Victoria Woodworkers

What materials, finishes, and hardware do you recommend?

We work with solid woods, quality veneers, and moisture-resistant sheet goods, then finish with durable stains, lacquers, or paint for our coastal climate. Hardware is sourced from reputable suppliers for smooth action and long life. For statement pieces and Furniture design, we’ll match wood species and finish to your space and budget, and provide care tips to keep it looking new. Sustainability options (low-VOC finishes, FSC materials) are available on request. Let’s review options in person—call or book a consult.

Do you handle permits, warranty, and after-care?

Most interior millwork doesn’t require permits, but structural changes or egress updates might—especially around Doors: exterior doors, interior doors, garage doors. We’ll flag anything that needs a permit and can coordinate with your contractor. All work includes a written workmanship warranty, plus manufacturer coverage on finishes and hardware. After installation, we walk through cleaning, adjustments, and seasonal care so your project stays solid. Questions about compliance or warranty? Call or book a consult and we’ll advise for your address.

Doors — Exterior, Interior & Garage

Do you supply and install exterior doors in Victoria, BC?

Yes. We measure on site, help you choose species (e.g., fir), glass, and hardware, then custom-build or source the slab, finish it for our coastal climate, and install with new weatherstripping and thresholds across Victoria and the CRD.

Can you match existing interior doors in an older character home?

Often, yes. We profile the sticking, rails, and panels, then reproduce the look while upgrading to modern cores and seals. We work carefully in heritage spaces common in Oak Bay and Fairfield.

What’s included when you replace a garage door?

We handle site measure, removal, disposal, new tracks/springs (if needed), trim, and weather seals. We coordinate the opener with your electrician. Wood overlays or carriage‑style options are available.

How do you protect wooden exterior doors from moisture?

We use stable cores or engineered rails/stiles, marine‑grade finishes, drip caps, and tight weatherstripping. We recommend seasonal wipe‑downs and a quick top‑coat every few years.

Do you handle permits or structural changes for door enlargements?

If widening or altering egress, permits and structural framing may be needed. We can coordinate drawings with your contractor and flag anything that needs municipal approval.

What’s the typical lead time for custom doors?

Measure & design: 1–2 weeks, build/finish: 3–6 weeks, installation: 1 day per opening. Timelines vary by species and glass/hardware availability.

 

Built‑ins & Storage (incl. Built‑in Bookshelves)

What’s your process for built‑in bookshelves?

Inquiry → on‑site measure → design with widths/heights, crown/base details, and lighting → estimate → deposit → build → installation → clean‑up → warranty. We colour‑match to trim for a seamless look.

Can you span uneven walls in older homes?

Yes. We scribe to walls/floors, add template‑made fillers, and integrate levelled plinths so everything appears perfectly square once installed.

Do you integrate media units and fireplaces with built‑ins?

Absolutely. We plan for ventilation, cable routing, sound bars, and speaker grills, and use heat‑safe clearances around fireplaces.

What materials do you recommend for painted built‑ins?

We typically use furniture‑grade sheet goods with hardwood face frames and doors, finished with durable lacquer or paint suited to coastal humidity.

Can you add window seats and hidden storage?

Yes—lift‑up lids, drawer bases, or hinged panels. We design for cushion sizes and heating vent clearances.

How are built‑ins secured?

We anchor to studs and, where needed, add a ledger or French cleat system. Safety anti‑tip hardware is standard for tall units.

 

Custom Cabinets (Kitchen, Bath, Laundry, Mudroom)

Do you build and install custom cabinets locally?

Yes. We design, build, finish, and install custom cabinets across Victoria and the CRD, coordinating with plumbers/electricians as needed.

What cabinet boxes and hinges do you use?

Moisture‑resistant carcase materials, solid‑wood or veneer fronts, soft‑close hinges and drawers, and quality slides from reputable suppliers.

Can you reface instead of replace?

Often. If boxes are sound and layout works, we can supply new doors/drawers and hardware for a budget‑friendly refresh.

Do you provide shop drawings and 3D visuals?

Yes—dimensioned drawings with elevations/sections; simple 3D views on request so you can approve before we cut.

How do you price a kitchen?

By linear footage, materials/finish, storage features, and install complexity. We present good/better/best options to match your budget.

What’s the timeline for a small kitchen?

