples of storage that flat-pack simply cannot match for fit. Materials and Construction What furniture is made from has a big effect on how it looks, feels and lasts. Flat-Pack Most flat-pack is built from particleboard or MDF, covered with a thin laminate. This is cost-effective and stable, but the boards are lighter and the edges can chip or swell if they get wet. Fixings are typically cam locks, dowels and screws, which can loosen when furniture is moved or assembled more than once. Bespoke Bespoke furniture can use solid timber, quality veneered board or high-grade MDF, depending on the design and budget. Joints are made with proper joinery methods such as dowels, biscuits and mortise and tenon, which produce stronger and longer-lasting connections. Hardware, such as soft-close hinges and quality runners, is also usually better. Good materials do not always mean solid timber. A well-made painted MDF carcass with excellent hinges can outlast a poorly made solid wood piece. The point is that the materials are chosen to suit the job. Our timber joinery guide explains how different timbers and boards compare. Lifespan and Repair This is where the cost conversation changes. Cheaper furniture that needs replacing every few years can end up costing more over time than a well-made piece that lasts for decades. If you expect to stay in your home for many years, bespoke often works out to be better value. If you expect to move in a few years, or the furniture is only needed for a short period, flat-pack may be the more sensible choice. Design and Flexibility Flat-pack comes in a limited set of sizes, finishes and configurations. You choose from what is on offer and accept the compromises. Bespoke gives you complete freedom. You can choose: This freedom matters most when the space is unusual, when you want a very specific look, or when you need furniture to work around features such as a sloping ceiling or a chimney breast. Cost and Value Flat-pack is cheaper upfront, and it is worth saying so plainly. For many people, particularly those on a tight budget, it is the only realistic option, and good flat-pack ranges offer a lot of value. Bespoke costs more because it includes design, skilled labour, better materials and precise fitting. In general terms: But upfront cost is only part of the picture. Think about: A fair comparison looks at cost over the full lifespan, not just the price on the day. For a figure based on your own room, you can ask us for a quote. When Flat-Pack Is the Right Choice We would rather give honest advice than sell you something you do not need, so here are the situations where flat-pack genuinely makes sense. In these cases, spending more on bespoke may not give a worthwhile return. When Bespoke Is Worth the Money Bespoke joinery tends to be worth the extra cost when: If several of these
What Affects the Cost of Fitted Wardrobes in Nottingham?
The cost of fitted wardrobes depends mainly on the type of wardrobe, the size of the space, the style of doors, the internal layout and the materials you choose. There is no single price, because every fitted wardrobe is built to fit a particular room. A simple run of hinged doors in a straight alcove sits at the lower end, while a walk-in dressing room with lighting and drawers sits at the higher end. At Craig Smith Joinery, we have spent 30 years building bespoke fitted wardrobes for homes across Nottingham and the surrounding areas. Because we quote every project individually after measuring the room, we do not publish fixed prices. This guide explains how different wardrobe types and layouts affect the cost, so you can plan sensibly and know what to ask when you request a quote. If you’re planning wardrobes for your own home, see how we design and build fitted wardrobes in Nottingham, made to measure for every room. Why Fitted Wardrobes Cost What They Do A fitted wardrobe is not a piece of furniture you buy and carry upstairs. It is designed, made in a workshop and fitted on site, usually from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. That brings clear benefits, and it also explains the price. You are paying for design, materials, workshop time and careful fitting, which together give you storage that looks built in because it is. Our guide to bespoke joinery explains why this approach lasts so much longer than standard furniture. Cost