Carpentry presents a range of occupational health hazards that workers should be aware of. These include the inhalation of wood dust, injuries from manual handling, falls from elevated positions, and potential contact with hazardous chemicals and asbestos. Implementing robust safety protocols, notably the consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE), is key to reducing these risks.

This article takes a closer look at the primary risks and recommended safety measures, providing a list of key topics for your toolbox talks.

A "contract lift" in carpentry refers to a comprehensive service where the Specialist Carpentry Contractor, such as SC4 Carpenters Ltd, works with the crane provider to assume full responsibility for the entire lifting operation, managing the lift with the crane provider and crane operator.

This video from SC4 Carpenters Ltd illustrates the installation of a timber frame roof. On this busy crane day in Winchester in April 2025, SC4 Carpenters installed two first floor walls and roofs and two ground floor walls and floor cassettes.

At SC4, the roof and timber frame installations we deliver as part of our carpentry services stand the test of time, combining affordability with efficiency and quality for a safe, flexible service that meets the needs of the modern construction sector. 

In this article, we explain why SC4 Carpenters makes an excellent partner for roof and timber frame installations.

31 July 2024 was a hot and busy day for SC4 Carpenters, with 15 Crane lifts of Roofs and Timber Frame over 3 sites.

First fix carpentry is the crucial initial phase of carpentry work in any construction project, responsible for creating the structural elements of the building before the finishing touches are applied.

Transitioning from the first fix (structural timber work) to the second fix carpentry stage (fixtures and fittings) is a critical phase in any building project. Seamlessly integrating both tasks is the key to creating a building that is structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing.

As timber frame installation specialists, at SC4, we take pride in ensuring that all finished structures meet their design brief for energy efficiency and sustainability. But what makes a good timber frame installation contractor, and how can you verify their energy efficiency credentials? Thermal performance can be optimised through high-quality insulation, preventing thermal bridging (see below) and using materials with a high thermal mass.

All carpentry involves cutting, shaping and assembling wooden materials to create structures, fittings and furnishings. All carpentry involves cutting, shaping and assembling wooden materials to create structures, fittings and furnishings. However, the on-site tasks of a commercial carpentry contractor can mostly be categorised into either first fix or second fix carpentry.

The traditional brick and mortar construction method is no longer the only way to build a new home. Timber frame construction has become increasingly popular for residential new builds in the UK, thanks to its many advantages over more traditional building methods. Timber frame construction is a type of prefabricated building system that uses load bearing timber components instead of masonry or steel framing.

First fix carpentry is an important part of any commercial building process. First fix involves the installation of the structural carpentry elements, such as the timber framework, joists, studwork, floorboards and roofing, that provide the load-bearing features of a building. In this article, we will discuss what exactly first fix carpentry is and why it pays to hire a professional to support you at this crucial stage of building development.

Carpentry involves cutting, shaping, installing, finishing and repairing the wood products used in construction, from interior trim work such as door frames, staircases and skirtings to external window frames and roofing – and even including load-bearing structural components. Decorating services include painting walls, ceilings, doors, and windows as well as installing wallpaper and exterior finishes.

As every construction project manager knows, ensuring that all first fix joinery work is solid is a crucial part of any residential project. First fix joinery involves structural work, ranging from floors and ceilings to door frames, wall studs, and other space divisions that are put in place before plastering can begin. Therefore, high-quality first fix carpentry and joinery are essential when it comes to ensuring the structural stability of a new building.

Good carpenters are always in demand. According to a 2019 survey, carpentry is the top trade job in the UK, and demand for professionals in this industry increased by more than 65% between 2019 and 2020 alone. Having said that, there are different types of carpenters. Carpentry contractors can specialise in different areas, from framing and structural work (first fix) to cabinet and door fitting (second fix).

From roofs/first fix to second fix and finals, trust, skill and reliability matter in construction. But sometimes it can be hard to determine the criteria to use in order to select the best commercial carpentry contractor. Insurance, accreditations, skills, qualifications and experience - they're all important. Here are eight tips for hiring the best carpentry and joinery contractors for building developments.

Building a housing development or other construction project from scratch has a number of different stages as far as carpentry and joinery work is concerned.As a contractor or lead developer, it’s important to get them right to avoid messing up or correcting costly mistakes down the line. In the earlier stages of construction, there's a lot of behind the scenes work for trades specialists: electricians, plumbers, and of course joiners and carpenters.