Removing skirting boards can seem like a daunting and messy job, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little preparation and patience, you can remove skirting boards without causing any damage to your walls. Be sure to have the following tools on hand to effectively complete this DIY task:
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Box cutter or palette knife
- Wood block
- Pliers
Whether you’re adding new wall panels, or installing new floors, removing skirting is a critical step to ensure the project is done properly. Follow these five steps to make sure your wall renovation is a success:
Step 1 - Check for and remove cables
It’s easy to forget if you have electrical wiring or cables running along the top of your skirting boards. Often, you can find items like your internet wires here, so it’s vital we take the time to look for these cables and use pliers to remove them to avoid damage to your electrical circuitry.
Step 2 - Release the board from the sealant
Taking your box cutter or Stanley knife, begin cutting along and breaking the seal behind the skirting board. You want to be sure to carefully run your knife and avoid causing any damage by breaking through the caulk or sealant into the wall.
Step 3 - Detach the Skirting
This step can be tricky to get right, but going slow will help prevent any damage. Use your chisel and hammer and get the chisel between the wall and skirting board. Gently tap, avoiding putting too much pressure. You can also do this with the flat end of your crowbar.
Once you’ve created a small gap, use a piece of wood about the same width as the skirting and slide the wood behind the crowbar to spread out the pressure against the plaster of the wall. Continue along the entire length until the skirting board comes free.
DO NOT pull the skirting board off the wall. You risk damaging the wall beneath and causing the wood to snap.
Step 4 - Clean up and remove nails
You can use the back claw of your hammer or pliers to remove all nails, staples, or other debris and hazards along the wall. Use a chisel to carefully peel off the remaining sealant, adhesive or caulk that held the old board in place.
Step 5 - Double check the wall is okay
After your first round of cleanup, ensure the wall has not sustained any serious damage. All nails should be removed or flushed with the wall to allow your new boards to fit properly.
It is very difficult even for an experienced tradesman to prevent any damage from appearing on to the plaster. Still, it’s good to do your best to preserve both your skirting board and your wall to avoid unnecessary repairs.
DIY with MGM Timber
And there you have it! Your wall is ready for a new skirting board. Are you looking for a more refined look to your walls? Consider using our decorative timber. This timber includes beautiful-rounded edges and designs for striking skirting along your home’s walls.
At MGM Timber, we provide top-quality timber products for your home projects. Whatever you need for your DIY projects, we can help. Speak with a member of our team if you have questions about any of our products. Want to learn more? Check out our other posts on home DIY here!
