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.
Living in a historic city like York, we are blessed with beautiful Georgian and Victorian architecture, but those original box sash windows can be a real headache if they aren't properly maintained. At DR Joinery, I specialise in breathing new life into tired timber windows rather than condemning them to the skip. In many of our local conservation areas, preserving the original fabric of the building is crucial. Whether it's splicing in durable Accoya timber to replace rotten sills, re-balancing the lead weights so the window stays open, or installing a discreet draught-proofing system, I focus on high-quality retention and repair. I combine traditional bench joinery techniques with modern materials to ensure your windows operate smoothly and keep the Yorkshire chill out, all without losing that authentic period charm.
Comprehensive survey to assess rot, glazing, and mechanism issues
Careful removal of staff beads and dismantling of sashes
Splicing in new timber where rot is found (usually sills and bottom rails)
Machining and installation of unparalleled draught-strip seals
Re-cording, weighing, and re-hanging for perfect balance
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
Preserves the historic character and value of your property
Discreet draught-proofing system halts rattles and heat loss
Rot repairs using Accoya timber for superior longevity
Restores smooth lifting action with new cords and balanced weights
More cost-effective and sustainable than full box replacement
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 double glaze my existing sash windows?
In many cases, yes. If the sash depth allows, we can retrofit slimline double glazing units into the original timber frames. This improves thermal efficiency significantly without altering the external appearance, which is often a requirement in York conservation areas.
My windows are painted shut, can you fix them?
Absolutely. This is a very common issue in older terraces. We carefully cut the paint lines, free the sashes, and strip back the excess paint build-up on the running surfaces to get them sliding smoothly again without damaging the joinery.
Why do you use Accoya wood for repairs?
Accoya is a chemically modified timber that is incredibly stable and resistant to rot. For sash window repairs, specifically sills and bottom rails that face the weather, it outperforms standard softwoods and ensures your restoration lasts for decades, not just a few years.
Do I need planning permission to restore my windows?
generally, like-for-like repairs and draught-proofing do not require permission. However, if you live in a Grade II listed building, consent is usually needed for any alterations. As an experienced Joiner, I can advise on what is typically permitted, but we always recommend checking with the local council first.
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.