.avif)
Canterbury, with its iconic cathedral and centuries-old architecture, is a city that exudes history and charm. Strolling through its picturesque streets, you’ll encounter an enchanting mix of medieval and Georgian buildings, many of which still feature original sash windows and wooden doors. These elements are more than just functional; they are intrinsic to Canterbury’s unique character, contributing to its rich heritage and timeless appeal. For owners of period homes, preserving these original features is essential for maintaining both the historic and aesthetic value of their properties.
Our team specialises in the repair and restoration of sash windows and wooden doors, helping homeowners in Canterbury safeguard the unique character of their properties. Sash windows have long been a defining feature of the city’s architectural landscape, gracing Georgian townhouses, Victorian terraces, and more. However, over time, these windows can suffer from issues such as draughts, sticking frames, rattling, or broken cords. Our skilled craftsmen begin each project with a detailed inspection to identify the specific needs of your windows and doors, ensuring a tailored solution that enhances both their functionality and appearance.
From minor repairs to complete restorations, we offer a comprehensive range of services. For smaller issues, we handle tasks such as re-cording, easing stiff frames, and tightening loose joints, restoring the smooth operation of your sash windows and doors. For more extensive challenges, our restoration work involves replicating original components with precision to ensure historical accuracy. Using premium materials that match the originals, we carefully revive your windows and doors, preserving their authentic look while integrating modern performance enhancements.
In addition to repairs and restorations, we provide professional draught-proofing solutions, expertly designed for Canterbury’s period properties. Draught-proofing is an effective way to reduce heat loss and eliminate cold draughts, making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient without compromising its traditional aesthetic. Our discreet draught-proofing techniques allow your sash windows and wooden doors to retain their classic appearance while improving their thermal performance, helping to lower heating costs and increase comfort.
At the core of our work is a deep respect for Canterbury’s architectural heritage. Each sash window and wooden door we restore contributes to the preservation of the city’s historical character, and we take immense pride in our craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. By entrusting us with your restoration project, you are investing in the enduring beauty and value of your home while ensuring Canterbury’s unique charm is preserved for future generations.
If you are fortunate enough to own a period home in Canterbury with original sash windows or wooden doors, we are here to help you protect and enhance these treasured features. Get in touch with us today to explore our bespoke repair, restoration, and draught-proofing services. Together, we can ensure your home remains a timeless part of Canterbury’s architectural legacy, combining historical elegance with modern comfort and efficiency.
We pride ourselves on offering free, expert advice to all our clients. We believe that informed decisions lead to the best results, so we take the time to understand your project, discuss options, and ensure you have all the information necessary to make the best choices. You can trust us to deliver honest, expert advice without any obligation.
We are proud to operate a local workshop. Being local allows us to maintain strict quality control of our sash windows, offer personalised service, and ensure timely completion of work. It also means we are easily accessible for consultations and support, providing our clients with the confidence that they are working with a nearby team dedicated to their satisfaction.
Canterbury is a city known for its medieval streets, cathedral close, Georgian and Victorian terraces, and homes that reflect centuries of architectural history. From cottages in Harbledown and St Dunstan’s to townhouses along the river and character homes near the Westgate, the city displays an extraordinary variety of traditional building styles. Many of these homes still feature original sash windows, wooden doors and carefully made joinery that continue to define their charm. At Traditional Sash Windows and Carpentry, we specialise in restoring and creating joinery that respects the age and character of Canterbury’s properties while improving comfort, function and longevity.
We work throughout Canterbury including St Dunstan’s, Wincheap, Harbledown, Fordwich, Hales Place, Blean and the surrounding villages. Whether your home is listed, within the conservation area or simply built with traditional detail, we approach every project with sensitivity to history and careful attention to craftsmanship.
Sash windows are one of the most recognisable features in Canterbury’s architectural landscape. They appear in neat Georgian rows near the cathedral, in Victorian houses built during the railway era and in rural cottages along the Stour valley. With time and exposure to weather, sash windows may develop stiffness in movement, areas of softened timber or gaps that allow draughts. Our sash window restoration service is designed to return these windows to smooth operation without altering their character.