by Wardrobe Type Different wardrobe types need different amounts of materials and time, and that is the biggest single driver of price. Here is how the main types compare. Wardrobe Type Relative Cost Level Why Simple hinged door wardrobe in a straight run Lower to mid Straightforward construction and fitting Alcove wardrobes either side of a chimney breast Lower to mid Smaller spaces, but each needs precise fitting Sliding door wardrobe Mid Track systems and larger door panels add cost Full-width floor-to-ceiling wardrobe Mid to higher Large amount of material and several door sections Bed surround or bridging wardrobe Mid to higher More complex design and fitting around the bed Corner wardrobe Mid to higher Angled cuts and awkward access inside Loft, eaves or sloping ceiling wardrobe Higher Every unit is cut to the slope, so there is more workshop time Walk-in wardrobe or dressing room Higher Multiple walls, lots of internal fittings and often lighting These are relative levels, not prices. The point is that complexity and size push cost up, while simple, regular layouts keep it down. Hinged Door Wardrobes Hinged doors are the classic choice and often the most economical way to fit a wardrobe. They suit most rooms and give full access to the inside. They need space in front for the doors to swing open, so they work best in bedrooms with some floor clearance. Style choices, such as flat doors or panelled Shaker doors, affect the price. Sliding Door Wardrobes Sliding doors save space because they do not swing out, which makes them popular in smaller bedrooms. The track system, rollers and larger door panels add cost, and quality varies a lot, so good runners are worth paying for. Only part of the wardrobe is open at a time, which is worth thinking about when planning the interior. Alcove Wardrobes Many Nottingham homes have recesses either side of a chimney breast, and these are ideal for wardrobes. They are smaller than a full wall, so the cost is often lower, but each alcove usually needs careful scribing because the walls are rarely straight. Doing both together also makes the room look balanced. If you would rather use the recesses for display and storage elsewhere in the home, take a look at our alcove cabinets. Full-Width and Floor-to-Ceiling Wardrobes Running the wardrobe across a whole wall and up to the ceiling gives the most storage and a clean, built-in look. It uses more material and takes more time, so it sits higher in cost, but it offers the best value per metre of storage because there is no wasted space above. Loft, Eaves and Sloping Ceiling Wardrobes These are the most labour-intensive, because every cabinet is measured and cut to follow the slope. The workshop time is higher, but they turn unusable space into useful storage, which can be worth far more than the extra cost in a small loft room. Walk-In Wardrobes and Dressing Rooms A walk-in wardrobe has storage on several walls, often with drawers, hanging space, shoe storage, mirrors and lighting. It is the largest and most detailed option, and it is priced accordingly. Even a small walk-in can be done efficiently if the layout is planned well. How Layout and Internal Fittings Affect Cost The inside of a wardrobe can change the price as much as the outside. A few fitted items make a big difference to how useful it is, and to what it costs. A useful way to control cost is to put drawers and fittings where you will use them most, and keep the rest as simple hanging and shelving. Door Style and Finish Doors are the most visible part of a wardrobe, and the options vary widely in price. Door Option Look Cost Impact Flat painted doors Clean, modern Lower Shaker style doors Classic, framed panels Mid Mirrored doors Reflective, makes rooms feel larger Mid Veneer or solid timber doors Natural, warm, premium Higher Glazed or decorative doors Feature look Higher Finish matters too. A hand-sprayed, multi-coat painted finish costs more than a basic one, but it wears much better and looks richer. If you are on a budget, a simple painted flat door with good hardware often gives the best balance of cost and quality. The same design thinking applies to our bespoke internal doors, where flush and panelled styles can be matched to your wardrobes. Materials: Where Money Is Best Spent Materials affect both appearance and how long the wardrobe lasts.
