How to remove skirting boards – step-by-step guide with images

Removing a skirting board is a pretty simple task. However, you need to know how to remove skirting boards correctly, or you can damage the surrounding walls, cables and pipes.

If you’re upgrading your home decor for a modern look or ripping out worn and rotten skirting boards, this how-to guide is for you.

Tools required for removing skirting boards

To avoid any stop-starting when you’re removing skirting boards, have these tools to hand:

• Pliers
• Chisel
• Crowbar
• Screwdriver
• Claw hammer
• Block of wood
• A utility knife, like a Stanley knife

How to remove skirting boards

Step one: Do your prep

Gather all your tools and move any objects or furniture that might get in the way. Cover your flooring with an old piece of soft plastic or fabric (like old bedsheets or curtains) to avoid damage.

Step two: Deal with cables and pipes

Always ensure all cables (speaker and telephone cables are the most common culprits), attachments or radiator pipes fixed to the skirting boards are removed.

Because removing old skirting boards requires some elbow grease and force, you’re at risk of inadvertently causing damage to these cables and pipes.

Radiator pipes often run across the skirting boards, especially in older properties. Rather than working around the pipes, it’s easier to ask a professional plumber to remove your radiators until your skirting boards have been replaced.

Move any cables out of the way, or ask an electrician to move them, too. Often, it’s easier and less expensive than you might think to get old pipes and cables buried into the wall.

If you need help finding a trusted tradesperson, use our tradesperson search below.

Step three: Loosen the sealant or caulking and remove any nails

Next, run your utility knife carefully along the edges of your skirting board to break the sealant or decorator’s caulk that holds the skirting boards in place. Be careful not to damage your paint or plasterboard if you plan on repainting or replastering.

Step four: Tackle large screws or nails

Occasionally, especially for older skirting boards like those in period homes, your skirting board may be fitted to the wall with large nails. If so, remove the skirting board’s nails or screws.

Spot nails or screws in the skirting boards by checking for imperfections or dents. Look for splodges of filler or painted nails or screws.

Either try to unscrew them with a screwdriver or break through the moulding with a drill and chisel before using a claw hammer to pull out the nails from the wall.

Pulling nails out of skirting is a tiresome, lengthy, long job, so only do it if you’re sure your skirting boards are attached with nails.

Step five: Remove the skirting board

Once your skirting boards are loose, use a crowbar to remove them. Look for the weakest point of the skirting board (usually a corner) and place the flat part of the crowbar against it or underneath it.

Insert the crowbar carefully between the wall or floor and skirting board, and gently pull away from the wall. Continue this step all along the wall at 6-10 inch intervals until the skirting has been detached.

If it’s easier, you can use a hammer to knock the crowbar between the wall and the skirting to lift the skirting board.

Don’t have a crowbar? Don’t worry, you can also use a chisel and hammer. However, a crowbar is more effective.

Do not give in to the temptation to rip the skirting board from the wall. If you do, you will damage the wall’s plasterboard. Check out the skirting board below to see what happens when you rip and remove skirting boards too quickly. 

If your walls are starting to look like this rather quickly when removing your skirting board, it’s never too late to call in a carpenter to complete the job for you. Find out how to find trusted carpenters near you here.

To avoid damage, you can also place a wooden wood block behind the crowbar to help spread the pressure.

Step six: Remove leftover debris

Once you’ve removed all the skirting, remove any screws, nails or other debris left behind. Always use a screwdriver to remove screws, but pliers and claw hammers can be helpful options.

If you can’t get stubborn nails out of the wall, you can hammer them in so they are flush against the wall. Just make sure to place your wooden block against the wall to avoid damage to the plaster. You should also be careful of any pipes or cables hidden in the wall, and make sure the nails are entirely flush with the wall to avoid any trouble replacing your skirting boards later.

Skirting board FAQ’s

What tradesperson can help me remove skirting boards?

It might sound like a simple job, but it’s easy to damage walls or electrics when attempting to remove old skirting boards.

If you’re worried about removing skirting boards yourself, you can call a carpenter or handyperson. A carpenter will be able to remove and replace your skirting boards quickly and adequately because they have the proper knowledge and tools. All you need to do is choose the right skirting boards to suit your home decor.

Is it worth replacing the skirting boards?

If you’re not a fan of your skirting boards – for instance, they’ve become old-fashioned or don’t match your ultra-modern decor – it’s almost certainly going to be worth replacing them. Choosing a style that better suits your taste will help you to create a home that feels like yours.

Similarly, if your skirting boards have suffered at the hands of termites (see sad skirting board below) or are covered in decades of paint (potentially lead-based), you should remove your old skirting boards for new ones.

However, if your home is an old farmhouse or cottage property, it may be nearly impossible to find your vintage skirting boards again. In this case, it might be worth taking the time and effort needed to restore them. Or, if they’re in reasonable condition, consider painting your skirting boards in a neutral or bold colour to renew them.

Is it challenging to remove skirting boards?

Although removing skirting boards can get messy, it’s a relatively straightforward DIY job when you know how to remove skirting.

Before you begin, put it in the forefront of your mind that you don’t want to cause any damage to the plasterboard or existing flooring (if you’re planning on keeping them, at least).

Ideally, it would be best to use a trusted carpenter to replace your skirting boards professionally and quickly. Check out our cost guide here to learn how much it costs to replace skirting boards.

Can I remove skirting boards without damaging the wall?

Yes! Removing old skirting boards without causing damage to their surroundings is relatively straightforward when you know how to get skirting boards off.

But ensure you have taken all safety precautions beforehand, take your time and follow the steps above to avoid damage to your home.

You can call a professional tradesperson if you’re not an experienced DIYer or worried about damaging the wall or surrounding cables and pipes. 

Can you reuse skirting boards?

If your skirting board is still in good, useable condition and has not suffered any damage during removal, it can be put back on your walls.

But be sure to remove any old glue or sealant before reattaching it. This is also an excellent opportunity to sand down and paint your skirting boards before putting them back on the walls.

Unless you are a seasoned DIYer or a tradesperson yourself with all the tools you need for this renovation project, it is much easier and quicker to get an experienced carpenter to replace your new skirting boards for you.

Checkatrade has many vetted and homeowner-reviewed tradespeople to help with your new home project. Searching for a carpenter only takes a few minutes.

All you need to do is pop your postcode into the box below.