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mySkirting Board Heating Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost of installing skirting board heating is around £1,500.
- The job will take approximately 1 to 2 days per room to complete.
- A breakdown of how much skirting board heating costs to install.
- How long this job typically takes and what's involved.
- How to find a local skirting board heating specialist.
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Thinking about installing skirting board heating?
If so, this guide is essential reading. We break down everything you need to know about installing Thermaskirt skirting board heating — including costs, benefits, and what to look for when hiring a tradesperson.
Want to get a better idea of how much this'll cost?
Even if you're just exploring your options, it's a smart move to get a few quotes. It'll give you the full picture about what to expect in your situation.
With MyJobQuote, you don't commit to anything — all quotes from heating engineers are fast, free, with no obligation to go ahead.
Find our full guide to skirting heating costs below!
£1,500
Table of Contents
How Much Does Skirting Board Heating Cost to Install?
Skirting board heating is more expensive than traditional radiators, but less expensive than installing underfloor heating, as well as being less invasive.
A skirting board heating system looks just like any conventional skirting board on the outside, but inside, they have hidden heating elements capable of warming a room from the ground up.
There are two main types of skirting board heating:
- Wet systems - Wet skirting boards are connected to either your boiler, air source heat pump, or ground source heat pump with small pipes, and work in a similar way to conventional radiators.
- Electric systems - Electric skirting boards have heating cables inside, which are controllable via a thermostat.
So, what's the cost of installing skirting board heating?
Your installation costs will differ depending on the type of system you choose:
Wet systems are more expensive to install, typically around £1,300 to £2,100 for an average-sized living room. However, they do come with the benefit of potentially having lower running costs, depending on efficiency of the heat source.
Electric systems are cheaper to fit, usually around £1,000 to £1,700 for an average-sized living room, but have higher running costs.
We'll go into this in more detail now.
We have rising damp on a party wall which is quite bad, we have taken off the plaster to reveal quite bad bricks (the house is very old) I was wondering that once we have done what we can would the Thermaskirt skirting boards be a good idea to keep it at bay for future?
"You can use the thermaskirts, but if the job is done properly, you don’t need them."
Skirting Board Radiator Prices
Installing Skirting Board Heating Costs (Wet System)
| Room Size | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Small bedroom (12m²) | £800 - £1,200 |
| Living room (20 - 25m²) | £1,300 - £2,100 |
| Open-plan kitchen/diner (35 - 40m²) | £2,100 - £3,200 |
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Installing Skirting Board Heating Costs (Electric System)
| Room Size | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Small bedroom (12m²) | £600 - £1,000 |
| Living room (20 - 25m²) | £1,000 - £1,700 |
| Open-plan kitchen/diner (35 - 40m²) | £1,500 - £2,500 |
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Skirting Board Heating Running Costs
Let's add in current energy prices to give you an idea of estimated running costs:
- Gas costs 5.93p per kWh (as of the 2026 price cap)
- Electricity costs 27.69p per kWh (as of the 2026 price cap)
This means average running costs based on moderate usage are as follows, although this can be depdendent on temperature and size of property:
- Thermal skirting boards (wet system) fitted in a small bedroom will cost approximately £40 to £70 per year.
- Thermal skirting boards (electric system) installed in a small bedroom will cost approximately £70 to £110 per year.
Can You Install Heated Skirting Boards Yourself?
Some plug-in electric heated skirting boards are DIY-friendly. But, if you're installing a fully integrated thermal skirting board, you'll need expert support.
Here's what you need to know:
- Hardwired electric skirting - Needs a professional electrician to install and sign off.
- Wet skirting linked to a gas boiler - Requires a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Wet skirting linked to other heat sources (e.g. heat pumps) - You'll need a qualified heating engineer or plumber.
Ultimately, while a skirting board heater may look straightforward to install, the process will likely involve dealing with two of the most complex elements of any household: heating and plumbing.
Ensuring that the work is carried out safely by a professional will help keep your household safe.
What are the Benefits of Skirting Board Heating?
Heated skirting boards are a fairly new innovation, so you might not know their benefits. Here are some reasons to consider skirting board heaters:
Space-Saving Design
Thermal skirting takes up less space than traditional radiators.
