Builders
Carpenters
Electricians
Flooring Specialists
Gardeners
Handymen
Heating Engineers
Painters & Decorators
Plasterers & Renderers
Plumbers
Roofers
Tilers
myArchitrave and Skirting Board Fitting Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost to replace skirting boards and architraves is around £250.
- Most jobs take 4 to 8 hours to complete.
- Skirting board and architrave replacement costs in 2026 by room size and material.
- How long the job takes and what's typically involved.
- How to find a local carpenter using MyJobQuote.
Get free estimates
Are you a trade? Get more work today!
£250
Table of Contents
- How Much To Fit Skirting Boards And Architraves?
- Skirting Board and Architrave Labour Costs and Timescales
- Architrave and Skirting Board Supply Costs
- Skirting Board Sizes
- Additional Costs to Install Skirting Boards
- What's Involved with Replacing Skirting Boards and Architrave?
- Different Types of Skirting and Architrave
- How to Remove Skirting Boards
- Signs You May Need to Replace Your Skirting and Architrave
- Checklist: Having Your Skirting Boards Replaced
- FAQs
How Much To Fit Skirting Boards And Architraves?
On average, you're looking at around £250 to replace skirting boards and architraves in a medium-sized room. That includes materials and labour, and most jobs are done within a single day. However, costs can shift depending on a few key factors, such as:
- The type of skirting and architrave used.
- The quality of the materials.
- The size of your room.
- The number of rooms requiring installations.
These elements will all affect the total cost of your project.
Architrave and Skirting Board Prices
The table below gives a quick guide to what you might pay based on your room size, from budget MDF through to premium hardwood. For a more precise figure based on your own project, try the calculator further down the page.
| Room Size | Typical Perimeter | Average Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small room (e.g., box room, small bathroom) | Around 8m | £150–£300 |
| Medium room (e.g., bedroom, lounge) | Around 15m | £250–£450 |
| Large room (e.g., open-plan lounge, large bedroom) | Around 20m | £350–£700 |
Want a custom price?
Post your job
These figures assume one standard doorway for small and medium rooms, and two for larger rooms. Costs sit at the lower end for MDF and the upper end for hardwood. Softwood typically falls in the middle. Adding extra doorways will increase the architrave cost accordingly.
When hiring a professional tradesperson to carry out the replacement of your existing skirting and architrave, the cost will usually include the supply of the materials as well as the tradesperson's labour charges.
The scale and complexity of your project will determine the overall cost of manual labour. Of course, the more rooms that require the installation will increase the completion time for the job, thus increasing the cost of labour.
You will also need to decide on what style and quality skirting and architrave you would like installed. More intricate styles of interior mouldings will be more expensive to purchase, therefore affecting the budget of your project.
There are three common types of materials used for interior skirting and architrave:
- MDF
- Softwood
- Hardwood
MDF is the general choice amongst homeowners, as well as being the most affordable option.
MDF skirting boards range from around £8 per length, usually available in 4-metre lengths. MDF skirting and architrave is available in a range of various sizes, thicknesses and designs to choose from.
Want a quick price from local carpenters?
You can get free, no-obligation quotes from carpenters near you through MyJobQuote. It's the fastest way to find out what your project will really cost.
Can you tell the difference between MDF and wood skirting boards once they're painted?
"There is a slight difference as mdf gives you a better, smoother finish when painted as timber has a grain in."
Skirting Board Cost Calculator
Skirting Board and Architrave Labour Costs and Timescales
Replacing skirting boards and architrave usually takes 4 to 8 hours for a single room, though larger or more detailed rooms can take a full day or more. Labour typically costs £150 to £200 per day, but the exact time and cost will depend on room size and how many doorways need architrave.
| Room Size | Typical Time | Labour Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small room | 2 to 4 hours | £75–£150 |
| Medium room | 4 to 8 hours | £150–£200 |
| Large room | 1 to 1.5 days | £200–£300 |
Want a custom price?
Post your job
Rooms with uneven walls, more intricate mitre joints, or several doorways will usually sit at the higher end of these ranges, as they take longer to measure, cut, and fit.
Architrave and Skirting Board Supply Costs
As we briefly covered earlier, there is a multitude of factors that contribute to the total cost of replacing interior skirting boards and architrave. To help you gain a better understanding, we have included a table below so that you can see how the prices and cost-affecting factors compare.
How much would you be willing to pay for having new skirting boards replaced in a single room?
£50 to £100
394 votes - 31%31% of votes
£100 to £200
426 votes - 34%34% of votes
£200 to £300
304 votes - 24%24% of votes
£300 to £500
90 votes - 7%7% of votes
£500+
55 votes - 4%4% of votes
1269 votes
See results
Hide results
Please note, the rates below are estimated and should only be used as a guide for pricing your project. The rates below also don't include labour costs.
