Need to paint your skirting boards?
You want your skirting boards to look good, and you don’t want to overspend. But how much does painting skirting boards cost? Most people have no idea. Sure, it’s not the most important job in the house, but they are there to:
- Protect your walls from scuffs
- Finish off the look of your rooms
The issue is…
Costs will be all over the place when you get quotes. For painting skirting boards cost, here’s the thing. It’s a complex job that will change depending on a number of factors that will impact the price you get charged.
The more detailed you are in your planning the less likely you are to be overcharged
In this guide, I’m going to cover everything you need to know about skirting board painting costs, exactly what it will cost and what affects the final price and how you can save money on your project.
Let’s get stuck in!
What we’ll cover:
- Understanding skirting board painting costs
- What affects your final price?
- DIY or get a professional?
- How to save money on your project
Understanding skirting board painting costs
Skirting board painting cost isn’t as simple as you think.
Why? Because it all depends on room size, the condition of your skirting boards and where you live in the UK. When it comes to budgeting for this kind of work, the more you understand what you’ll pay, the better informed decisions you can make.
On average, the cost for painting skirting boards is around £200 in a standard 3m x 3m room according to the pricing information at www.myjobquote.co.uk. That equates to around £50 for materials and £150 for labour. But this is only a guide.
Any individual project will move that number up or down depending on the individual factors in your situation. For example:
- Materials: Quality paint costs between £10-£30 per litre
- Labour: Painter day rates average £175 across the UK
- Preparation work: Extra cost if skirting boards need repairs
Pretty simple so far right?
The thing most people don’t realise is the type of paint you use changes everything, from cost to long-term results.
What affects your final price?
Painting skirting boards isn’t a standard job size.
Location plays a big role in how much you pay. London and Manchester tend to be much more expensive than somewhere like Newcastle or Leeds for example. Busy city rates push labour charges up a lot.
Factors that impact your costs are:
Room size will determine how much paint you use and how long it takes to complete. The more linear metres of skirting you have in total means more material cost and work time for the decorator.
The condition of your existing skirting boards is more important than most people realise. If they’re damaged or in poor shape, they’ll need filling, sanding and additional preparation work. This can cost an extra £7.50 per metre for gloss painting if extensive filler work is needed.
Paint type selection changes your budget. Gloss paint will provide the classic high-shine finish but satinwood and eggshell have become popular alternatives. Different paint finishes have their own price points and durability.
Coats required depend on whether you’re painting over bare wood or previously painted surfaces. New skirting will require a primer, undercoat and two topcoats. Previously painted boards may need fewer layers unless you’re going for a dramatic colour change.
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DIY vs professional painting
Before we move on, here’s a thing that most people don’t realise.
DIY painting seems like the obvious money-saving solution but it isn’t always the right choice. According to recent research, 34% of UK households have carried out some form of painting and decorating work themselves.
Consider this:
Professional painters have skills and tricks of the trade that make a huge difference. Skirting boards require an even finish that pros know how to achieve. They can complete a full room in a day, as opposed to you struggling over a weekend.
DIY can have its place. If you have the time, patience and ability to do it yourself, it can save you approximately £150-£300 in labour costs per room. In fact, almost half of UK homeowners saved over £1,000 by doing DIY jobs themselves instead of paying for help.
The issue? DIY takes longer than you think. Prepping, undercoats, topcoats, drying time. What might be a quick weekend job ends up dragging on for ages. Mistakes also cost more to put right than hiring a pro from the start.
Ideally, consider a hybrid approach. Do your own prep work of cleaning and light sanding to cut down on labour costs. Then get a professional in to actually paint the skirting boards to guarantee that quality finish.
Choosing the right paint type
Not all skirting board paint is equal.
Traditionally gloss paint was the skirting board go-to. It’s durable, wears well and gives that high-shine finish people associate with new woodwork. Trends have changed now, however, and satinwood and eggshell finishes have become more popular.
Water-based vs oil-based paints:
Water-based paints dry quickly and have less fumes, making them more convenient. Oil-based varieties last longer and offer better protection in most cases.
Quality matters more than you’d think. Cheap paint from pound shops and other discount stores might save a few pounds up-front but takes more coats and doesn’t last as well. Dulux and Leyland cost around £25 a litre but offer superior coverage and durability.
Prep requirements will also vary by your existing finish. Painting over old gloss needs thorough sanding and undercoat application. Paint won’t stick to glossy surfaces otherwise.
Low-VOC and eco-friendly paints are the new standard. Environmentally friendly options reduce harmful emissions but still deliver fantastic results. They cost a little more but offer health benefits for your family too.
How to save money on your project
Got a project and looking to cut costs without compromising quality? There are some better ways to lower your painting skirting boards cost.
Buy during seasonal sales to get better deals on materials. Most DIY stores discount stock at different times of the year to clear out last season’s ranges. Use this to your advantage to buy premium paint at budget prices.
Do some prep work yourself:
Cleaning skirting boards and light sanding can save hours of work for your decorator. This will directly translate to lower labour charges since you’re paying for less time.
Get several quotes from different painters before making a decision. Prices will vary significantly from professional to professional. Comparing quotes helps ensure you’re getting a fair deal. Most decorators will offer free estimates so there’s no downside to shopping around.
Consider doing several rooms in one go. Decorators often give better rates for larger jobs since they’re already there and set up. Combine your skirting board painting with other decorating work to lower the cost per room.
Time your project too. Decorators will often offer lower prices when their quieter times. Demand for decorating work drops in winter months and mid-week bookings may be discounted when Saturday afternoons aren’t.
Wrapping things up
Painting skirting boards cost varies based on your specific circumstances.
Room size, paint quality, DIY or professional and a number of other factors determine the total bill you end up with. The average UK homeowner will pay approximately £200 per standard room for a professional skirting board painting job. But smart planning can save you a lot of this with DIY prep work, bulk purchasing and timing.
Remember the main points are:
- Location will significantly impact your labour rates
- Paint quality affects both up-front costs and longevity
- Preparation work will save you from expensive mistakes later
- Professional quality justifies the additional cost most of the time
The thing to remember? Skirting board painting is an investment that adds value to your home. It protects your walls from damage and spruces up tired rooms. Whether you do it yourself or pay a pro, understanding costs helps you budget correctly and avoid nasty surprises.
Take your time, look at the condition of your skirting boards, get several quotes and make an informed decision.
