Some of the oldest wooden churches in Southland have stood for over a century, thanks to carpenters who built them to endure. That kind of craftsmanship doesn’t just survive. It tells a story about skill and patience.

If carpentry done right can keep a building standing for generations, then it should at least keep our creaky floorboards quiet or our gates swinging the way they should.

That thought made us curious about who’s carrying that same tradition of quality today. 

So we went looking, and we found them. Here are the best carpenters in Invercargill who bring solid workmanship to everyday projects.

1. Turnbulls Joinery

Address: 100 Bain Street, Kingswell

Phone: +64 3 216 4074

Business hours:

• Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Tuesday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Website

Turnbulls Joinery has been part of Invercargill’s carpentry scene for over 20 years, with Jason Turnbull bringing serious experience to the table.

From what we’ve seen and heard, they focus on custom joinery. They create everything, from cabinetry and furniture to full-scale renovations. They seem comfortable tackling anything from high-end homes to commercial spaces and even local institutions.

We talked to one of their clients, who shared how the team really listened when planning a bespoke kitchen. She mentioned they offered practical suggestions without being pushy.

We really like that Turnbulls Joinery puts a lot of thought into using quality materials and blending traditional skills with modern techniques. Many clients said the furniture they got from the team looked great and stood the test of time.

The team also comes across as really easy to work with. From what we’ve heard, they pay attention, keep clients in the loop, and tailor their approach to each project.

On the downside, some of the specialized materials they use aren’t always easy to source. This can sometimes delay a project while they wait for the materials to become available.

Exceptional workmanship

“Absolutely love my new kitchen done by the guys at Turnbulls , so easy to deal with , absolute perfection. The workmanship is amazing and I can’t fault it at all. Won’t hesitate to recommend these guys to others and I’d used them again over if I ever need another kitchen done. Photos before and after”

• Geo S, Google Review

Easy to work with

“We were looking for a custom built island to bing our kitchen/dining area to life. We wanted a functional island that would also work as a dining table – big enough for dinner parties and board game evenings.

Jason was easy to work with and delivered a beautiful product.

Even though we’re based in Wellington the delivery and installation was a breeze! Couldn’t be happier!”

• Caroline Robertson, Google Review

2. Phoenix Services Limited

Address: 36 Bond Street, West Invercargill

Phone: +64 3 214 4157

Business hours:

• Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Website

We kept hearing about Phoenix Services Limited when we were asking about reliable carpentry. Their reputation seems well-earned, as they handle everything from small repairs to major renovation projects across Invercargill.

One local we spoke to mentioned that the team was really careful and tidy while working on a custom shelving project. They took the time to make sure everything fit just right and looked great.

That attention to detail seems to be a consistent part of their work, which probably explains why they come up so often in conversations.

Beyond carpentry, they also offer electrical, plumbing, and cleaning services. We think these extras are especially handy when a few jobs need sorting at the same time. They also show how versatile the team can be.

What we especially liked about them is their 24/7 availability and quick responses. That kind of reliability comes in handy for urgent fixes and gives clients peace of mind, reinforcing the sense that they take their work seriously.

Even with all these services and responsiveness, one drawback is that because they handle so many types of jobs, scheduling can get stretched.

Flexible and reliable

“Worked with a variety of the Phoenix trades on some difficult jobs and was thoroughly satisfied on every occasion. Their willingness to be flexible and fit in with our demands was priceless and I wouldn’t hesitate in using them again.”

• David Pottinger, Google Review

Professional, kind, and reliable team

“These guys and ladies have been amazing to me since the first day we made contact. I selected service not listed as they came into my world to restore quite a few previously poorly repaired ( by another business) areas in my home after the Feb 2020 flooding.

From day dot till now they have been professional, helpful, kind and understanding. The job became bigger than expected but they were awesome.

Love their name as is very apt in regards to rising like a Phoenix not from the ashes for me but from aftermath of a not so cool experience with another company.

My deepest thanks to Murray, Daniel, Tom, Gerard, Lyn, Cody, apologies to the ones I’ve missed and each and every other fab contractor along the way.

