About Us – Ben Barber Carpentry & Restoration

At Ben Barber Carpentry & Restoration, based in Barningham, Suffolk, we combine decades of expert craftsmanship with a deep passion for preserving the character and heritage of historic and period buildings. We provide a comprehensive range of specialist services including traditional carpentry, joinery, lime plastering, heritage brickwork, flintwork conservation, and stone masonry restoration, proudly serving clients throughout Suffolk, Norfolk, North Essex, and surrounding towns such as Bury St Edmunds, Eye, Diss, and Thetford.

Our Founder’s Story

The company was founded by Ben Barber, whose dedication to conservation and restoration stems from a lifelong interest in traditional building methods and historic architecture. Ben began his career apprenticing with a respected historic restoration company, where he mastered essential skills in carpentry, joinery, lime plastering, and masonry—learning from expert craftsmen renowned for their attention to detail and respect for heritage materials.

Over many years, Ben has been involved in a wide variety of projects, from restoring timber-framed medieval cottages and Georgian townhouses to repairing listed barns and historic public buildings. This experience has given him a unique insight into the challenges of working with heritage properties, including the importance of using compatible materials and traditional techniques to maintain structural integrity and historic authenticity.

With a vision to offer personalised, high-quality restoration and building services tailored to the specific needs of historic and listed buildings, Ben established Ben Barber Carpentry & Restoration. The company has since grown, building a strong reputation across Suffolk and neighbouring counties for delivering meticulous craftsmanship combined with modern reliability.

Why Choose Us?

• Unrivalled Traditional Craftsmanship: Our work is rooted in the principles of conservation best practice. We employ time-honoured techniques such as traditional joinery, scarfing and splicing of timbers, lime plastering, and specialist masonry repair, ensuring that all interventions are sympathetic to your building’s original design and materials. Whether it’s restoring a decayed oak sole plate, fitting bespoke period-style windows, or applying lime-based mortars for repointing historic brickwork, our craftsmanship preserves the authenticity of your home.

• Extensive Expertise Across Heritage Trades: We cover a broad spectrum of specialist skills including carpentry and joinery for listed buildings, expert lime plastering services in Suffolk, heritage brickwork and flintwork repair, as well as stone masonry restoration. Our knowledge of local building traditions in Suffolk, Norfolk, and North Essex enables us to offer bespoke solutions perfectly suited to the architectural styles and conservation requirements of the region.

• Tailored, Client-Centered Approach: We understand that every property is unique, and so is every client’s vision. From the earliest consultation through to project completion, we work closely with you, your architect, and conservation officers where applicable, to ensure all work respects your property’s historic significance while enhancing its longevity and usability. We place great importance on clear communication, transparency in pricing, and delivering timely, professional service.

• Local Commitment and Reliability: Being based in Barningham means we are deeply connected to the local community and its heritage. We pride ourselves on offering reliable, friendly service across a 40-mile radius including Bury St Edmunds, Eye, Diss, Thetford, and surrounding villages. Our local presence means quicker response times, better understanding of local planning and conservation guidelines, and a genuine commitment to preserving Suffolk’s architectural legacy.

Our Mission

At Ben Barber Carpentry & Restoration, our mission is to protect and enhance the beauty and historical significance of your property through expert restoration and sympathetic building work. We aim to extend the life of historic homes and buildings, allowing them to be enjoyed for generations to come without sacrificing their original charm. Whether you’re undertaking a full restoration of a listed building or require skilled repairs to period features, we bring professionalism, care, and craftsmanship to every project.