Guildford, Woking, Epsom and across Surrey

Carpenters in Surrey: roofs, lofts, decking and fencing

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Roof timbers, a loft to convert, stud walls, decking, a pergola or a new fence: tell us about the job in a few clicks and get a free, no-obligation quote for your Surrey home.

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What a carpenter does

Structural and finishing timber work, indoors and out. Six families of jobs, for new work and for repairs.

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  • Carpenter looking up at the timber rafters of a roof frame

    Roof timbers and framing

    Rafters, trusses and joists for new roofs, extensions and repairs to timber that has rotted or moved.

  • Gloved hands driving a nail into a length of timber with a hammer

    Stud walls, floors and first fix

    Timber stud partitions, floor joists and boarding, noggins and the first-fix carpentry before plastering.

  • Timber roof structure of an unfinished loft with rafters and posts

    Lofts and conversions

    Floor strengthening, roof alterations, dormer framing and the carpentry for a new room in the roof.

  • Timber pergola with an outdoor seating area in a garden

    Decking, pergolas and garden rooms

    Decking, pergolas, gazebos and timber outbuildings, built to suit the garden and the ground.

  • Carpenter nailing a timber slat to a wooden fence

    Fencing and gates

    Closeboard and panel fencing, gates and posts, repairs after storms and boundary replacements.

  • Carpenter measuring a piece of timber with a tape on a workbench

    Skirting, boards and finishing

    Skirting boards, architraves, shelving and boxing-in, measured and cut to the room.

Do you need permission?

The usual position in England for common carpentry jobs. The details depend on the property.

The jobUsuallyCheck
Loft conversionBuilding Regulations approval is needed. Planning permission depends on the size of the work and the location.Ask the council early: limits depend on the property.
DeckingUsually allowed without planning permission, unless the deck is raised more than 30 cm above the ground or the property is listed or in a protected area.Check before building a raised deck.
Pergola, gazebo, garden roomOften allowed within limits on height and area, and not in front of the house. Limits are tighter in conservation areas.Look at the rules for outbuildings on your plot.
FenceUp to 2 m high at the back and the sides, and 1 m next to a road used by vehicles, without planning permission.Listed buildings and some areas have extra rules.
Opening or removing a wall, new beamsBuilding Regulations approval, usually with structural calculations from an engineer.Do not cut a load-bearing wall before the beam is designed.

Surrey has many conservation areas and protected landscapes, including the Surrey Hills. Extra rules apply there, so ask the council before you start.

Carpenter inside a timber roof frame seen from below

When the timber carries the load

Roofs, floors and openings are structural. Five questions to ask before the work starts:

  1. Is the timber structurally graded, for example C16 or C24, and is the size calculated for the span?
  2. Has an engineer or the designer checked the loads, for roofs, floors and openings?
  3. Will the work be notified to building control, and who handles the paperwork?
  4. Is the timber suited to its place: treated outdoors, kept dry indoors?
  5. Is the carpenter insured, and what guarantee comes with the work?

Where we work in Surrey

The eleven districts of the county, with their main towns.

Postcode areas covered: GU, KT, RH, TW and the Surrey parts of CR and SM.

Frequently asked questions

A carpenter works mainly on site, on roof timbers, floors, stud walls, decking and fencing. A joiner makes doors, windows, stairs and furniture, usually in a workshop. For a loft or an extension, a carpenter works alongside a builder.

Often not. In England, decking is usually allowed unless it is raised more than 30 cm above the ground, and a fence can be up to 2 m high at the back and the sides (1 m next to a road used by vehicles). Listed buildings and some protected areas, including parts of the Surrey Hills, have extra rules, so check with the council.

Yes. The floor, the stairs, the fire safety and the insulation all have to comply. Planning permission depends on the size of the work and the location.

Use timber that is treated or naturally durable for decking, fencing and structures. Leave small gaps between boards so the timber can move, and seal cut ends.

Yes: rafters, trusses, joists and purlins are carpentry. Structural changes need Building Regulations approval and often calculations from an engineer.

The work to be done, the timber and materials, labour, VAT, the start date and how long it will take, and the guarantee.

Yes: all of Surrey, including Guildford, Woking, Epsom, Reigate, Camberley, Godalming and Farnham. Enter your postcode in the form to start.

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