Timber Shop Fronts That Bring Character to Your Business
Warmth, craftsmanship and a look that no other material can match. We design, manufacture and install bespoke timber shop fronts using premium hardwoods — from traditional heritage designs to sleek modern frontages, built to last decades.
What Are Timber Shop Fronts?
A timber shop front is a commercial frontage built from solid or engineered wood. Oak, sapele, Accoya and Iroko are the most common species, though treated softwoods like Douglas fir and redwood also perform well for budget-conscious projects.
Timber has been the material of choice for British shopfronts for centuries. Its natural warmth, grain texture and ability to accept any paint colour or stain make it the go-to option for businesses that want their premises to feel inviting, established and distinctive. No aluminium extrusion or uPVC profile can replicate that quality.
Timber shopfronts are particularly important in conservation areas, where local authorities often require traditional materials. We have extensive experience designing timber frontages that satisfy planning requirements while giving your business a striking presence on the high street. Already considering other materials? Compare your options in our guide to shop front costs.
Why Businesses Choose Timber Shop Fronts
Natural beauty, serious durability, and a material that works in conservation areas where others cannot. Here is what sets timber apart.
Built to Last Generations
Premium hardwoods like oak and Accoya-modified timber deliver a service life of 50 years or more with routine maintenance. Even treated softwood shopfronts last 25 to 35 years. That is a level of longevity that justifies the investment many times over.
Conservation Area Approved
Many local authorities require timber for shopfronts in conservation areas and on listed buildings. uPVC and aluminium are often refused outright. We handle planning applications and work with councils to get your project approved.
Natural Thermal Insulation
Timber is a natural insulator. It reduces cold bridging far better than aluminium, keeping your premises warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Pair timber frames with double glazing and you will notice the difference on your energy bills.
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable
FSC-certified timber is renewable, stores carbon throughout its lifespan, and requires far less energy to manufacture than aluminium or steel.
Fully Customisable
Paint, stain, carved mouldings, decorative corbels, pilasters, cornices. Timber accepts any finish and any design detail you need.
Warmth & Character
Nothing beats the inviting feel of real wood. Timber creates an immediate impression of quality, craftsmanship and authenticity that draws customers in.
500+
Shopfronts Installed
50+
Year Timber Lifespan
4.9
Google Rating
UK
Nationwide Service
Types of Timber Shop Fronts
From heritage restorations to contemporary builds, we offer three core design approaches. Each one is manufactured to your exact specifications.
Traditional Heritage
Period-accurate designs with pilasters, stallrisers, cornices and transom lights. Built for conservation areas and listed buildings. We work with local planning departments to achieve approval on heritage-sensitive projects.
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Modern Contemporary
Clean lines, minimal profiles and natural wood finishes that make a bold statement. Stained or painted in any colour to match your brand. Perfect for cafes, boutiques, restaurants and creative businesses that want something different.
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Hybrid Timber & Glass
The best of both worlds: a warm timber frame with large glass panels for maximum product visibility and natural light. We can integrate bi-folding doors or automatic sliding systems within the timber framework.
Get QuoteTimber vs Aluminium vs Glass Shop Fronts
Not sure which material is right for your business? Here is an honest side-by-side comparison to help you decide. We install all three, so our advice is always impartial.
| Feature | Timber | Aluminium | Toughened Glass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aesthetic Warmth | ✓ Exceptional | ● Moderate | ● Minimal |
| Conservation Area Suitability | ✓ Required / Preferred | ✗ Often Refused | ✗ Often Refused |
| Thermal Insulation | ✓ Excellent | ✗ Poor (cold bridging) | ● Moderate |
| Product Visibility | ● Good (with glazing) | ✓ Very Good | ✓ Maximum |
| Design Flexibility | ✓ Unlimited | ● Limited by profiles | ● Limited |
| Maintenance | ● Every 3-5 years | ✓ Very Low | ✓ Very Low |
| Lifespan | ✓ 25-60+ years | ✓ 25-30 years | ✓ 20-25 years |
| Sustainability | ✓ Renewable & carbon storing | ● Recyclable but energy-intensive | ● Recyclable |
| Typical Starting Price | From £2,500 | From £1,800 | From £2,500 |
| Best For | Heritage, character, conservation areas | Modern commercial, slim sightlines | Maximum visibility, luxury retail |
Make It Yours
Every timber shop front we build is made from scratch. Here are the options you can tailor to your brand and premises.
Timber Species & Finishes
Choose from premium hardwoods or cost-effective treated softwoods, with any paint colour or natural stain.
- European Oak
- Sapele & Iroko Hardwoods
- Accoya Modified Timber
- Any RAL / BS Paint Colour
- Natural Oil or Wax Stains
Architectural Details
Traditional or contemporary detailing, hand-crafted by our joinery team to your architect’s drawings or our own designs.
