Institute of Carpenters

The rich built heritage we have in the UK is made up of churches, castles, stately homes, private residences and even industrial buildings; a wide and diverse range which help give character to where we live. With over 6 million such buildings, their long-term preservation depends on the specialist skill, knowledge and expertise of talented craftspeople. These once commonplace skills have suffered a decline, but a revival across all craft professions is taking place and opportunities are increasing for young students and career changers alike, with carpentry and joinery particularly in demand.

The restoration and conservation of timber elements within heritage properties can cause controversy, be it differing methods or even necessity. Whether a heritage building is a cathedral or a grade listed home, any conservation, restoration, renovation, repair or maintenance requires experience and specialist skill which few regular contractors have. Knowledge, training and experience are vital for authentic, sympathetic and successful projects, and the Institute of Carpenters has many qualified members who are experts in this field.

When it comes time for repair, replacement, or implementation of a protective measure for a structure, any professional would need to understand much of the following before moving forward. Questions need to be asked, including: what type of wood is it? How old is it? What purpose does the affected wood have – is it decorative or structural? Has it been treated with a preservative? What is happening to the wood and what is causing the current condition? Is the condition reversible, treatable, salvageable? Will it happen again if the same course of action is implemented? If so, what will prevent this condition again? Without asking some of these questions, which anyone qualified and experienced working technically with wood should be able to answer, some clients have had results which were inappropriate, inferior or inadequate.

Technical knowledge, such as that possessed by many members of the Institute of Carpenters, is an applied science, profession, art, or craft. Those educated in the science of wood can become skilled with practice. Those who further develop their skill become artful. True professionals use their applied knowledge to develop their technique, which is the tool of a professional skilled in the science which is wood care and professional restoration.

Without such experience and professional knowledge, results can range from sheer luck to disaster. A little knowledge is not good for the wood, a wealth of knowledge is far better for it. The Institute of Carpenters has always been associated with the highest standards of craftsmanship and professionalism; standards which are still considered exceptionally relevant by its membership. Prestige, public recognition, quality and skill are just some of the things for which this highly respected organisation stands, but it is the requirement that professionals working in wood must qualify for membership to an accredited standard, that really makes the Institute of Carpenters a cut above the rest, and it is this benchmark which appeals to clients and customers who want craftsmen, rather than workmen.

Choosing the right company to carry out specialist heritage or restoration work can be a big decision. The qualifications of all members of the IoC are checked and meet the Institute’s high standards.  It is good to look for experience of similar work and excellent references, but the best reassurance is always gained from discussing your individual requirements in detail with members of the Institute of Carpenters in order to find the right professional, and the best solution, for you.

The historic craft of building and working with timber has never been a more relevant and sustainable solution as it is today. The aims of the IoC include promoting and enhancing the role and status of skilled craftsmen and women everywhere; encouraging the highest standards of carpentry and joinery work; and making sure that essential skills are maintained. The IoC might have been founded in the 19th century, but its aspirations are firmly in the 21st.

IoC director Duncan King explains, “It is the understanding that all our members have qualified, either through apprenticeship, NVQs, City & Guilds, our own examinations or significant assessed quality craft experience, that gives our members pride - and give clients reassurance - in our standards.”

“Find A Professional” is the online search facility available from http://www.instituteofcarpenters.com/ and is the latest initiative to be launched by the IoC. It offers anyone with a need for a professional craftsman – from contractors to architects, local authorities to owners of heritage properties – the means to find and contact the right person for their project. Search criteria include location and speciality, such as joinery, cabinet-making or restoration, all drawn from members of the Institute of Carpenters. Mr. King says, “This is a great resource for clients needing high quality services and it’s a great commercial benefit to our members who train and work so hard to maintain standards which are much in demand.”

For information on membership and courses provided by the Institute of Carpenters, visit http://www.instituteofcarpenters.com/ or call 020 7256 2700.

CASE STUDY
The University of Reading in Berkshire contacted Richard Smyth, FIOC, of Carpentry With Care through the Institute of Carpenters. An experienced company in the area was needed to refurbish and rejuvenate the original boxed sash windows housed within the University’s Great Hall, London Road campus, which has been subject to neglect.

The images show a window on the eastern elevation of the Great Hall, which benefitted from a thorough refurbishment of existing frame and sashes. Work included renewal of all sash cords, adjustment, checking and lubrication of pulleys and counter-weights, careful removal and replacement of rotted timber sills, sashes and frame, and discrete security bolts were installed. For preventative maintenance and long term performance, channels were formed to drain rainwater away from each side of the frames, which were primed and finished.

Photography courtesy of Richard Smyth, Carpentry With Care.