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.
Tell us what you need looking at, and we'll get back to you.
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.
At DR Joinery, I believe a garden buildings should be more than just a glorified shed; it should be an extension of your home. Whether you need a warm home office to escape the noise, an art studio to catch the northern light, or a summerhouse for evening relaxation, I build structures that last. Unlike the flimsy flat-pack kits you find online, my garden studios are constructed using traditional timber frame carpentry methods—effectively the same way you build a timber house. I design every build to suit your specific garden—which, if you live in York, is rarely a perfect square. Using high-grade materials like Western Red Cedar, Larch, or pressure-treated softwood, I ensure the structure handles our local damp climate without rotting. The difference is in the joinery: proper rebates, draught-sealed doors, and double-glazed windows that keep the warmth in and the weather out. I handle everything from the structural base to the final oiling, giving you a solid, handcrafted space that adds genuine value to your property.
Site survey to assess ground conditions and access
Design consultation to select timber and layout
Installation of solid foundations (concrete or screw piles)
Structural timber framing and roofing construction
Cladding, glazing, and internal finishing
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
Fully insulated construction suitable for year-round use
Bespoke design to fit awkward or tapered garden shapes
High-performance joinery for doors and windows preventing drafts
Choice of durable cladding including Cedar, Larch, or Accoya
Proper breathable membranes and vapour barriers to prevent damp
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.
Do I need planning permission for a garden studio in York?
Most garden rooms fall under 'Permitted Development' if they are under 2.5m tall at the eaves. However, if you live in a conservation area or a listed property—common in York—the rules are stricter. I can help guide you through what is allowed on your specific plot.
Can I use the garden room in winter?
Absolutely. Unlike basic summerhouses, I build studios with proper insulation (floors, walls, and roof) and residential-grade joinery for the windows and doors. With a small heater, it stays warm and dry even during a freezing Yorkshire winter.
How long will a bespoke timber building last?
With the right materials and maintenance, decades. I use pressure-treated structural timbers and durable cladding like Cedar or Oak. As long as you keep up with the finishing—re-oiling the exterior wood every few years—it will stand the test of time.
What is the difference between your studios and a log cabin kit?
Kits often use thin interlocking logs that warp and let in drafts over time. My studios use a structural timber frame (carpentry) with a separate cladding layer and breathable membranes, just like a modern house, ensuring better stability and waterproofing.
Don't settle for 'near enough'. Get a finish that lasts. Contact DR Joinery today for honest advice and a no-obligation quote.
✓ Free quotes • ✓ Fast response • ✓ Nationwide coverage
Expert Joinery in York
Quality timber work, built to last.