Skirting radiators are installed at ground level, meaning they don't take up valuable wall space or reduce a room's width like typical radiators might.
This makes them great additions for small properties where every square foot of space needs to be maximised.
Blends Into Any Room
Traditional radiators can look bulky and out of place in some properties. Heated skirting boards help to maintain a room's clean line.
Installing radiator skirting can be a useful method of heating a room without making it look cluttered. And, their universal design means they won't look out of place in old or new properties.
Even Heat Distribution
Skirting board heaters distribute warmth along the base of your walls, helping to provide more even heat distribution than a single wall-mounted radiator.
While wall-mounted radiators concentrate heat within their immediate location, integrated skirting board heaters provide warmth along the perimeter that can then spread naturally through the room. This can result in a more consistent temperature at floor level, with overall room temperatures continuing to be influenced by the airflow.
As such, consider where to place furniture when installing skirting board heating, to ensure it can operate at its most effective.
Can Warm Up Rooms Quickly
Skirting board heating is designed for rapid heat distribution, especially when installed along passageways. It can provide additional warmth to the perimeters of a room.
Compared to underfloor heating, which is becoming increasingly popular in modern homes, skirting board heating reaches optimal temperatures much more quickly.
Energy Efficient
A skirting board heater operates at a lower temperature than an upright radiator, making it an energy-efficient option.
Plus, as more homes install heat pumps, it's good to know that skirting heaters are compatible with that technology, too.
Checklist: How To Find a Skirting Board Heating Installer in the UK
Decided heated skirting boards are right for you? Here's what we suggest when looking for your trader:
- Is the tradesmen suitable for the job? Wet systems need to legally be installed by Gas Safe registered engineers (for gas connections), or an electric system will need qualified electricians.
- Does the installer have the right qualifications? Both a gas and electric installer need to be suitably qualified and a professional electrician should already be familiar with Part P of the Building Regulations and BS 7671 wiring standards in order to self-certify their work.
- Do they have public liability insurance? Although not a legal requirement, most companies and individual tradesmen will be covered by having insurance, in particular relating to personal injury and accidental damage.
- Have you reviewed any past projects? Make sure their previous work aligns with the style and quality you’re looking for, if you know anyone that has recently had a skirting board heating installation, ask for recommendations.
- Have you collected at least 3 quotes? Requesting multiple quotes from different heated skirting board installers you will help give you an idea of the average local price. By using MyJobQuote you can contact reputable companies with no obligation to go ahead with the work.
- Have you received an itemised quote? It's always best to ask for an itemised quote, especially if you're agreeing to the work. Check that it clearly shows what’s included, such as waste removal or any additional costs.
- Do they offer guarantees or warranties? Ask about coverage on any parts and labour to ensure peace of mind during and after installation, again always have such conversations confirmed in writing.
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FAQs
Is Skirting Board Heating Suitable as a Main Heat Source?
Yes, skirting board heating can be used as the primary heat source, providing it has been correctly designed for the room size and with any heat loss taken into consideration. Alternatively, it may also be used alongside standard fireplaces or central heating.
Can Skirting Board Heating Be Installed in Older Properties?
Yes, in fact it can often be less intrusive than the alternative of underfloor heating. However, you may wish to have a professional review your property to ensure it is suitably insulated. If you live in a listed property or conservation area, it is advisable to check if you require planning permission before starting any work.
Is There Much Regular Maintenance Required?
As a general rule, very little maintenance is required providing the installation has been carried out professionally. Although wet systems should be included in any routine boiler or heating checks, and electric systems can benefit from being periodically checked when not in use.
Can Skirting Board Heating Add Value to Your Home?
By helping your home become more energy efficient, skirting board heating can be seen as positive addition. While it may not directly increase a property’s value on its own, such installations can certainly make a home more attractive to potential buyers.
How Is Skirting Board Heating Eco-Friendly?
Skirting board heating can be more energy-efficient than traditional radiators as it operates at lower temperatures. As for being eco-friendly, this is possible when used in conjunction with a suitable energy source, such as renewable electricity or using a heat pump that doesn't require fossil fuels.