Bespoke Joinery Costs in the UK
Bespoke joinery in the UK typically costs more than flat-pack or ready-made furniture, but it is built to fit your room exactly, made from better materials and designed to last for decades. Prices vary widely depending on what you are having made, so there is no single answer. A simple pair of alcove shelves might cost a few hundred pounds, while a fully fitted bespoke kitchen can run to tens of thousands. At Craig Smith Joinery, we have spent 30 years building bespoke woodwork from our base in Nottinghamshire, and the first question most people ask us is what it will cost. This guide explains what drives the price, gives indicative UK ranges for common projects, compares bespoke with standard options and shows how to get a fair, accurate quote. The Short Answer Most bespoke joinery projects fall somewhere between a few hundred pounds for small items and several thousand pounds for fitted rooms and staircases. As a rough guide, you can expect: These are indicative figures only. Your actual price depends on size, materials, complexity and location, which is why every project is quoted individually. What Does Bespoke Joinery Actually Mean? Bespoke joinery is furniture or woodwork designed, made and fitted for one specific space and one specific client. Nothing is picked from a catalogue. A joiner measures your room, agrees a design with you and builds each piece in a workshop before fitting it on site. Our guide to bespoke joinery explains the approach in more detail. That is different from: Bespoke gives you control over size, layout, materials, finish and detail, and that control is what you are paying for. If you are unsure who does what, our article on carpenters and joiners explains the difference between the two trades. What Drives the Cost? Understanding where the money goes helps you judge a quote and decide where to spend and where to save. Materials Timber and board choice has a large effect on price. Solid oak or walnut costs far more than painted MDF or quality veneered board. Hardware such as soft-close hinges, drawer runners and handles also varies a lot between budget and premium. Our timber joinery guide explains how different woods compare. Labour and Skill Joinery is skilled work, and labour is usually the biggest part of the cost. It covers design, measuring, workshop making, finishing and fitting. A project with many doors, drawers and bespoke details takes longer than a simple open unit. Size and Complexity Larger projects cost more, but complexity matters as much as size. Sloping ceilings, uneven walls, curves, panelled doors and integrated lighting all add time. Edges that must be scribed to fit uneven walls also take longer than straight, simple joins. Finish A hand-painted, multi-coat spray finish costs more than a basic coat of paint, but it is more durable and looks better. Stained and lacquered finishes also vary in cost. Access and Site Conditions Difficult access, such as narrow stairs or upper floors, makes installation slower. Rooms that need preparation, such as uneven floors, can add cost too. Location Prices vary across the UK. Labour and material costs in London and the South East are generally higher than in the Midlands and the North. Design and Fitting Time Design time, site visits, drawings and fitting all count. A good joiner will explain where this time goes. Bespoke vs Standard: Cost and Value Bespoke costs more upfront, but the comparison is not as simple as price alone. Factor Bespoke Joinery Flat-Pack or Standard Units Upfront cost Higher Lower Fit Exact, with no wasted gaps Standard sizes, filler panels needed Space use Every centimetre used Gaps and wasted space Materials Chosen by you, often better quality Usually lighter boards Lifespan Often decades Often shorter Repair Can be repaired or modified Often replaced Design Fully tailored Limited choice Where bespoke really pays off is in awkward spaces, uneven walls and older properties, where standard units simply do not fit. In regular, square rooms, standard units can be a perfectly sensible choice if budget is tight. Indicative UK Costs by Project Type The figures below are indicative guides for typical projects. Actual prices depend on size, materials and specification. Project Indicative UK Range Alcove shelving or simple alcove cabinets (pair) £800 to £3,500 Bespoke window seat with storage £600 to £2,000 Under stairs storage £800 to £2,500 Fitted wardrobes (per project) £2,000 to £8,000 Wall panelling (per feature wall) £500 to £1,500 Single bespoke internal door £350 to £1,000 Floor-to-ceiling fitted bookcases (full wall) £3,000 to £8,000 Utility room joinery £2,500 to £7,000 Staircase renovation or repair £1,000 to £5,000 New bespoke staircase £3,000 to £10,000 and above Bespoke kitchen £15,000 to £40,000 and above Bear in mind that these ranges are wide on purpose. A small utility room with painted board is at the bottom of its range, while a large one with solid timber worktops and integrated appliances sits at the top. For a closer look at how kitchens are built and priced, see our guide to kitchen joinery. Where Does the Money Go? For a typical joinery project, the cost splits roughly like this: Spending in the right places matters. Good hinges and runners, for example, cost little compared with the whole job but make a huge difference to how it feels in daily use. Is Bespoke Joinery Worth the Money? For many people, yes, and the reasons go beyond appearance. Over a long period, a well-made bespoke piece often works out better value than replacing cheaper furniture several times. Strong joints are part of that durability, and techniques such as dovetail joinery are a good example of work built to last. How to Budget for Bespoke Joinery A few practical steps help you stay in control of the cost. Being open about your budget helps a good joiner design the best result for the money. If you are planning several rooms, our home renovations service can help you plan the work in sensible stages. How to Get
Conservation Joinery: Should You Repair or Replace Old Timber?
