Master Craftsmanship in York
Generations of timber experience applied to your home. We provide traditional joinery and expert structural solutions designed to last for decades, not just years.
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Why Choose DR Joinery
In York, nothing is ever truly square. Whether it’s structural carpentry or fine finish joinery, we build specifically for your space. We understand that older properties need a sympathetic touch, ensuring a fit that off-the-shelf products simply can't match.
If you live in one of the many Victorian terraces or older properties around York, you know that the space either side of a chimney breast is precious real estate. You also know that these alcoves are rarely a standard width and never perfectly square. Buying flat-pack furniture for these gaps usually results in wasted space and unsightly gaps where the walls run out. At DR Joinery, I specialise in bespoke alcove units that are designed to fit the exact contours of your room. Whether you need heavy-duty floating shelves for a library, low-level cabinets to hide the TV box and unsightly cables, or full-height wardrobes, I build everything from scratch. Using moisture-resistant MDF for painted finishes or premium hardwoods like Oak for a natural look, I ensure every piece is scribed perfectly to the wall for a seamless, built-in aesthetic that adds genuine value to your home.
On-site survey to measure angles and check wall conditions
Design consultation to discuss layout, materials, and cable management
Off-site workshop fabrication to minimise dust and disruption in your home
Installation and precise scribing to fit the unit to your specific walls
Final sanding and preparation, ready for painting or oiling
Client stories
Average rating 4.9/5 across homeowners, landlords, and local businesses.
"The craftsmanship is superb. It looks like it’s always been part of the house. Rare to find this level of skill these days."
"Turned up when he said he would, offered honest advice on materials, and left the place spotless. A proper tradesman."
Accreditations & partners
Verified, insured, and reviewed by homeowners across York.
City & Guilds Qualified
Excellence
Conservation Experts
Heritage
Fully Insured
Reliability
Maximises every millimeter of available space typically wasted by freestanding units
Scribed perfectly to uneven walls for a seamless built-in finish
Choice of materials including moisture-resistant MDF or solid hardwoods
Custom configurations for TVs, books, or hiding utility meters
Sturdy construction designed to bear heavy loads without sagging
Every property in York has its own character, and off-the-shelf solutions rarely do justice to the unique dimensions of local homes. Our approach combines the structural integrity of skilled carpentry with the finesse of bench joinery. Whether working with robust Oak for a traditional look or durable Accoya for weather resistance, we ensure that every piece of work is crafted to withstand the elements and the test of time.
We understand the importance of getting the details right, from the initial measure-up to the final oiling or painting. Many older properties require a sympathetic touch—repairing rot and restoring original features rather than unnecessary replacement. By choosing DR Joinery, you are investing in work that functions perfectly, fits your space exactly, and adds genuine value to your property.
Can you install floating shelves on any wall?
Floating shelves require a solid fixing to avoid sagging. In many York properties with lath and plaster walls or crumbling brick, I may recommend invisible battens or discreet supports to ensure safety and longevity, especially for heavy book loads.
Do you paint the units yourself?
As a specialist Joiner, my focus is on the construction and fitting. I typically leave the units 'ready to paint' (primed) or unfinished if using hardwood. This allows you or a professional decorator to achieve the exact finish you want once the dust has settled.
My chimney breast walls aren't straight, will the cupboards fit?
Absolutely. This is the main benefit of hiring a bespoke joiner rather than buying off the shelf. I scribe all face frames and filler pieces to the wall, meaning the timber follows the contours of the plasterwork perfectly, leaving no gaps.
What is the best material for alcove cupboards?
If you plan to paint the units to match your walls, moisture-resistant MDF is the industry standard as it's stable and provides a flawless finish. If you want a natural wood look, I recommend solid Oak or Ash veneers which can be oiled to bring out the grain.
Don't settle for 'near enough'. Get a finish that lasts. Contact DR Joinery today for honest advice and a no-obligation quote.
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Expert Joinery in York
Quality timber work, built to last.