You guys ROCK and I recommend you at every opportunity I get ⭐👌👍❤”

• Hannah Shelley, Google Review

3. Southern Woodcraft Joinery & Maintenance

Address: 150 Lamond Street

Phone: +64 22 310 4796

Business hours:

• Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday & Sunday: Closed

For anyone needing custom carpentry that fits specific needs, Southern Woodcraft Joinery & Maintenance is widely recognized locally for their quality work.

Part of what earns them this reputation is their focus on creating bespoke solutions for kitchens, wardrobes, furniture, and even daycare play equipment. This approach makes them stand out to clients looking for personalized, practical designs.

One local who recently had a kitchen renovation mentioned how efficient and attentive the team was. The tradespeople were tidy, careful, and quick to handle challenges, which kept the project running smoothly.

It’s clear that problem-solving and clear communication are key parts of how the team works.

Beyond just handling the work well, the quality and precision of their finished projects keep people recommending them around town.

On top of that, pricing is upfront and transparent, which clients said makes the whole process easier to navigate.

A minor limitation, though, is their limited project portfolio. While the work is high quality, there aren’t many past examples to browse.

Efficient and detail-oriented

“Ryan did a great job on my kitchen pantry.  He was very efficient and showed attention to detail.  He had very good ideas to solve storage issue.  Very very happy with result. I would highly recommend to others.”

• Raewyn Robson, Google Review

Friendly, honest, and skilled service

“We got Southern Woodcraft in to give us a kitchen quote , Regan was friendly and his quick response helped ease the stress of our renovation . We found Regan to be honest with his pricing and his skill level was outstanding with the funny issues an old house can have Top business will use again”

• aaron reed, Google Review

4. Zeitgeist Joinery

Address: 231 Wallacetown Highway

Phone: +64 27 378 5162

Business hours:

• Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Website

Zeitgeist Joinery made it to our list for their skill in creating custom carpentry that blends modern design with traditional craftsmanship.

One thing that makes them notable is the range of projects they take on. Led by Felix Riedel, who brings experience from Berlin’s high-end joinery scene, the team handles everything from kitchens and wardrobes to motorhome fit-outs.

One local mentioned that his custom cabinetry project with the team went smoothly and straightforwardly. The team was careful with every detail, particularly when selecting solid wood and natural sealers.

Another point that stands out is their reach. Zeitgeist offers services across New Zealand, covering cities like Auckland, Christchurch, and Wanaka.

One thing to keep in mind is that their focus on premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship can make projects more expensive. The quality is impressive, but clients who are watching their budget may need to plan accordingly.

Impressive service, high-quality 

“The shop in town is just a display, but after I found the company’s number I was amazed by the service in getting my kitchen and interior furnishings designed and made.

I didn’t even know there are kitchen designers available on that scale in Invercargill.

What a positive surprise.”

• Jason Must, Google Review

5. Matt Corlett Building

Address: 20 Matai Street, Hargest

Phone: +64 27 308 8964

Business hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Website

With over 15 years of experience, Matt Corlett Building has become a familiar name for renovations, additions, and new builds around Southland.

Their work feels solid and dependable. People often mention how straightforward and detail-oriented Matt is, which really helps when a project starts to feel overwhelming.

Matt takes a hands-on approach and works closely with clients and a trusted network of subcontractors, including electricians, plumbers, and plasterers.

This teamwork helps projects run smoothly and keeps surprises to a minimum, which is something clients really appreciate.

Being a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) qualified for Restricted Building Work (RBW) also gives us confidence that everything is done properly and meets New Zealand’s building code.

They handle a wide range of services, from design and planning to actual construction. They even help with plans and consents, making the whole process easier if you’re juggling multiple parts of a renovation or new build.

One drawback is that their warranty or aftercare options seem limited. Even with careful construction, some homeowners might find themselves needing to sort out small issues on their own.

Hardworking, friendly team

“We are having our old extension demolished and a new extension added and some renovating to existing area. Demolition done and building taking place and we are extremely happy with Matt and colleagues. Hard working, friendly, very informative in giving ideas or other options or solutions when needed and high quality workmanship. We can’t wait to see  it finished. Highly recommend.”

• Monique Lammersen Dawson, Google Review

High-quality work, excellent communication

“Excellent communication & quality work every time. We highly recommend Matt Corlett Building.”

• David Harris, Google Review