Removing skirting boards is a straightforward DIY task that, with the right tools and technique, can be accomplished without damaging your walls. The process involves careful preparation, breaking the existing seal, gently prying the boards away, and then cleaning up the area.
How to Remove Skirting Boards
Carefully removing skirting boards involves a methodical approach, starting with preparation and ending with a clean, hazard-free area ready for new boards or repairs.
1. Prepare Your Workspace and Gather Tools
Before you begin, ensure your workspace is clear of furniture and obstacles. This is crucial for safety and ease of movement. Gather all necessary tools to avoid interruptions.
Essential Tools:
- Utility Knife / Stanley Knife: For cutting sealant and paint lines.
- Pry Bar / Crowbar: Flat bars with a wide, thin end are ideal for leverage.
- Claw Hammer: For pulling nails and tapping tools.
- Bolster Chisel or Wide Scraper: Can be used as a initial lever or to clean debris.
- Protective Shims / Wooden Offcuts / Cardboard: To protect walls from damage when prying.
- Safety Glasses & Gloves: Essential for protecting your eyes and hands from debris and sharp objects.
- Dust Sheet: To protect flooring from debris.
Why is wall protection important?
When prying, direct contact between a metal pry bar and your plaster can easily chip or crack the wall. Placing a thin piece of wood or strong cardboard behind the pry bar distributes the pressure and prevents damage, saving you significant repair time later.2. Break the Sealant and Locate Fixings
The next step is to carefully separate the skirting board from the wall and floor.
- Cut the Paint Line and Sealant: Use your utility knife to carefully score along the top edge of the skirting board where it meets the wall, and along the bottom where it meets the floor (if sealed). This breaks any paint bonds or caulk, preventing paint from tearing off the wall plaster when the board is removed. Make a deep, clean cut.
- Locate Nails or Screws: Skirting boards are typically fixed with nails or screws, often hidden by filler or paint. You may be able to feel them by gently running your hand along the board or by looking for small bumps. If you plan to reuse the boards, try to note their general positions.
3. Carefully Remove the Skirting Board
This is the most critical stage for preventing wall damage. Patience and a gentle approach are key.
- Start at a Corner or End: Begin at an end of the skirting board, or in an inconspicuous corner. This often allows for easier initial separation.
- Insert the Pry Bar: Gently tap the thin edge of your pry bar into the gap created by scoring the paint line, aiming behind the skirting board. Start with a smaller, thinner tool like a bolster chisel or stiff scraper if the gap is very tight.
- Use Protective Shims: Once you have a small gap, insert your protective shim or wooden offcut between the pry bar and the wall. This is vital to prevent damage to the plaster.
- Lever Gently: With the shim in place, gently lever the pry bar to pull the skirting board slightly away from the wall. Work your way along the board, moving the pry bar and shim every 30-50 cm, increasing the gap gradually.
- Address Stubborn Areas: If you encounter a stubborn section, it likely indicates a fixing point. Apply gentle, consistent pressure, or move to the next section and come back. Avoid forcing it, as this can damage the board or the wall.
- Full Removal: Once the entire length is loose, you can carefully pull the board away from the wall. If you plan to reuse the boards, label them according to their original position and orientation (e.g., "Wall A - Left," "Wall B - Right") to ensure they fit back perfectly.
4. Get Rid of Any Nails or Screws
After removing the skirting boards, you'll need to deal with the fixings left behind.
- From the Board: If nails have come out with the board, use the claw of your hammer or pliers to pull them straight through the back of the board. This prevents damage to the face of the board if you're reusing it.
- From the Wall: Nails or screws that remain in the wall should be removed immediately. Use a claw hammer for nails or a screwdriver/drill for screws. This prevents hazards and makes the wall ready for repairs or new boards.
5. Assess the Area and Remove Any Hazards
With the skirting boards removed and fixings cleared, take a moment to inspect the area.
- Check for Remaining Fixings: Thoroughly check the wall and floor for any leftover nails, screws, or splinters. These can be a safety hazard.
- Inspect Wall Damage: Assess the wall for any damage, such as small holes from nails, chipped plaster from prying, or remnants of old adhesive.
- Clean Up: Sweep or vacuum the area to remove dust and debris. This creates a clean slate for any subsequent work, whether it's plaster repair, painting, or installing new skirting boards.
Taking your time with each step will ensure a smooth process and a professional finish, whether you're replacing old boards or simply preparing for redecoration. For more detailed visual guidance, resources from reputable DIY sites like Family Handyman or Toolstation Blog can be helpful.
