Carpentry that fixes the problem, not just the board
Timber fails for a reason. Bearers rot because the subfloor is damp. Deck posts fail because they sit in water. Fascias decay because gutters overflow. Doors jam because footings have moved. Replace the timber without dealing with the cause and you'll be paying for the same repair again in a few years.
Our carpenters are part of a multi-trade building team, so when we find rot, termite damage or movement, we can deal with the cause as well: subfloor ventilation, roof and gutter repairs, restumping or waterproofing.
Carpentry services
Structural framing
Wall, floor and roof framing repairs, new openings, lintels and load-bearing alterations.
Floors & subfloors
Bearers, joists and floorboards replaced and levelled; squeaky and springy floors fixed.
Decks
Board, joist, bearer and post replacement, or full deck rebuilds.
Stairs & balustrades
Repairs and rebuilds of external and internal stairs, handrails and balustrades.
Doors & windows
Rehanging, planing, replacing doors and repairing timber window frames and sills.
Fascias, eaves & barge boards
Rotten fascias and eave linings replaced, ready for gutters and paint.
Trims & joinery
Skirting, architraves, cornices and built-in joinery repairs.
Pergolas & fences
Timber pergola, carport and fence repairs and replacement.
Rotten and damaged timber
Wood rot is caused by fungi that need moisture to grow. In Sydney homes we most often find it in subfloor bearers and joists, bottom plates of external walls, window sills, fascias, deck posts and stair stringers. Termites cause similar damage and often target the same damp areas.
How we repair it
- Find the extentWe probe and inspect surrounding timber to find where sound timber starts.
- Find the causeLeak, poor drainage, ground contact, condensation or poor ventilation.
- Support the structureTemporary propping where load-bearing timber is being replaced.
- Cut out and replaceDamaged timber replaced with suitably treated or durable timber.
- Fix the cause and make goodDrainage, ventilation or waterproofing fixed, then linings and finishes restored.
If termites may be involved, see termite damage repairs.
Decks, stairs and balustrades
External timber takes the brunt of Sydney's weather. A deck can look fine from above while the posts, bearers or ledger fixing underneath are failing. Loose or rotten balustrades and stair treads are a serious fall risk, especially on elevated decks and strata walkways.
- Soft, spongy or cracked boards
- Posts with rot at ground level or sitting in water
- Movement or bounce when walking
- Loose, wobbly handrails or balustrades
- Rusted fixings and failing connections to the house
Signs you need a carpenter
- Springy, sagging or squeaking floors: often failed bearers, joists or stumps
- Doors and windows that stick: swelling, rot or building movement
- Flaking paint on fascias and sills: may hide rot underneath
- Soft timber when pressed: rot or termite damage
- Cracked or bowed framing exposed during renovations
Carpentry for insurance and emergency work
Storm, fire and water damage usually involves timber: broken roof framing from a fallen tree, water-damaged floors and joinery, or charred framing after a fire. We handle emergency propping, then the permanent carpentry, as part of a full insurance repair.
Our carpentry process
Inspection
We assess the timber, the extent of damage and the cause.
Written quote
Itemised price for repairs and any cause-related work.
Repair
Timber replaced, structure supported, fixings to suit exposure.
Make good
Linings, trims and finishes restored.