New shopfronts

Timber shop fronts

A timber shop front is a frontage made by joiners from hardwood or engineered timber, combining glazed display windows, a door, stall riser and fascia. It can be plain and contemporary or moulded and traditional, and it is finished with paint or stain to protect the wood.

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Painted timber shopfront in bottle green

When is this the right choice?

Timber is the natural choice for independent shops, cafes, delis and pubs on older streets, and it is often the material planners prefer in conservation areas. It can be repaired in sections, repainted in a new colour and shaped to match neighbouring frontages. It takes more upkeep than aluminium, so it suits owners who accept repainting as part of running the building.

What are the options?

Hardwood framesDurable species such as sapele or oak suit sills, stiles and other parts that take weather and wear.

Engineered timberLaminated sections resist twisting better than solid boards, which helps on long transoms and large door frames.

Painted finishA microporous paint system lets the timber breathe and can be recoated in a new colour when the brand changes.

Stained or oiled finishThis shows the grain on hardwood fronts. Oiled finishes need more frequent upkeep on sunny or exposed elevations.

Slim double-glazed unitsSlim sealed units can sit in moulded glazing bars where heat loss or street noise matters.

Panelled stall riserA timber panelled riser protects the base of the glass. A capped top and a plinth that keeps end grain off the ground help it last.

How much does a timber shop front cost?

A timber shop front usually costs £3,995 to £9,995 ex VAT for a typical frontage, supplied and fitted. Species, moulding detail, the number of glazing bars and whether the fascia, stall riser and door are all new set the price. Hand-finished mouldings and multi-coat paint systems add labour. The free survey confirms what can be kept, and the written fixed quote itemises the joinery.

Guide prices exclude VAT. Your written quote is fixed after survey.

What is the specification?

Timber	Hardwood such as sapele or oak, or laminated engineered sections
Glass	Laminated or toughened safety glass, typically 6.4 to 11.5 mm laminated on display panes
Door leaf	Typically 44 or 54 mm thick, sized to the opening
Finish	Microporous paint or stain, applied to all faces
Locks	BS 3621 mortice deadlock is common on timber shop doors
Typical lead time	6 to 10 weeks from signed drawings (typical range)

How does the job run?

Survey the joinery
We measure the opening and check sills, subframes and any existing timber worth keeping.
Draw the details
Section drawings fix the mouldings, glazing bars, fascia and stall riser before any timber is cut.
Make and prime
Joiners make the frames from selected timber and prime all faces, including end grain, to protect them on site.
Fit and finish
The front is fixed, glazed and sealed, then top coats are applied and the door hardware is adjusted.

What does this look like?

Common questions

How often does a timber shop front need painting?

Plan for repainting every few years, depending on exposure and the paint system. South-facing and coastal fronts need attention sooner. Check the sills and bottom rails each year, and touch up any chips before water gets into the joints.

Is timber allowed in a conservation area?

Yes, and it is often what the planning authority prefers. A material change to the frontage can still need planning permission in England, and rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We can prepare the drawings for your application, and the council makes the decision.

Is a timber shop front secure?

It can be, when the door is well built and the locks suit the use. A BS 3621 mortice deadlock is common on timber shop doors, and laminated glass adds resistance. Your insurer may set conditions, so check the policy before we specify hardware.

Can you repair my timber shopfront instead of replacing it?

Often, yes. Rotten sills, rails and glazing bars can usually be cut out and spliced. Repair work starts with a charged diagnostic visit, from £125 ex VAT, and we tell you the cost before we come out, then advise whether repair or replacement makes more sense.

Which materials go with this?

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