Conservation joinery is the craft of repairing and maintaining old woodwork so that it keeps its original character, instead of being ripped out and replaced with something new. It covers windows, doors, staircases, panelling, floors and every other timber feature in an older building. The central question on almost every project is the same: can this be repaired, or does it genuinely need replacing? At Craig Smith Joinery, we have spent 30 years answering that question for homes and buildings across Nottinghamshire. Our starting point is always like-for-like repair, because original timber and original craftsmanship are very hard to improve on. This guide explains how to decide between repair and replacement, what good conservation work involves, and what to expect on cost. What Conservation Joinery Means Conservation joinery is not a specific product. It is an approach. The aim is to keep as much of the original material as possible, to make any new part match the old, and to leave the building in a better condition without changing what makes it special. The principles are straightforward: This approach applies to listed buildings, properties in conservation areas and any older home where the owner wants to keep its character, whether or not it is formally protected. If you are new to the craft, our timber joinery guide explains how wood is worked and why it behaves the way it does. Why Old Timber Is Worth Saving Many people assume that old timber is tired and should be replaced. In reality, the opposite is often true. Timber in buildings from before the twentieth century frequently came from slow-grown trees, with tight growth rings and a dense structure. That makes it stronger, more stable and more resistant to rot than much of the fast-grown softwood sold today. Original joinery was also cut by hand, with joints designed to last. When old timber fails, it is usually because of one of these causes: These problems usually affect part of a component, not the whole thing. A window sill may be rotten while the rest of the frame is sound. A door may have a failed bottom rail while the panels and stiles are perfect. That is why repair so often makes sense. The Repair Versus Replace Decision This is the heart of conservation joinery, and it is worth being honest about, because neither answer is right every time. When Repair Is the Better Choice Repair is usually right when: When Replacement Is Sensible Replacement may be the right call when: Even then, replacement should be like for like, made to match the original in timber, profile and construction, instead of being swapped for an off-the-shelf modern product. A Simple Way to Think About It Question If Yes If No Is most of the timber sound? Repair is likely Consider replacement Is the damage in one area? Splice in a repair Look at the whole component Is it an original feature? Strong case for repair Replacement is more acceptable Can an accurate match be made? Either route is open Repair is usually safer A joiner who looks carefully at the timber, rather than assuming it needs replacing, will save you money and protect the character of your building. How Like-for-Like Repair Works Like-for-like repair is a skilled process, and the quality of the work shows in how invisible it is once finished. Cutting Out the Damage Rot is cut back to sound timber, and the edges are shaped so the new piece sits tight. We take only what we need to take. The more original timber we keep, the better. Splicing in New Timber A new section, known as a splice or a graft, is cut to fit the gap. It is chosen to match the original species and grain direction as closely as possible, so it ages and weathers in the same way. Joints are cut to lock the repair in place. Matching Profiles Original mouldings are rarely a standard shape. We take a template from an existing section and make cutters to match it. That is how a new length of skirting, a glazing bar or a window sill can sit alongside the original with no visible join. Where a new section meets an uneven wall or floor, it is scribed to follow the true line of the building. Using Traditional Joints Where the original used mortise and tenon joints, wedges or dowels, we use the same. This keeps the repair consistent with the rest of the piece and allows it to be repaired again in the future. Finishing Properly Old timber works best with breathable finishes. Sealed, non-breathable coatings can trap moisture in the timber and cause rot beneath the surface. We choose paints and treatments that allow the wood to move and dry naturally. Building Types We Work On Conservation principles apply to any older building, though each type has its own challenges. Whatever the age or style, we start by understanding how the building was made and how it has changed since. Windows, Doors and Staircases Three features come up most often in conservation work, and each has its own typical problems. Windows Original timber windows are often the first to be replaced and the first to be missed. Common issues include rotten sills, loose joints, failed putty, stuck sashes and draughts. Almost all of these can be repaired. Sash cords and weights can be renewed, damaged glazing bars replaced and discreet draught proofing added without changing the look of the window. Our guide to window joinery explains how these frames are built, and because windows face the weather, external joinery needs particular care with timber choice and finish. Doors Doors suffer at the bottom, where water collects and rot starts. A rotten bottom rail can be cut out and replaced, loose joints re-glued and re-pegged, and the door re-hung so it closes properly. Original ironmongery is usually worth keeping. Where an original door is beyond saving, we can make bespoke internal doors to match its style and