Exterior carpentry, trim and decorative details
Carpentry is what turns a repaired exterior into a finished one. We build and install the trim, surrounds and accents that give a house its proportions — and repair the structural wood underneath when it has gone soft.
What we install
- Porticos and covered entry roofs
- Door surrounds and pilasters
- Window trim and returns
- Dentil moulding and crown details
- Octagon and circle decorative vents
- Decorative and functional shutters
- Fascia, frieze and rake board replacement
- Rotted sheathing, sill and header repair
Materials and brands
We work in materials suited to the exposure: primed and painted wood where a traditional profile is wanted, and cellular PVC or composite trim where the detail faces the weather. Wherever rot is found we replace the affected framing, not just the surface board, and treat the surrounding area before closing it up.
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Why trim fails before the siding does
- End grain. Water enters trim at cut ends and joints. Priming cut ends and sealing joints properly is the difference between trim that lasts five years and trim that lasts twenty.
- Metal and wood together. Aluminum trim over damp wood can trap moisture and accelerate rot. We detail the layers so water can drain and dry.
- Weight and structure. A portico or a heavy surround is a small structure, not decoration. It needs proper fastening, flashing and a sensible connection back to the wall.
How the project runs
- Free on-site estimate We inspect the existing assembly, take measurements and photographs, and explain what is failing and what the options are.
- Written scope You receive a written price naming the materials, the work included and the exclusions, so nothing is ambiguous later.
- Installation The crew that quoted the job performs the work, protecting the property and cleaning up as they go.
- Walk-through and warranty We review the finished work with you and hand over manufacturer paperwork together with our own workmanship guarantee.
Recent carpentry work
Common questions about carpentry
Can you match trim that is already on the house?
In most cases yes. We take a profile template or a sample piece and have matching trim run or milled. Where a profile is no longer made, we will show you the closest available option before ordering.
Is PVC trim better than wood?
Not universally. PVC trim holds paint well, resists rot and works well at ground level and on weather-facing details. Wood still looks better on traditional profiles and can be repaired more easily. We will recommend based on where the trim sits.
Do you repair rot without replacing the whole wall?
Usually, yes. Localised rot can be cut back to sound material and rebuilt. We only open the wall more widely when the framing, sheathing or window sill has failed over a larger area.
More questions? Read all frequently asked questions or call 215-675-6180.
Ready for an exterior that stops leaking?
Free, no-pressure estimates across Montgomery, Bucks and Philadelphia counties. Talk through your project with the crew that will do the work.