- Pilasters & Corbels
- Cornices & Fascia Boards
- Stallrisers & Plinths
- Transom Lights & Fanlights
- Recessed Entrances
Glazing & Security
We integrate glass panels, security hardware and roller shutters into the timber framework.
- Double-Glazed Sealed Units
- Frosted / Leaded / Decorative Glass
- Multi-Point Locking Systems
- Brass, Chrome or Black Ironmongery
- Integrated Alarm Systems
Timber Shop Front Costs
Transparent pricing based on timber species, design complexity and installation size. Every quote includes a free site survey, manufacturing, delivery and installation.
Standard Softwood
Pressure-treated redwood or Douglas fir. Painted finish. Ideal for budget-conscious retail and hospitality.
Fully installed inc. VAT
- Treated softwood frame
- Any RAL paint colour
- Single or double glazing
- Standard door with lock
- 25-35 year lifespan
Premium Hardwood
European oak, sapele or Accoya. Stained or painted. Our most popular choice for quality-conscious businesses.
Fully installed inc. VAT
- Oak, sapele or Accoya
- Stain, oil or paint finish
- Double-glazed sealed units
- Multi-point locking door
- 50+ year lifespan
Bespoke Heritage
Period-accurate designs for conservation areas and listed buildings. Ornate detailing, hand-carved mouldings, full planning support.
Fully installed inc. VAT
- Premium hardwood throughout
- Hand-carved detailing
- Heritage paint specification
- Planning application support
- Conservation area compliant
Prices are guide ranges for a standard single-unit shopfront. Final pricing depends on size, specification and site conditions. Full pricing guide →
Regulations & Compliance
Every timber shop front we install meets all applicable UK building regulations and planning requirements.
Building Regulations Part B
Fire safety compliance. We specify fire-retardant treated timber where required and ensure all installations meet Approved Document B standards.
Conservation Area Compliance
We design timber shopfronts that satisfy local planning policies for conservation areas, Article 4 directions and listed buildings. Full planning support included.
FSC / PEFC Certification
All timber is sourced from responsibly managed forests with full chain-of-custody certification. Sustainable sourcing as standard, not an optional extra.
DDA / Equality Act 2010
Level-access thresholds, door widths and hardware heights that comply with the Equality Act for disabled access. Standard on all our shopfront installations.
BS EN 14351-1 Windows & Doors
All windows and doors within the shopfront meet the European product standard for performance including weather tightness, air permeability and structural integrity.
Secured by Design
Optional PAS 24 security specification with multi-point locking, laminated glazing and reinforced frames for businesses in higher-risk locations.
How It Works
From initial enquiry to completed installation in four straightforward steps. We handle everything so you can focus on running your business.
Free Site Survey
We visit your premises, take precise measurements, discuss your design requirements and assess any planning considerations. No charge, no obligation.
Design & Quote
Our team produces detailed drawings and a fixed-price quote. For conservation areas, we prepare planning application documents at no extra cost.
Manufacture
Your shopfront is built by hand in our workshop using your chosen timber species. Every joint, moulding and finish is checked before dispatch. Lead time 4-8 weeks.
Installation
Our fitting team installs your new shopfront with minimal disruption, typically in 2 to 5 days. We leave your premises clean and ready for business.
Timber Shop Front Portfolio
A selection of recent timber shopfront installations across London and the UK. View all projects →
“The team at Huxley & Co really worked their magic on Queen B Luxury Nail & Beauty Lounge in a very short time. Polite, friendly and helpful with excellent ideas on cost saving and design while still ensuring the job was finished on time.”
“Huxley & Co gave us great ideas and helped meet our brand requirements as it was our first store in the UK. Fantastic communication via email and phone. The turnaround time was also fantastic and installed to perfection.”
“Loved the installation of my shopfront and fantastic communication throughout. Zak was assigned as my project manager who made sure all my questions were answered. My shopfront was installed just how I wanted.”
“Very professional outfit. Had my new shop front fitted within the agreed timescale and the quality of work was exceptional. Would highly recommend Huxley & Co to anyone looking for commercial shopfront work.”
“Superb service from start to finish. The timber shopfront they built for our delicatessen is stunning. The attention to detail on the mouldings and the paint finish is first class. Customers constantly comment on it.”
“We needed a timber shopfront that would pass conservation area planning in Islington. Huxley handled the entire planning process and the council approved the design first time. The finished result looks absolutely beautiful.”
Common Questions About Timber Shop Fronts
Get Your Free Timber Shop Front Quote
Tell us about your project and we will arrange a free site survey. No obligation, no sales pressure — just honest advice and a fixed-price quote for your bespoke timber shopfront.
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0207 112 4849Visit
Unit N, Reliance Wharf, 2-10 Hertford Road, London N1 5EW
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