Frequently Asked Questions

Sydenham Bespoke Joinery is the South Island’s leading custom joinery specialist. We design, manufacture, and install the highest quality interior and exterior joinery, made from the finest available sustainably sourced hardwood timbers and using premium European hardware. Our work combines the best of traditional craftsmanship with the latest design and manufacturing technology.

The main difference between bespoke joinery and standard cabinetry is that bespoke joinery offers you limitless opportunities to get exactly what you want. You’re not restricted to choosing something from a catalogue.

At Sydenham Bespoke Joinery, we design, manufacture, and install custom-made interior and exterior joinery. Our capabilities include kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, wardrobes, stairs, built-in furniture, media centres, wine cellars, doors and windows.

The biggest difference between Sydenham Bespoke Joinery and other joiners in Christchurch is our level of care and attention to detail. We also insist on premium quality materials and hardware. The result for our customers is an unmatched degree of satisfaction in their bespoke joinery.

Sydenham Bespoke Joinery has been making custom joinery in Christchurch for customers throughout the South Island since 1983.

Yes, we work with homeowners, builders, architects and interior designers.

Yes, we provide both residential and commercial joinery.

We provide residential and commercial joinery to Christchurch, Canterbury, and to customers located throughout the South Island. In particular, we frequently work on high-end projects in the Southern Lakes area.

When you choose to work with a local company making your bespoke joinery, you have the opportunity to be a lot more closely involved throughout the process.

Yes, we are frequently asked to take on complex and unusual architectural joinery projects, because architects know they can rely on us to produce the results they want.

Yes, we have an in-house design team who will work with you to create the bespoke joinery of your dreams for everything from a new laundry to a house full of bespoke built-in furniture.

Our process for designing and creating bespoke joinery is clear and collaborative. It starts with an initial consultation where you outline your vision and we contribute our own thoughts and ideas. From there, we’ll work together through several logical steps to finalise the design. From there, it goes into our factory for production using a unique combination of traditional hands-on craftsmanship and the latest manufacturing technology.

Yes, we can work from your architect’s or designer’s plans. Please bring them with you to your initial design consultation.

Yes, we can easily develop a joinery idea if you don’t have detailed plans. Our design team is skilled and experienced in working with our customers to transform their dreams into beautiful bespoke joinery.

You can be involved as you like. We enjoy working closely and collaboratively, so we welcome your ideas, inspiration, and design and material choices.

Yes, we always produce detailed drawings and renders for you to approve before your joinery is manufactured. It is all part of our collaborative working process.

We will help you choose the right materials and finishes for your bespoke joinery.  

We use premium quality sustainably sourced imported hardwoods. New Zealand macrocarpa is popular, especially for lifestyle properties.

The length of time bespoke joinery takes depends on the complexity and scale of the project. It can be as little as six weeks for a small project like a laundry. 

Yes, we manufacture all our bespoke joinery at our factory in Christchurch.

Yes, we have a dedicated installation team who are highly skilled and experienced in installing the items we manufacture, carefully and to the extreme standards of fit and finish we expect.

To get started with your bespoke journey, please get in touch to make an appointment for an initial consultation where we will discuss your vision and contribute some ideas of our own.

The main benefit of choosing a bespoke kitchen is that you can get exactly what you want (within your budget of course). It will suit your personal preferences and lifestyle much better than a standard kitchen from a catalogue.

Yes, Sydenham Bespoke Kitchens is located in Christchurch and all our design and manufacturing work is done here.

Yes, one of our specialties is designing kitchens to the specific needs of your family within the space you have in your home.

Alongside your budget, you should consider how your kitchen will be used and who will be using it. You can also consider the appliances you want, and any special features that you would like included.

Yes, we frequently create custom kitchen cabinetry for architecturally designed homes. Architects like to work with us because they know they can rely on us to bring their design to life in exactly the right way.

Your choice of bespoke kitchen materials and finishes is wide and varied, and depends on your aesthetic preferences, how you plan to use your kitchen and who will be using it.

Yes, we love creating custom kitchen storage and solutions. We specialise in finding storage space you didn’t even know you had!

Yes, we frequently work closely with architects and interior designers on kitchen designs.

Yes, we can design bespoke kitchens for new builds and renovations.

The cost of a bespoke kitchen is entirely dependent on its scale and complexity. Other variables include the materials and finishes you select and the appliances you choose.

Yes, we design and build custom wardrobes in Christchurch, and for customers throughout the South Island.

The difference between a bespoke wardrobe and a standard wardrobe system is that a bespoke wardrobe is designed to make the most of the available space and can include a range of special features. The finishes we use can complement the design aesthetic of your whole home.

Yes, we are often asked to create built-in wardrobes to fit unusual spaces like under stairs.

Yes, we can design floor-to-ceiling fitted wardrobes.

Yes, we can design a custom walk-in wardrobe for your home.

We can incorporate a range of clever storage features into a bespoke wardrobe to optimise storage space and keep your clothes and shoes in top condition. These features include shoe and tie and belt racks, jewellery and accessory drawers, adjustable shelving, laundry hampers, lighting, and mirrors. 

Yes, we often incorporate lighting into the custom wardrobes we design and manufacture.

Yes, custom drawers and storage for jewellery, shoes and accessories are often features of custom wardrobes that we design.

Yes, the magic of bespoke joinery is that we can reveal storage space that you never knew you had.

Yes, we can create built-in storage for living rooms and other areas of your home. Make an appointment to talk about the possibilities. Bring your house plans and photos.

Yes, we do design and build bespoke staircases in Christchurch for customers in Canterbury and throughout the South Island. 