Cost of Skirting Board Materials
| Skirting Board Material | Cost Per Metre |
|---|---|
| MDF Skirting Boards | £20–£40 |
| Softwood Skirting Board | £25–£50 |
| Hardwood Skirting Board | £30–£60 |
Want a custom price?
Post your job
Cost of Architrave Materials
| Architrave Material | Cost Per Metre |
|---|---|
| MDF Architrave | £10–£20 |
| Softwood Architrave | £20–£30 |
| Hardwood Architrave | £25–£35 |
Want a custom price?
Post your job
How much would the cost range be to remove skirting board and put on new ones for a 35m² room?
"Hi, to supply and fit would cost around £350 to £475 depending on the type of skirting board required, but labour on its own would be £225."
Skirting Board Sizes
Skirting boards cover the join where your wall meets the floor and help protect the plaster from kicks, hoovers and everyday knocks. They come in a range of sizes, and what you choose comes down to your room's proportions and the look you're going for. The two main dimensions to look at are the height and the thickness of the skirting board.
Standard Heights
Most skirting board styles are available in heights ranging from 70mm to over 200mm.
Let's take a look at the most common choices and what type of room they best fit:
- 70–100mm — Narrow skirting offers a subtle look, ideal for modern homes or rooms with lower ceilings.
- 120–150mm — This is the most common skirting height, suitable for all standard rooms.
- 170mm and above — Taller skirting is often used in period properties, rooms with high ceilings, or anywhere a traditional look is wanted.
Standard Thicknesses
The thickness options for skirting boards are a little more subtle ranging from 15mm to 25mm.
- 15–18mm — Slimmer skirting is great for modern interiors or where space is limited.
- 20–25mm — Chunkier skirting offers a more durable and solid finish, which works well for larger rooms.
Additional Costs to Install Skirting Boards
- Plastering damaged walls: if your plaster is cracked or crumbling, you may need to plaster the walls first, which typically costs £120 to £300 depending on how many walls need attention.
- Skirting board heating: you can add skirting board heating at the same time, from £40 per metre.
- Removal and disposal: taking away your old skirting and architrave, especially if you're upgrading to a heavier material like hardwood.
- Redecorating: repainting or touching up walls around the new mouldings once fitting is complete.
What's Involved with Replacing Skirting Boards and Architrave?
If you're hiring a carpenter to remove and fit new skirting and architrave, here's what the process usually looks like.
Before the Job
- Your carpenter assesses the existing skirting and architrave and takes measurements.
- You discuss your preferred material, style, and finish together.
During the Job
- Old skirting and architrave are removed, along with any leftover fixings or debris.
- New lengths are measured, cut, mitred, and fixed in place with adhesive, nails, or screws.
- Joints and edges are sealed with caulk for a neat finish.
After the Job
- Your carpenter checks the fit and finish before wrapping up.
- You can then paint or stain the skirting and architrave to match your decor.
Ask a Trade
Got a question that only a tradesperson can answer? We have thousands of trades ready to answer any question you may have.
Ask your question
Different Types of Skirting and Architrave
Skirting boards run around the base of your walls, while architrave frames your doors (and sometimes windows), hiding the gap between the wall and the frame. There are a few variations in the materials, style and thickness of both. To pick what will work best in your home, it helps to know the pros and cons of each option.
| Skirting Board Material | Size | Supply Cost |
|---|---|---|
| MDF Skirting Boards | 2.4m | £15–£20 |
| Softwood Skirting Board | 2.4m | £20–£30 |
| Hardwood Skirting Board | 2.4m | £30–£40 |
| Architrave Material | Size | Supply Cost |
|---|---|---|
| MDF Architrave | 2.1m | £3–£8 |
| Softwood Architrave | 2.1m | £5–£10 |
| Hardwood Architrave | 2.1m | £15–£20 |
Want a custom price?
Post your job
MDF Skirting Boards and Architraves
MDF is the most popular choice for skirting boards and architrave, thanks to its low cost and smooth, paintable finish.
Pros
- ✔ Most affordable option.
- ✔ Smooth surface that's easy to paint.
- ✔ Simple to cut and install.
Cons
- ✖ Can dent or chip if knocked hard.
- ✖ May swell or warp if it gets damp.
- ✖ Not ideal for humid rooms, such as bathrooms.
Softwood Skirting Boards and Architraves
Softwoods, such as pine, sit between MDF and hardwood on price and offer more decorative profile options.
Pros
- ✔ Wide range of decorative profiles and heights.
- ✔ Similar cost to MDF in most cases.
- ✔ Well-suited to period-style interiors.
Cons
- ✖ Less durable than hardwood.
- ✖ More prone to knocks and movement over time.
- ✖ May not last as long in high-traffic areas.
Hardwood Skirting Boards and Architraves
Hardwood, such as oak, offers the most durable and long-lasting option for skirting boards and architrave.
Pros
- ✔ Highly resistant to knocks and scrapes.
- ✔ Low-maintenance once fitted.
- ✔ Adds a premium, natural finish.
Cons
- ✖ Most expensive material option.
