Custom carpentry refers to the manufacture of windows, doors, and interior fittings to the exact dimensions of an existing building, as opposed to standardized products. In France, the vast majority of windows installed in recent years have been part of renovations. This requires dealing with non-standard openings, constraints of older structures, and increasing thermal requirements.
The 2024 trends in custom carpentry are not just about aesthetic choices: they reflect regulatory and technical developments that change the way each project is designed.
Custom Carpentry and Comprehensive Renovation: What MaPrimeRénov’ 2024 Changes Concretely
Competitors often mention the energy performance of windows as a standalone argument. However, the 2024 reform of MaPrimeRénov’ has changed this logic. The replacement of carpentry is now part of a comprehensive renovation journey, where the window is just one item among others: wall insulation, roofing, ventilation, and even changes to the heating system.
In practice, this means that a custom carpentry project can no longer be conceived in isolation. The choice of glazing, frame material, and installation must be coordinated with peripheral insulation to achieve a measurable improvement in the energy performance diagnosis (DPE). A specialized craftsman, like those found at menuiserie-deule.fr, must integrate this holistic vision from the initial diagnosis.
This constraint has an unexpectedly positive effect: it encourages sizing carpentry based on the actual heat loss of the building, not just according to the available catalog. Customization then becomes a technical tool, not just a comfort choice.
Wood Frames in Carpentry: A Documented Commercial Resurgence
Several competing articles present wood as an aesthetic trend or an ecological choice. Market data tells a more precise story. Between 2021 and 2023, wood frames increased by 11% in the French market, while the overall window market declined by 8% during the same period.
This resurgence is not solely explained by the visual appeal of the material. Wood offers a naturally high insulation coefficient, and FSC or PEFC certified species meet the increasing requirements for environmental traceability. For custom carpentry, wood has an additional advantage: it can be easily worked to the exact dimensions of an old opening, whereas aluminum or PVC sometimes require more rigid adaptations.
Wood, PVC, or Aluminum: Selection Criteria for Custom Work
The choice of material depends on three concrete parameters:
- The nature of the existing structure: a Haussmannian building in Paris or a 1970s apartment do not accept the same frame thicknesses or finishes
- The targeted thermal constraints: wood excels in natural insulation, aluminum allows for thin profiles to increase light, and PVC remains the most budget-friendly material
- Acceptable maintenance: wood requires regular treatment (stain or paint), while PVC and aluminum are nearly maintenance-free over time
In renovation, custom work allows for the preservation of original proportions while improving performance. This is a point that standard solutions cannot guarantee, especially in the constrained spaces of an old apartment.
RE2020 and Carpentry: Overall Performance Rather Than Just Glazing
In new construction, RE2020 has introduced a change in perspective. The performance of a window is no longer judged solely on its thermal insulation coefficient (Uw). Summer comfort, measured notably by the solar factor (Sw), and the bioclimatic needs of the building are now part of the overall calculation.
Specifically, a large south-facing bay window may be excellent in winter (free solar gains) but detrimental in summer if no solar protection is provided. Custom sizing incorporates orientation, glazed area, and type of glazing to find the balance between natural light and summer overheating.
What This Changes for an Interior Carpentry Project
Interior carpentry (doors, glass partitions, closets) is not directly affected by RE2020, but it contributes to the circulation of light and air in spaces. A custom glass door between a blind room and a bright living area can significantly reduce the need for artificial lighting.
In interior design, the 2024 trends confirm the appeal of glass partitions with thin metal frames, recessed sliding doors, and integrated storage that utilizes every inch. These solutions work even better when designed to the exact dimensions of the space.
Colors and Finishes in Custom Carpentry: Beyond Matte Black
Matte black has dominated catalogs for several years, and this trend remains present in 2024. Dark shades (anthracite gray, forest green, midnight blue) create a strong contrast with light facades and integrate well into contemporary aesthetics.
The novelty lies more in the textured finishes that mimic the feel of raw wood or stone, even on aluminum or PVC profiles. Two-tone coloring (an exterior shade different from the interior shade) is also spreading, allowing for color adaptation to the decoration of each room without compromising the harmony of the facade.
For a renovation project for an apartment or house, these customization options are only available in custom work. Standard carpentry rarely offers more than five or six colors, and two-tone options remain exceptional in the entry-level range.
- Dark shades (black, anthracite, midnight blue) for a contemporary look on windows and entrance doors
- Natural wood finishes (oak, walnut) favored in interior carpentry to warm up spaces
- Two-tone exterior/interior to reconcile facade coherence and personalized decoration
The choice of custom carpentry in 2024 relies less on a single trend than on the ability to articulate technical constraints, thermal regulations, and aesthetic preferences. Renovation represents the majority of projects, and it is in this context that custom work makes the most sense: adapting each opening to the existing structure, coordinating work with overall insulation, and choosing materials whose durability justifies the investment.