We can build virtually any custom timber staircase you can imagine, including floating, switchback and spiral staircases.

Yes, we can design, manufacture, and install floating, switchback or spiral staircases.

Yes, we can work with an architect to create a custom staircase.

There is a range of hardwood timbers that can be used to make quality, bespoke staircases. They must be strong, hardwearing, and stable timbers. Your choice includes ash, maple, walnut, and oak.

Yes, we can incorporate glass and steel components into your timber staircase.

Yes, we can definitely build in storage under a custom staircase if space is available.

Yes, we often design, manufacture, and install feature staircases in architecturally designed homes.

When designing a bespoke staircase, you should consider the overall aesthetic of your house, the materials and finishes you like, the level of engineering the design might require, and your budget.

Yes, we do design and manufacture custom timber doors and windows in Christchurch. 

Choosing timber windows and doors will enhance the appearance and value of your home.

Yes, we frequently create bespoke windows and doors for architecturally designed homes.

Yes, we can definitely manufacture unusual or curved timber windows and doors. In our gallery section, you can see a spectacular example of curved windows that we designed and manufactured for a house in Cass Bay, Canterbury.

The best timbers for exterior windows and doors in Christchurch are strong, stable, and durable. The ability to retain the finish is also an important consideration. Suitable hardwood timbers include Western Red Cedar, Accoya, and Sapele. 

Yes, we can make custom front and entrance doors.

Yes, we can make sliding, bifold and feature timber doors.

Yes, timber windows and doors can be suitable for Christchurch’s climate if the right timber is used, and the doors and windows are designed, manufactured, and installed to very high standards.

Yes, we can create timber windows and doors for renovation projects as well as new homes. 

Yes, we design and manufacture custom bathroom cabinetry. Custom bathroom cabinetry lets you match the design aesthetic of your home and we can also unlock storage you never knew you had.

Yes, we can create a made-to-measure bathroom vanity.

Yes, bespoke bathroom joinery is the best way to maximise storage in a small bathroom.

Yes, we do design and manufacture custom laundry joinery.

With bespoke laundry joinery, you have the opportunity to add a range of clever storage features, including hidden laundry hampers and floor-to-ceiling cupboards.

Yes, we can design laundry cabinetry around appliances and an existing room layout.

Yes, your bathroom and laundry joinery can be designed to match the rest of your home’s interior.

Yes, we can design, manufacture, and install commercial joinery in Christchurch shops, restaurants, bars, and apartments.

We work on a range of commercial joinery projects including shops, restaurants, bars, and apartments.

Yes, we can manufacture bespoke joinery for hotels, restaurants, bars and offices.

Yes, we can provide custom joinery for commercial fit-outs. Please contact us to discuss what you have in mind.

Yes, we can handle large-volume orders to manufacture custom joinery for commercial projects.

Yes, we frequently work with architects on complex commercial joinery. Our recent project for Aryburn in Queenstown is a perfect example.

Yes, we can tender for residential and commercial projects.

We select materials for high-use commercial joinery based on their durability, stability, ability to hold a finish, and overall performance in a commercial environment.

Yes, we can manage the design, manufacture and installation of commercial joinery. Our team is skilled and experienced at all aspects of the custom commercial joinery process.

The difference between high-end bespoke joinery andmass-produced cabinetry is that custom means you can get exactly what you want, and you’re not forced to choose from a pre-existing design that might not fully satisfy your needs. High-end bespoke joinery will also include premium quality materials and design features that fit your aesthetic and lifestyle. Bespoke joinery also adds value to a home, because its quality is clear to see and appreciate every day.

By combining traditional joinery craftsmanship with modern manufacturing technology, we are able to enhance the benefits of both things – and can employ each of them where it’s most appropriate. For example, our dedication to traditional craftsmanship means our level of care and attention to detail is second to none – and the latest technology that we use in our design department and factory gives us a degree of control and accuracy that massively improves efficiency.

The benefits of using premium timber for bespoke joinery is that the end product is superior. It will look and perform better, and add value in ways that ordinary timber products cannot.

The choice of the best timber for interior joinery depends on the look you want to achieve and how it ties into the overall aesthetic of your house or building. Timbers we often work with include Victorian Ash, Walnut, Rosewood, American White Oak, and Maple.

The best timbers for exterior joinery are strong, stable, and durable. The ability to retain the finish is also an important consideration. Suitable hardwood timbers for exterior joinery include Western Red Cedar, Accoya, and Sapele.

Yes, where a suitable supply is available, reclaimed and New Zealand native timber can be used in bespoke joinery.

Yes, in certain circumstances, using a timber veneer instead of solid timber can offer an appropriate solution.

The choice between solid timber, veneer, plywood and MDF for custom joinery depends on what you want to achieve and your budget.

No, we only make custom joinery, however, we do offer a range for Builders and Developers, if that is you, please talk to us about this. 

Yes, please get in touch to arrange your initial bespoke joinery consultation at our premises in Heathcote.

To your first joinery consultation, please bring your house plans if you have them, photos, and any other design reference you have, like magazines or websites.

You should involve a joiner in a new build or renovation project as early as possible – in fact, it’s never too early to start talking to us!

Yes, you can definitely contact us before your architect has finalised your plans.

Because every bespoke project is unique, the costs are all calculated on a case-by-case basis. Factors that contribute to the calculations are the scale and complexity of the project, and the materials and finishes chosen. 

Yes, bespoke joinery can usually be designed to work within a set budget as long as it’s realistic.

You can request a quote by calling us on 03 379 6840, or contacting us via the contact form on our website.