Business Details
41 Years
experience
Your Trusted Cabinetmakers in Dalkeith
Established in 1985, Charles Taylor Woodwork is a dedicated specialist manufacturing company based in Dalkeith, Scotland. Our business was founded to provide a complete service for clients who value fine craftsmanship, with a long tradition of commitment to quality across design, manufacture, and implementation. Our fully equipped workshop houses both furniture and architectural joinery production capabilities, supported by an in-house team of skilled craftsmen. We specialise in historic timber conservation, serving as Scotland's leading expert in this niche field. Our architectural joinery services focus on projects within historic buildings, churches, country houses, and private homes, combining traditional methods with professional project management.Our bespoke furniture solutions are tailored to client requirements while respecting the period and context of the space. Notable past projects include the Thistle Chapel at St Giles, the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Oak Room at the V&A Museum in Dundee, and Sir Walter Scott's oak gates at Abbotsford House. With over 35 years of experience, we bring deep expertise in design and historic building conservation to every project. Our team's training and practical experience enable us to deliver complex wood projects with precision and artistry. We maintain strong relationships with heritage organisations, architects, and technical specialists, ensuring our work meets the highest standards of authenticity and preservation.
Services
Architectural Joinery
Furniture Design
Conservation Work
Historic Restoration
Bespoke Cabinetmaking
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of specialist experience in cabinetmaking and conservation
- Our in-house team combines design expertise with traditional craftsmanship
- We specialise in historic timber conservation for listed buildings and museums
- Our portfolio includes prestigious projects for National Trust for Scotland
- We offer complete project management from design to final installation
What people say
Exceptionally talented team
High quality result
On time, on budget
Delighted with the result
Fantastic job
Services
Architectural Joinery
We create bespoke architectural joinery solutions for historic buildings, churches, and private homes. Our approach combines traditional craftsmanship with modern project management to ensure authentic, durable results. Our workshop allows full assembly and finishing before installation, guaranteeing quality and precision in every project.
Furniture Design
Our custom furniture designs balance client requirements with historical context. We produce period-appropriate pieces using traditional techniques while also offering contemporary solutions. From boardroom furniture to gallery display cases, each item reflects our commitment to quality and attention to detail in both form and function.
Conservation Work
As Scotland's leading specialist in historic timber conservation, we restore and preserve architectural woodwork while maintaining authenticity. Our team documents all conservation work to professional standards, with expertise in repairing listed buildings, museums, and heritage sites using traditional methods and materials.
Historic Restoration
We specialise in restoring historic woodwork for churches, country houses, and public institutions. Our projects include complete refurbishments of significant spaces like the Thistle Chapel and Charles Rennie Mackintosh Oak Room. We combine technical expertise with deep understanding of historical context to deliver authentic restoration outcomes.
Bespoke Cabinetmaking
Our cabinetmaking services create tailored solutions for both traditional and modern settings. From kitchen cabinets to secret doors, we focus on proportion, material selection, and craftsmanship. Each piece is designed to complement its environment while meeting the specific functional and aesthetic requirements of our clients.
People
Charles Taylor
Founder & Director
With over 35 years' experience, Charles established the business in 1985 after studying Furniture Design in London. His expertise spans historic building conservation and complex architectural joinery projects. He brings specialist knowledge of traditional techniques combined with modern project management to every commission.
Questions
What services does Charles Taylor Woodwork & Design offer?
We specialise in architectural joinery, bespoke furniture design, and historic timber conservation for both private and public sector clients across Scotland.
Which areas do you serve?
While based in Dalkeith, we work throughout Scotland on projects ranging from Edinburgh to the Borders and Highlands.
How experienced is your team?
With over 35 years' experience since 1985, our team combines traditional craftsmanship with modern project management expertise for complex wood projects.
What happens during a typical project?
We begin with detailed consultation, followed by design development, workshop production, and final installation, maintaining close client communication throughout.
Do you handle conservation projects?
Yes, we're Scotland's leading specialist in historic timber conservation, with notable projects including the Thistle Chapel and V&A Museum's Mackintosh Room.
Reviews (3)
Mike Harrower
Nov 15, 2021
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Charles Taylor Woodwork have produced various machined timber components for me this year, supporting my joinery repair activities for several clients. The most recent pieces they produced in October have replaced some rotten components in a very elaborate greenhouse. The quality of finish on these complex items has only been made possible from their considerable attention to detail and wealth of experience. My client was delighted! Many thanks for the advice & swift production, all at a very reasonable price.
Alan Donald
Mar 15, 2021
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Charles turned up twenty minutes late for his appointment to quote us for work. He was very disparaging to the point of being insulting about our property and then proceeded to continually check his watch as he was now late for a meeting which somehow seemed to be our fault. He was very dismissive of our ideas, told us exactly what we should get (apparently a second hand bookcase, perhaps because I was wearing decorating gear I couldn't afford his services?) and assumed a tiny budget for the work without consulting on what we were willing to spend. He has simply missed out on a 40k commission
Lynne McNicoll
Jul 20, 2019
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We asked Charles Taylor to help us at our charity's Ripple Retreat. This award winning building needed a storage unit in the porch area. This would be the first thing guests and visitors would see and it was important it was a special design and top quality. The team at CTWW rose to this challenge designing a stunning cupboard and bench. They included a heart handle that I had asked for but exceeded my expectations. In addition they made installation easy and with minimum disruption to our visitors. The team who came to install were incredibly tidy and only left when we were 100% satisfied. We
