About Martin Clay

Welcome, and thank you for visiting my website. My name is Martin, and I am the sole carpenter and craftsman behind my independent carpentry business. Allow me to share a bit about my background and experience.

​

I began my journey in carpentry at the age of sixteen when I was taken on as an apprentice at Bucks Joinery near Aylesbury. During my five-year apprenticeship, I attended college on a day-release basis, gaining a strong foundation in traditional joinery. At Bucks Joinery, I honed my skills in creating high-quality bespoke joinery, including windows, doors, staircases, reception desks for hotels and banks, and custom cabinetry.

​

After completing my apprenticeship, I transitioned to working on building sites, where I expanded my skillset. I gained hands-on experience in timber frame construction and traditional building methods. I mastered a range of carpentry tasks, including joisting, roofing, first and second fixing, and kitchen fitting. One notable project involved fitting thirty-six kitchens on a large-scale site, a task that truly deepened my expertise in kitchen installations.

In addition to residential projects, I was fortunate enough to work on the prestigious refurbishment of the Royal Horseguards Hotel in London. There, I was responsible for crafting and fitting oak doors, architraves, and skirtings, ensuring that the doors aligned perfectly down the corridors. I also contributed to the design and installation of vanity units for the hotel’s bathrooms.

​

After completing the hotel project, I returned closer to home, continuing work on various building sites and gradually taking on smaller personal projects on weekends. By 1997, I had built up enough work to go fully independent, which allowed me to diversify my services. With my strong foundation in both joinery and building site work, I was able to tackle a wide range of projects, including major barn repairs (for a barn built in 1909), timber decking, custom staircases, bespoke wardrobes, and restoring listed windows that couldn’t be replaced.

Over the years, my focus has shifted more towards kitchen and bathroom installations. My interest in bathroom fitting started when the plumber I worked with on kitchen projects asked me to handle the installation of kitchen sinks—an opportunity that led me to enroll in a plumbing course at Bedford College. After three years of evening classes, I became a qualified plumber, which significantly expanded my business offerings. Now, I often handle both kitchen and bathroom installations for my clients, and many of my long-term customers have trusted me with multiple projects over the years. For instance, one customer has had three kitchens and two bathrooms fitted by me over a span of 22 years.

​

In 2023, I faced a significant health challenge and required major surgery to treat cancer. After a long recovery, I’m happy to say that I am now cancer-free and eager to return to the work I am so passionate about.

​

With decades of experience and a commitment to delivering exceptional craftsmanship, I look forward to continuing to serve my clients with quality carpentry and home improvement services. Thank you for considering me for your next project. I am ready to bring your vision to life with the same dedication and attention to detail that I have always applied to my work.