We begin with a full inspection. Any damaged timber is removed and replaced with sustainable hardwood such as Accoya or Red Grandis which are selected for stability and long term durability. We renew the sash cords and adjust the weights so each sash moves evenly. Fine brush seals are installed to reduce draughts and prevent rattling while leaving the appearance unchanged. The result is a window that works smoothly and feels solid, while remaining true to the original joinery and proportions.
Where improved insulation is desired we offer secondary glazing and double glazed sash replacements. These options maintain the appearance and line of the original windows while providing greater warmth and reducing sound. This is particularly valuable in central Canterbury where street life and activity can continue into the evening.
A well made wooden door contributes greatly to the atmosphere and identity of a home. Canterbury displays a wide range of door styles including Georgian panelled entrances, Victorian doors with coloured or patterned glass and simpler cottage doors that suit rural homes on the outskirts. At Traditional Sash Windows and Carpentry, we create bespoke wooden doors that match the proportions, materials and detailing of your property.
Each door is crafted in our Kent workshop using traditional mortise and tenon joinery which ensures long lasting structural stability. We create panelled doors, stable doors for kitchens or side entrances, French doors opening onto gardens and custom designs that respond to the architectural style of the building. We use hardware selected for both durability and visual harmony. Every door is finished with breathable protective coatings that allow the timber to age naturally and remain protected through the year.
If your property already has a door with character or historic value we also provide door restoration. This may include repairing joints, replacing worn or damaged boards, refinishing the door to restore richness in the wood or improving weather sealing. Restoring original doors helps maintain both sustainability and the narrative of the building.
Many older homes in Canterbury experience draughts particularly during colder months. This is often the result of small gaps in window or door frames which were simply part of historic construction. Our draught proofing service provides a discreet and effective solution. Slim brush seals are fitted carefully within the joinery to prevent heat loss while allowing timber to move naturally. When paired with secondary glazing, draught proofing can significantly increase internal comfort and reduce noise.
This approach is particularly helpful in listed homes or conservation settings where visible changes must remain minimal.
Our work is guided by traditional joinery techniques. Each joint is shaped by hand and each profile is matched to existing architecture. We work with Accoya and Red Grandis because these timbers provide long term stability and resistance to moisture. Canterbury’s climate includes damp winters and warm summers which can cause untreated timber to move. Using stable hardwoods ensures long lasting performance and reduces future maintenance.
We finish all joinery with breathable coatings that protect the surface while allowing natural expansion and contraction. This prevents peeling and cracking and helps keep the joinery looking its best for many years.
We provide a full range of joinery services across Canterbury, Fordwich, Sturry, Chartham, Harbledown, Blean, Bridge, Bekesbourne and the surrounding countryside. Our services include:
We have extensive experience working with listed buildings and historic homes. We match existing profiles, glazing bar patterns, mouldings and proportions so new or restored joinery blends naturally with the building.
Sustainability is central to our approach. Wherever possible we repair rather than replace to preserve original craftsmanship and reduce waste. When replacement is necessary we use responsibly sourced timber and finishes designed to support durability and ease of maintenance. Accoya timber offers exceptional long term value due to its stability and resistance to decay.
Canterbury is defined by its heritage and its continuity of character. Maintaining original joinery is part of protecting that story. Whether restoring sash windows in St Dunstan’s or crafting bespoke doors for a cottage in the surrounding countryside, we approach every project with respect for the building’s place in the landscape.
If your sash windows, wooden doors or bespoke joinery in Canterbury require restoration or replacement, we would be pleased to help. We offer free site visits and clear, tailored guidance with no obligation.
Enhance your Canterbury home with beautifully restored sash windows, bespoke wooden doors and handcrafted joinery designed to last. Contact Traditional Sash Windows and Carpentry today to arrange your free consultation.
Last updated 2025-06-24
.avif)