Cost removing skirting boards
Costs of removing skirting boards 2026
Removing skirting boards costs on average between €50 and €150 per hour, depending on the amount of work and the condition of the boards. During this task, old skirting boards are carefully removed from the wall without causing damage to walls or floors, which requires professional skill. In this price guide, you will read exactly what the costs for removing skirting boards are and what to look out for during this delicate task.
Table of Contents
- How much does it cost to remove skirting boards?
- Price-determining factors for removing skirting boards
- Extra costs and surcharges
- How does the professional work when removing skirting boards?
- How can you save on removing skirting boards?
- Common problems when removing skirting boards
- Find the best professional for removing skirting boards
- Frequently asked questions about removing skirting boards
- Book a professional for removing skirting boards
- Useful links
How much does it cost to remove skirting boards?
Removing skirting boards costs on average between €50 and €150 per hour. Through Zoofy, you can see the hourly rate of the affiliated professional in advance. The professional can estimate how much time the job will take and thus calculate the total costs. For extensive projects where skirting boards must be removed throughout the entire home, a fixed project price can sometimes be agreed upon.
Overview of costs for removing skirting boards
| Description | Price |
|---|---|
| Removing skirting boards | from €50 per hour |
The exact price for removing skirting boards depends on various factors. The type of skirting board plays a role: wooden skirting boards that are nailed require more time than boards attached with adhesive. The total length of the skirting boards to be removed also determines how many hours the professional needs. Plastic skirting boards can usually be removed faster than solid wood ones.
The prices in this overview are including 21% VAT and labour. Material costs do not apply when removing skirting boards, unless you are having new skirting boards installed immediately. Costs are always clearly communicated in advance, so you know where you stand before the job begins.
Price-determining factors for removing skirting boards
The costs for removing skirting boards can vary per situation. This is because every job is unique: the type of skirting board, the way they are attached, and the condition of the walls determine how much time and work is required.
Type of skirting board
Not all skirting boards are equal. System skirting boards are unclipped from a mounting system, which takes little time. Parquet skirting boards and glued boards require more work because they are often firmly attached. High skirting boards with concrete nails require extra strength and attention to loosen without damage.
Attachment method
The way skirting boards are fixed determines the effort it takes to remove them. Screwed skirting boards are relatively simple. Glued boards are more difficult, as the professional must carefully cut through the glue with a putty knife, fishing line, or multi-tool. Skirting boards with adhesive or concrete nails require even more time and precision.
Total length
The more linear metres of skirting boards that need to be removed, the more time the professional needs. A small room is finished within an hour, but an entire home can take several hours.
Condition of the walls
Fragile or old walls require extra caution. If the plasterwork is crumbly, the professional must work more slowly and carefully to prevent further damage, which means more hours.
Urgency versus planned work
If you want the job done quickly and the professional has to adjust their schedule, you will pay more than for a pre-arranged moment.
Weekend
Work at the weekend is more expensive than during the week as professionals charge a surcharge for working during their time off.
Complexity of the situation
Some jobs are more complicated than others. Skirting boards behind heavy cupboards are harder to reach. Boards with hidden pipes or cables behind them also require extra attentiveness.
Recovery work
Glue residues, adhesive residues, or damage may remain after removal. Removing these residues takes extra time. If the plasterwork was damaged during removal, additional repair work may be necessary.
Region
In large cities, prices are often higher than in rural areas due to higher labour costs and parking costs.
Preparation and accessibility
If the workplace is easily accessible, it saves time. Moving furniture away from the walls before the professional arrives speeds up the work and can reduce costs.
Extra costs and surcharges
The costs for removing skirting boards can be higher due to additional activities. At Zoofy, you do not pay call-out charges.
- Urgency: Emergency jobs have a surcharge
- Weekend: Work during the weekend is more expensive
- Plaster repair: Repairing damaged plasterwork costs extra time
- Painting: Touching up paintwork where skirting boards used to be
- Residue removal: Removing stubborn glue or adhesive residues
- Waste disposal: Disposal of old material for large quantities
- Unexpected issues: Additional work when mould or moisture problems are discovered
How does the professional work when removing skirting boards?
- Inspection: The professional inspects the type of skirting board and the attachment method.
- Preparation: The workspace is prepared and furniture is moved for access.
- Tool selection: Depending on the type, tools such as a putty knife, hammer, fishing line, or multi-tool are chosen.
- Removal: System skirting boards are unclipped. Glued boards are loosened by carefully tapping a putty knife between the wall and the board.
- Checking and finishing: Remaining glue residues are removed with sandpaper or a putty knife. Small damages to the wall are lightly repaired.
- Tidying up: The old material is tidied up and potentially disposed of.
How can you save on removing skirting boards?
- Act early: Having loose skirting boards repaired immediately prevents further damage to plasterwork.
- Prepare the workspace: Move furniture and loose items away from the walls yourself.
- Book on weekdays: Avoid weekend and emergency rates by planning ahead.
- Combine jobs: Have new skirting boards installed at the same time the old ones are removed.
- Share photos: Send the professional photos in advance so they know exactly what to expect.
- Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, without call-out charges.
Common problems when removing skirting boards
Damaged plasterwork
Skirting boards that are firmly glued can take plaster with them upon removal. This risk is greater with old or weakened walls, resulting in repair costs before new boards can be installed.
Hidden pipes or cables
Electrical cables or pipes often run behind skirting boards. Careless work can damage these, leading to safety risks and extra repair costs.
Hardened old glue
With old skirting boards, the glue can become so hard that it is difficult to remove. Special tools like a multi-tool are then needed.
Find the best professional for removing skirting boards
Removing skirting boards requires a careful approach to avoid damage to walls or floors.
- Experience: A skilled professional knows how to handle every type of attachment.
- Insurance: Ensure the professional is insured for any accidental damage.
- No call-out charges: You only pay for the actual work performed.
- Fixed price: Know what you pay before the job starts.
- Quick booking: No hassle with quotes; simply provide three time slots.
- Quality: Professionals at Zoofy score an average of 9.2.
Frequently asked questions about removing skirting boards
What are the costs for removing skirting boards? Removing skirting boards costs on average between €50 and €150 per hour.
Can I remove skirting boards myself? System skirting boards and screwed boards can often be removed yourself. Glued boards require professional knowledge to prevent wall damage.
How long does it take per room? Depending on the situation, expect 30 minutes to several hours per room.
Can I reuse the same skirting boards? This depends on their condition. Screwed boards can often be reused, but glued ones are usually damaged during removal.
Book a professional for removing skirting boards
Ready to have your skirting boards removed? At Zoofy, you can book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You will see exactly what it costs beforehand, and Zoofy connects you with a reliable, vetted professional. You only pay once the work is completed.