How to Remove Skirting Boards

Skirting boards can be seen as one of the finished products of a room. Even though this may be so, there are times and occasions where skirting boards may need to be removed. Some examples of when removing skirting  boards are necessary include:

• When decorating or renovating a room
• If a new design/style of skirting board is wanted
• If the skirting board no longer matches the theme of the rest of the room
• The skirting board is old or worn, needing replacement

This guide will give you some tips on how to remove skirting boards and some of the things to look out for.

1) A first idea is to plan and prepare the area you are working in. Clear it of objects or obstructions and ideally use a dust sheet to stop the carpet getting dirty, or floor being marked. Make sure you have all the safety equipment to hand.

There is ‘more than one way to skin a cat’ and everyone will have their own slightly different method on how to remove these features. These points are our preferred tips. Generally skirting boards are either pinned on or glued on.

2) Use a crowbar to gently lift the skirting board (at the back) away from the wall, or alternatively use a chisel.

A further way to do this is to insert a piece of material at the back of the skirting board and saw it – this helps to force it away from the wall.

At this point remember that bigger and longer skirting boards will be more difficult to ‘handle’ so take care with these. Further, skirting boards which are joined (i.e. at 90^o with others) will need special care than those which are just straight or uncomplicated in shape.

3) To actually remove the skirting board, if it does not come off with the crowbar, then insert a hammer and chisel and gently (but firmly) tap the board until it becomes loose and can be removed.

Damaging the walls can be a problem at this point, so be as delicate as you can if you plan to reuse the skirting board again later, or if you want to keep the walls intact.

4) If the skirting board is nailed, these will be exposed once the board is removed. Such sharp and pointed pieces of metal can be very dangerous. Use pliers to remove the nails from the board.

Once this is complete, store the skirting board somewhere where it can’t be damaged or cause a hazard to other people.

We hope our guide on how to remove skirting boards has been helpful to your project. Skirting Boards Direct stocks a wide range of skirting boards and can offer guidance on both how to install and remove them.

We are the UK’s leading supplier of the highest quality skirting boards and architraves, alongside a variety of other materials and finishings including door frames, window sills and plinth blocks. From our showroom and factory in Birmingham, UK, Skirting Boards Direct provide you with the finishing touches needed to compliment your new floor, room or space.

Interested in our company origins? Visit our about us page or get in touch with us today for further information.