- ✖ Needs pre-drilling, screws, or strong adhesive to fit securely.
- ✖ Installation can take longer than MDF or softwood.
For more information, discuss with your carpenter which material best suits your home and budget.
How to Remove Skirting Boards
If you want to remove skirting boards yourself, you need the following tools to hand:
- Stanley knife
- Crowbar
- Pliers
- Claw hammer
- Chisel
Before you start, you need to check for any obstruction, such as wires and pipework. Use a cable and pipe detector if you're not sure what's in the wall, and turn off the power if you're at all unsure. Any surface obstacles should be moved out of the way, but pipes and cables need to be avoided, not removed. To loosen the skirting boards, use the Stanley knife and run it along where the wall meets the skirting. Take the hammer and chisel and gently start to knock the chisel between the skirting and the wall.
When it's loose, you can begin to remove it from the wall with the crowbar. Place the crowbar behind the skirting. Once all the nails are out of the wall, you should be able to pull the skirting board away. Make sure to remove any remaining nails that have been left in the wall.
If you want to hire a professional to do this for you, it will cost around £150 to £200 per day in labour.
How much would it cost to fit new doors, frames and skirting boards throughout a 4-bedroom house?
"We would charge £1,750 labour for this work as you have described."
Signs You May Need to Replace Your Skirting and Architrave
- Cracks, splits, or warping in the boards.
- Signs of rot or damp damage, particularly near the floor.
- Gaps forming between the skirting or architrave and the wall.
- Damage from house moves, DIY work, or pets.
- A build-up of old paint layers causing a poor finish.
- An outdated style that no longer matches your interior.
Checklist: Having Your Skirting Boards Replaced
Consider these key points before hiring a carpenter for this job:
- Do they fit skirting and architrave often? Ask what sort of work they do most weeks. You want someone who's used to neat mitre joints and long runs of skirting. Not just the odd bit of carpentry.
- Have you seen examples of related jobs? Keep an eye out for photos of finished skirting and door surrounds rather than only general joinery. Good signs include clean corners, tight joints, and smooth caulking.
- Have you compared a few quotes? You need at least 3 written quotes from various carpenters. And be sure that each covers labour and materials so you're comparing like for like.
- Is the quote broken down and crystal clear? Ask for an itemised quote that shows things like removal, supply of skirting/architrave, fitting, and any final touch ups. This way, you'll know exactly what you're paying for.
- Are they insured correctly? Check they have public liability insurance ready. It's there to protect you if anything gets damaged while they're working in your home.
- What materials do they recommend and why? Talk through MDF, softwood and hardwood, plus the pros and cons of each. If your carpenter is a good one, they'll steer you towards the right option for your budget and the look you're going for.
- Are their reviews decent? Peruse feedback from other homeowners. Pay attention to comments about timekeeping, orderliness and the quality of the finish.
FAQs
What's the Difference Between Architrave and Skirting Board?
Skirting boards run along the bottom of the walls. They cover the join between the wall and the floor. As for architrave, they sit around door frames (and sometimes windows), hiding the gap between the wall and the frame. They give the opening a neat border.
Do Architrave and Skirting Have to Match?
They don't have to be identical. That said, they should work together. It's a good idea to match the profile and thickness or go for styles that feel like part of the same "family". At the very least, keep the thickness similar, as the last thing you need is for joints not to line up cleanly at the corners.
Can You Replace Skirting Boards Without Removing the Carpet?
Often you can, so long as your carpenter can pull back the carpet a little from the edge. A carpenter will usually lift the gripper slightly. Next, they'll pull the carpet away from the wall, fit the new skirting and then refit the carpet. That said, you'll get the cleanest finish if the skirting is done before new flooring goes down.
Should Skirting Boards Go on Before or After Flooring?
If you have hard floors like laminate, engineered wood or luxury vinyl tile (LVT), your fitter will prefer to lay the floor first. Then they'll fit the skirting over the top to hide the expansion gap. For carpets, skirting goes on first. The carpet is then fitted up to it. Not too sure about it? Before anyone starts, ask your carpenter and flooring fitter to agree a plan.
Can I Hide Cables Behind My New Skirting Boards?
As long as there's enough space and they're not getting crushed, you can run small, low-voltage cables (like TV or speaker cables) behind or just above skirting boards. Mains electrical cables are different. They need to sit in recognised safe zones and in suitable capping or conduit, not loose behind the skirting. For that, your best bet is to get an electrician involved. Don't just tuck cables in wherever there's a gap. If you're planning to hide a lot of wiring, mention it to your carpenter at the start so they can allow for trunking or a neat channel behind the new skirting.
Can I Fit Skirting Boards and Architrave Myself?
Fitting skirting boards and architrave yourself is possible, but it takes accurate cutting, mitring, and fixing to get a neat finish. Power tools also carry a safety risk if you're not experienced with them. For a professional result with less risk of damage to your walls, most homeowners hire a qualified carpenter.
