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— Timber Splicing & Dutchman Repair

Timber Splicing & Dutchman Repair — Restore Rotted Doors

Structural timber repair using traditional splicing and Dutchman techniques. Cuts out rotten or damaged sections and joins matching new timber invisibly. Bottom rails, stiles, panels and mouldings. Preserves original character while restoring full structural integrity.

— Scope of Work

What's included

Every timber splicing & dutchman repair project follows a fixed-price scope agreed in advance.

  • Assessment and marking of affected areas
  • Precise excavation of rotten or damaged timber
  • Matched-species replacement timber (oak, sapele, accoya, etc.)
  • Traditional scarf-joint splicing for structural strength
  • Dutchman inlays for surface repairs
  • Missing moulding replication
  • Sanding, priming and refinishing
  • Waterproofing on bottom rails to prevent recurrence

What is timber splicing and when do you use it?

Splicing is a joinery technique where a damaged section of timber is cut out and replaced with matching new timber, joined using a scarf joint (an angled cut that creates a long glued interface). Done properly it's structurally as strong as the original wood and invisible after finishing.

When splicing is the right approach

Splicing is appropriate when localised damage — usually rot on a bottom rail, split at a stile, or impact damage — affects less than 40-50% of the door's structural timber. Beyond that the balance tips toward door replacement.

Bottom rail splicing (most common)

The bottom rail suffers most in British weather. Driven rain, capillary rise from thresholds, and standing water all attack it. When rot is caught early, splicing out the damaged length and joining new timber restores full function and adds decades to the door's life.

Dutchman repairs

A "Dutchman" is a surface inlay repair — cutting a shallow recess into damaged timber and gluing in a matching piece. Used for panel damage, small localised rot, and impact damage that doesn't compromise structural timber. Less structural than splicing but faster and less invasive.

Moulding replication

Where mouldings, beadings or panel profiles are missing or damaged, we replicate them from surviving originals. Our workshop holds a large library of period profiles and can produce replacements to match Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and earlier patterns.

— Typical Investment
From £320

For focused splicing on a single element. Multi-point splicing on a full door typically £500-£1,200 depending on species and extent.

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Frequently asked

Will the splice be visible?
No — a properly executed scarf joint is invisible after refinishing. The scarf angle typically 1:6 or 1:8 creates a long glued interface that disappears under paint, stain or oil. Even close inspection won't reveal it.
How long does a splice last?
Indefinitely. A well-executed splice is structurally identical to original timber and doesn't fail preferentially. What matters more is preventing the original cause of damage — usually water — through proper weather-sealing after the repair.
Can you splice any species?
Yes — the key is matching the species (or at least the grain and colour) to the original. We hold oak, sapele, accoya, idigbo, walnut and ash in workshop stock. For unusual species (mahogany, teak, hard pine) we source to match.
Is splicing cheaper than door replacement?
Almost always — splicing typically costs 20-40% of a new door of equivalent quality. For heritage doors where original character matters, splicing is also often the only appropriate option regardless of cost.