Hand Crafted Joinery
Hand Crafted Joinery
Traditional craftsmanship for historic and period buildings
At Harber Carpentry & Restoration, we design and manufacture bespoke timber joinery for historic, listed and period properties. Each piece is individually crafted to complement the character, proportions and construction of the building.
Traditional Oak Mouldings
Decorative oak mouldings are an important feature of many historic timber-framed buildings. They can often be found on jetty beams, where they historically demonstrated the status and wealth of the building, as well as on internal floor joists, spine beams and other structural timbers.
Where an original moulding survives, we can reproduce it accurately using a combination of traditional techniques and hand craftsmanship.
The existing profile is carefully measured and transferred to new timber, typically using well-seasoned, air-dried oakselected for its stability and compatibility with historic structures.
The bulk of the material is carefully removed before the moulding is refined by hand using purpose-made steel scrapers. This allows us to reproduce complex profiles while maintaining the subtle character of traditionally worked timber.
The finished surface is intentionally kept lightly finished, retaining discreet evidence of the hand tools used during its manufacture. This creates a natural appearance that sits comfortably alongside centuries-old original timber.
Hand-Made Oak Mouldings
Historic timber-framed buildings often contain decorative mouldings that reveal much about the age, status and craftsmanship of the original building.
These details are particularly prominent on jetty beams, where moulded timbers were traditionally used to display the wealth and importance of the building. Similar mouldings can also be found internally on floor joists, spine beams and other structural timbers.
When an original moulding needs to be repaired or reproduced, we begin by carefully studying and profiling the existing timber. This profile is then transferred to a new piece of carefully selected oak.
Where appropriate, we use air-dried oak, helping the new timber to remain stable and reducing the risk of further movement and splitting.
The majority of the material is initially removed to establish the basic profile. The finer work is then carried out by hand using specially made steel scrapers, allowing us to reproduce the original shape and detail with precision.
Made by Hand, Not Mass Produced
We deliberately retain the character of traditional hand craftsmanship.
Once the moulding has been shaped, it is only lightly finished rather than heavily sanded.
Subtle tool marks and variations are retained, giving the finished timber the natural character and depth associated with genuinely traditional work.
The objective is not to make a new piece of timber look new.
It is to make the new work feel as though it has always been part of the building.
Conservation Through Craftsmanship
Every historic building is different, and every repair presents its own challenges.
Our approach is to understand the original craftsmanship before deciding how to reproduce or repair it. By using appropriate timber, traditional techniques and careful hand finishing, we aim to preserve the character of the building while ensuring that new work sits naturally alongside the original fabric.
Whether it is a single oak moulding, a traditional door or a larger piece of architectural joinery, we take the same care over the smallest detail.
Traditional joinery, individually crafted for your building.