Design 1–2 weeks, production 3–6 weeks, install 2–4 days, plus countertop templating/return install if stone is used.

 

Furniture Design & Solid‑Wood Pieces

Do you design and build bespoke furniture?

Yes—tables, benches, vanities, consoles, and storage pieces. We select species, joinery, and finishes to suit the piece’s use and your space.

Can you match an heirloom finish or style?

We study the reference piece, sample stains/oils/lacquers, and reproduce profiles so the new item complements your existing furniture.

How durable are solid‑wood tops near the coast?

We allow for wood movement, choose stable species/laminations, and use finishes appropriate to kitchens and bathrooms.

Do you repair or restore furniture?

Selective repairs, refinishing, and part remakes are available where structurally feasible. We’ll advise honestly if replacement is more practical.

Can you integrate metal or glass?

Yes—steel bases, brass accents, and glass doors/shelves are coordinated with local partners and fitted in our shop.

What maintenance do solid‑wood pieces need?

Routine dusting, coaster use, and periodic top‑ups of oil/wax or a light re‑coat of catalysed finish as needed.

 

Wooden Staircases & Stair Railings

Do you build new staircases and railings?

Yes—closed, open‑rise, and hybrid designs with hardwood treads, risers, stringers, and code‑compliant railings for homes and small commercial spaces.

How do you ensure stairs meet code?

We design to local rise/run, headroom, and guard/handrail rules, confirm site measurements, and coordinate inspections where required.

Can you replace just the railing or treads?

Yes. We can retrofit railings, newel posts, balusters, and treads/risers to update style and safety without a full rebuild.

Do you mix wood with glass or metal?

Commonly. We supply wood handrails/newels with glass panels or metal balusters, ensuring proper anchoring and deflection control.

How slippery are finished treads?

We select finishes with appropriate sheen/traction and can add nosing profiles or anti‑slip options where desired.

What’s the lead time for stair projects?

Design/approvals 1–3 weeks, fabrication 2–5 weeks, installation 1–3 days depending on complexity and site readiness.

 

Trim, Millwork & Interior Carpentry

What interior millwork do you offer?

Casing, baseboards, crowns, wainscoting, wall panelling, mantelpieces, and feature walls—measured, cut, finished, and installed.

Can you match existing trim profiles?

Yes. We source or custom‑mill knives to replicate historic profiles common in character homes around the CRD.

Do you install shiplap or panelling feature walls?

Yes. We prep substrates, lay out reveals, and finish with durable coatings to prevent movement telegraphing.

Will you coordinate with painters and other trades?

We can prime/finish in shop or coordinate with your painter; we schedule to minimise site time and dust.

How do you control dust during install?

On‑site cutting zones, extraction, floor protection, and a full clean‑up after install. We aim to leave the space ready to use.

Do you offer small punch‑list carpentry?

Yes—door adjustments, trim repairs, and minor fit/finish tasks, scheduled efficiently to keep costs reasonable.

 

Commercial Carpentry & Tenant Improvements

Do you handle commercial millwork in Victoria and the CRD?

Yes—reception desks, display shelving, staff kitchens, and storage for offices, clinics, and retail spaces.

Can you work to architect/designer drawings?

Absolutely. We build to spec, propose value‑engineered substitutions when helpful, and keep submittals and schedules tight.

What about after‑hours or phased installs?

We can install during off‑hours to reduce disruption, with clear protection plans and daily clean‑ups.

Do you provide shop drawings and samples for approval?

Yes—drawings, finish samples, and hardware cut‑sheets so stakeholders can sign off before fabrication.

Are your materials suitable for high‑traffic areas?

We specify durable laminates/veneers, impact‑resistant edges, and commercial‑grade hardware where needed.

Can you service multiple locations?

Yes. We can replicate millwork packages and coordinate deliveries/installs across sites within the CRD and nearby communities.

 

Process, Pricing, Warranty — Quick Reference

• Process: Inquiry → On‑site measure → Design & estimate → Deposit → Build → Installation → Clean‑up → Warranty.
• Pricing: Scope, materials/finish, hardware, and site complexity—presented with clear line items.
• Warranty: Written workmanship warranty; manufacturer coverage on finishes/hardware.

 

Ready to start? Call 250‑999‑3277 or fill in our online contact form here. Serving Victoria, BC & the CRD (incl. Saanich Peninsula).