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Finish carpentry and trim in Ottawa
Finish carpentry is the trim and woodwork you see and touch every day: baseboards, door and window casings, interior doors, stair parts and built-ins.
- Liability insurance and WSIB coverage
- 5-year warranty on construction
- 2-year warranty on painting
- Free in-home consultation
Finish carpentry and trim
What we install
Finish carpentry is the trim and woodwork you see and touch every day: baseboards, door and window casings, interior doors, stair parts and built-ins. It is the last carpentry on a job, and it shows every shortcut taken before it. Carleton Prime does finish carpentry on its own, as part of our renovations, and as a subcontractor for builders and contractors.
- Baseboards and shoe moulding
- Door and window casings
- Interior doors and their hardware
- Stair treads, risers, handrails and railings
- Crown moulding, wainscoting and feature walls
- Built-in shelving, benches and storage
“Indiana and his crew renovated a bathroom for me and the process was seamless, respectful and completed with extreme care and quality. I consider Carleton Prime the best construction company in Ottawa. I will use them for all future projects. Very pleased, would highly recommend.”
Good trim starts before the trim
Trim can only be as straight as the walls and floors behind it. Walls out of plumb, floors that dip and drywall corners that bulge all show up as gaps and uneven lines. When we framed and drywalled the room ourselves, we know what is behind it. When we did not, we check before we cut, and tell you if something needs fixing first.
Wood moves with the seasons
Wood trim shrinks and swells with the humidity, just like a wood floor. A joint that is tight in August can open a little in February, after months of dry furnace air. Letting the trim adjust to the house before it goes up, gluing and fastening joints properly, and keeping indoor humidity steady all keep that movement small. Some seasonal movement is normal, and we tell you what to expect.
Fitted, filled and painted
Finish carpentry is not done when the last piece is nailed up. Nail holes get filled, joints get caulked, and the trim gets primed and painted. Because Carleton Prime Painting is part of the company, the same company installs and paints the trim, so nobody has to guess whose job the touch-ups are.
Stairs and railings
Handrails and guards on stairs are safety items. The Ontario Building Code sets their heights and how close together the balusters have to be, and we build to it. On older stairs, we check that the existing structure is solid before new treads or railings go on.
Whole job or one part
Just the finish carpentry and trim, or the whole project
You can hire Carleton Prime for finish carpentry and trim on their own, or as part of a renovation or new build we run from start to finish. Builders, general contractors, architects, designers and engineers also bring us in for finish carpentry and trim as a subcontractor: we work from your drawings and specifications, carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage, and hand over cleanly to the next trade.
Frequently asked questions
What is finish carpentry?
It is the trim and woodwork that finishes a room: baseboards, door and window casings, interior doors, stair parts, mouldings and built-ins. Rough carpentry, like framing, is hidden inside the walls. Finish carpentry is what you see.
Can you replace just the baseboards and door trim?
Yes. We take on trim work on its own, as well as part of a bigger renovation.
How much does trim work cost?
We quote each job on its scope: how many rooms, the style and size of the trim, how many doors, and the condition of the walls and floors it has to meet.
Do you paint the trim as well?
Yes. Carleton Prime Painting, our painting division, primes and paints it, so one company handles both.
Why do trim joints open up in winter?
Dry winter air makes wood shrink, so mitred corners and joints can open slightly. Letting trim adjust before it is installed, and keeping indoor humidity steady, keeps the movement small.
Do you do trim for builders and contractors?
Yes. Builders and general contractors bring us in as a subcontractor for trim and finish carpentry. See our subcontractor services page.
What warranty comes with finish carpentry?
It is construction work, so it carries our five-year warranty. Painting carries two years.
Related services
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Flooring and hardwood
Hardwood and other floors over a properly prepared subfloor.
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Drywall
Hanging, taping, finishing and repair, painted by the same company.
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Kitchen remodels
Cabinets, counters and layout, planned and finished by one company, with licensed trades for electrical and plumbing.
Learn moreSources
The permit, Building Code and bylaw points on this page come from these authorities. Rules change, so check the current version before relying on any of it.
Ottawa renovation and construction
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