First-fix vs second-fix carpentry explained
Published 2026-01-08 · by Joshua Lewis
First-fix carpentry is everything that happens before the plasterer arrives — stud walls, joists, roof carcassing, door linings. Second-fix is everything after plaster — skirting, architrave, doors, built-ins. Mix the sequence up and you cost yourself time and money.
First-fix — the bones
- Stud walls and partition framing
- Floor joists and floor decks
- Roof carcassing (cut roof or trussed)
- Noggins between studs for fixings later
- Door linings (not doors) in position
- Window board substrates where needed
The goal: everything that's hidden inside the wall, floor or roof build-up is in before the plasterer or dry-liner lands on site.
Second-fix — the finish
- Internal doors hung in the linings
- Architrave around openings
- Skirting boards
- Kitchen units and worktops
- Stairs balustrade, spindles and handrails
- Built-in wardrobes and shelving
- Flooring
Second-fix is where the house stops looking like a building site and starts looking like a home. It's also where craftsmanship is most visible — mitred skirting, tight architrave, scribe lines on the floor.
Why sequence matters
A skirting board fitted before plaster gets smashed by the plasterer. A door hung before flooring gets scratched and has to come off to fit the floor. A kitchen installed before the walls are decorated means painting around every cabinet. Good program management puts first-fix before wet trades and second-fix after they're dry. Lewis Brothers slots into whichever end of the program you need — contractor or homeowner.
Common questions
Can the same carpenter do both?
Yes — most carpenters do. First-fix and second-fix are just two phases of the same job.
Roughly how long is the gap between first and second fix?
Typically 2–4 weeks — plaster dry-out, first-fix electrics and plumbing, then decoration prep. On bigger builds it can be longer.