Seamlessly Blending Altered Internal Joinery

Stonebridge Fine Finishing was brought in following alterations to a set of bespoke internal joinery wardrobes, where the depth of the wardrobes had been increased to provide additional storage space.

Although the alteration successfully created the additional depth required, the changes left visible differences between the original joinery and the newly altered sections.

The task for Stonebridge Fine Finishing was to carefully blend the alterations into the existing wardrobes, matching the surrounding colour, tone, grain and finish so that the completed joinery looked cohesive and intentional.

The Joinery Alteration

The existing wardrobes had been modified to make them deeper, creating additional usable storage within the room.

As with any alteration to established bespoke joinery, extending the depth meant introducing new timber and surfaces alongside the original cabinetry.

This can create several finishing challenges. Even when the new materials are carefully constructed to match the existing joinery, differences in colour, age and finish can make the alteration immediately visible.

The objective was therefore not simply to finish the newly added sections, but to integrate the entire alteration visually with the original joinery.

Preparing the Altered Areas

Before beginning the finishing work, the newly altered sections were carefully assessed alongside the existing wardrobes.

The surrounding original joinery provided the reference for the required finish, including:

• Colour

• Tone

• Sheen

• Grain appearance

• Overall consistency

• Existing signs of ageing and use

The surfaces were then carefully prepared to ensure they were suitable for the subsequent colour matching and finishing process.

Blending New & Existing Joinery

The most important part of the project was creating a transition between the original wardrobes and the newly extended sections.

Rather than treating the new areas as separate components, the finishing process was designed to make the alteration feel as though it had always formed part of the original joinery.

The colour and finish were carefully developed to complement the existing cabinetry. Attention was paid to the areas where the original and new work met, helping to minimise visible differences between the two.

Colour Matching the Existing Wardrobes

Existing joinery naturally changes over time.

Exposure to daylight, general use and cleaning can all subtly alter the appearance of timber and finished surfaces. As a result, using a new material with the same original specification does not necessarily mean it will look identical once installed.

For this project, the existing wardrobes were used as the reference point for the colour match.

The finish was carefully adjusted to complement the established appearance of the cabinetry rather than simply applying a standard stain or coating.

Finishing the Alterations

Once the colour had been developed, the altered areas were carefully fine finished.

The aim was to achieve a consistent appearance across the modified wardrobe while retaining the character and detailing of the original joinery.

Particular attention was given to the transition points, ensuring that the new and existing sections flowed together visually.

The result was a more cohesive finish, with the increased wardrobe depth no longer appearing as an obvious later alteration.

Bespoke Joinery Finishing

Stonebridge Fine Finishing provides specialist finishing services for bespoke joinery, fitted wardrobes, cabinetry and architectural woodwork.

Our work can include:

• Blending altered joinery

• Wardrobe refinishing

• Bespoke joinery finishing

• Colour matching

• Timber colour matching

• New-to-existing joinery blending

• Furniture refinishing

• Architectural woodwork restoration

• Staining

• Lacquering

• Fine finishing

• Repairing and disguising joinery alterations

Every project is approached individually, as existing timber, finishes, lighting and the age of the original joinery can all affect the final result.

A Seamless Finish for Altered Wardrobes

This project demonstrates the importance of specialist finishing following alterations to bespoke joinery.

The wardrobes were successfully made deeper to provide the required additional space, while the finishing work helped ensure that the changes integrated naturally with the existing cabinetry.

Rather than drawing attention to where the original joinery ended and the alteration began, the completed finish created a more unified and cohesive appearance.

Need Existing Joinery Blended After Alterations?

If you've had wardrobes, cabinetry or internal joinery altered, extended or repaired, Stonebridge Fine Finishing can help blend the new work into the existing finish.

From colour matching and staining to detailed fine finishing, we can work with your existing joinery to create a consistent and refined result.

Alter the joinery. Blend the finish. Keep the original character.

For more project evidence please visit the relevant YouTube and Instagram links for more project related content.