First and second fix joinery are the two stages of carpentry that take a building from a shell to a finished, liveable space.
First Fix Joinery
All the structural and rough carpentry work carried out before the plastering stage:
- Stud partition walls and door linings
- Floor joist installation and floorboard laying
- Roof structure and boarding
- Window and external door frames
- Staircase rough structure
- Boxing in of services
Second Fix Joinery
The finishing carpentry that takes place after plastering and decoration:
- Internal door hanging and ironmongery
- Skirting boards, architraves and cornicing
- Staircase finishing including treads, risers, balustrades and handrails
- Kitchen installation
- Fitted wardrobes and furniture
- Window boards and cill finishes