Boarding Up Pricing in Milton Keynes (What Impacts the Cost)
If you’re dealing with a smashed window, a forced door, or a shopfront that needs to be made safe, price is usually the next worry after “Is everyone OK?”. The cost of boarding up in Milton Keynes depends on what’s been damaged, how quickly it needs securing, and what materials and fixings are appropriate for the building.
We’re transparent about how our pricing works and what you’re paying for. If you need urgent help, you can also call our emergency line and we’ll give you a realistic estimate once we understand the opening size, access, and the level of damage.
Need help now? Call 01908 024 702 or email us.
How We Price Boarding Up (The Short Version)
We don’t publish fixed prices because no two jobs are identical—boarding up a small ground-floor pane is very different to securing a commercial shopfront or an upstairs window that needs safe access.
Your quote is typically based on:
- The number and size of openings (one window vs multiple windows/doors)
- The method required (standard temporary boarding vs a more secure solution)
- Materials (e.g., 18mm exterior-grade plywood for higher-security work, 12mm OSB for smaller/low-risk openings where appropriate)
- Fixings and security (anti-tamper fixings, internal bracing, non-destructive methods where possible)
- Access and height (upper floors, rear access only, restricted parking/loading)
- Time and urgency (daytime vs out of hours, and whether it’s an emergency boarding up call)
- Condition of the frame/structure (if the frame is split or unstable, the securing method changes)
For urgent incidents, see emergency boarding up for the fastest route to help.
What You’re Paying For (Not Just a Sheet of Board)
Boarding up done properly is about security, safety, and weather protection—not just covering a hole. When we secure a property, pricing includes the practical work that stops further damage and reduces the risk of repeat entry.
Depending on the job, this typically includes:
- Site assessment and hazard check (loose glass, sharp edges, unstable frames)
- Correct measuring and fitting (cut-to-size boards rather than “best fit” patches)
- Appropriate fixing method
- We often use non-destructive methods where feasible (to avoid damaging frames unnecessarily)
- Anti-tamper fixings reduce the chance of removal from outside—important for unattended properties
- Making safe the immediate area (where possible) so the site is safer for occupants and visitors
- Documentation suitable for insurers (see below)
If the frame is too damaged to secure safely without additional fixings or making good, we’ll explain the options before proceeding.
The Main Factors That Affect Boarding Up Cost in Milton Keynes
Size, shape, and quantity of openings
A single small window is a different job to multiple windows, double doors, or a wide glazed frontage. The material used, cutting time, fixings, and overall labour scale with size and complexity.
Typical examples:
- One board up broken window after an accident
- Multiple smashed window panels after vandalism
- A full shopfront boarded up to cover large panes and door glazing
If you know the rough measurements (even a phone photo with something for scale), it helps us quote more accurately.
Type of property (residential, commercial, or vacant)
Pricing can vary based on the environment and the security requirement:
- Residential: Often focused on quick, tidy security and weather protection
See residential boarding up - Commercial: Shopfront glazing can require larger panels and a method that stands up to footfall and attention
See commercial boarding up - Vacant/void properties: Security tends to be the priority, sometimes requiring stronger or longer-term options
See vacant property boarding up
Material choice: plywood vs OSB (and why it matters)
We’ll recommend the most appropriate board based on risk and duration:
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood is commonly used for stronger, more secure boarding, particularly at ground level or where the property will be empty.
- OSB can be suitable for certain smaller openings or lower-risk situations and is often used when the priority is quick temporary weather protection.
We won’t upsell materials if they aren’t necessary. We’ll explain the trade-offs (strength, appearance, and how long it’s likely to remain in place).
Fixings and security level (anti-tamper, bracing, non-destructive methods)
How the board is fixed has a big effect on security and on the building itself:
- Anti-tamper fixings help prevent removal from outside.
- Internal bracing may be required where external fixing isn’t safe or appropriate.
- Non-destructive boarding may be possible if we can clamp/brace without drilling into frames—useful for certain properties, but not always feasible after a forced entry.
If you’re specifically trying to secure property for more than a few days, ask about longer-term options such as temporary steel doors (where suitable) or security screens.
Access, height, and safe working requirements
Upper floors, awkward rear access, narrow alleyways, or restricted parking/loading can increase labour time and affect pricing.
We won’t take unsafe shortcuts—if safe access equipment is required, we’ll tell you.
Timing: daytime vs out-of-hours call-outs
If you need help tonight or at the weekend, the call is treated as urgent and prioritised accordingly. We don’t guarantee fixed arrival times because conditions vary, but we will give you a realistic ETA on the phone.
If you’re facing an urgent break-in or a board up door situation, go straight to 24/7 emergency boarding up in Milton Keynes.
Typical Scenarios (And What Usually Drives the Price)
“My window’s smashed—can you board it up?”
Yes. For a smashed window, cost usually depends on the window size, whether the frame is intact, and whether it’s ground floor or accessible. We’ll aim for a secure fit that also reduces draughts and rain ingress.
This often falls under window boarding in Milton Keynes.
“The door’s been forced—can you secure it?”
A forced door may need more than boarding—especially if the lock area or frame is split. Sometimes a secure temporary solution is more appropriate than a basic cover-up.
This is usually handled under door boarding and may include a temporary door solution where appropriate.
“My shopfront needs boarding up after vandalism”
A commercial frontage often needs wider sheets, stronger fixing, and a tidy finish to reduce risk and help you get back to trading. The cost is influenced by frontage width, the number of glazed sections, and whether there are multiple vulnerable points (side panels, door glazing).
See shopfront boarding for how we approach retail and commercial sites.
“We’ve had storm damage / a leak through the rooflight”
Roof and skylight openings can involve safe access and weatherproofing considerations, which can influence cost. The priority is to make safe and prevent further water ingress until permanent repairs can be arranged.
This falls under roof boarding and may also relate to storm damage boarding.
Insurance & Documentation (What Most Insurers Will Ask For)
After a break-in, vandalism, or accidental damage, insurers usually want a clear record of what happened and what was done to prevent further loss. We’re not loss adjusters and can’t advise on policy wording, but we can supply the documentation insurers typically request.
We can provide:
- Itemised invoice describing works carried out
- Work statement (what was secured and how)
- Time-stamped photos before/after (when safe and appropriate)
- Notes on any access issues or frame damage that affected the method
Useful tip: if the incident involved a crime, keep your crime reference number and take your own photos before we arrive (only if it’s safe).
More guidance: insurance claims support.
How to Get an Accurate Quote Quickly
When you call or email, a few details help us give you a more accurate estimate without wasting time:
- What’s been damaged? (window, door, shopfront, rooflight)
- How many openings? (one or multiple)
- Approximate size (even rough measurements help)
- Is the property occupied tonight? (security level may differ for vacant buildings)
- Any access constraints? (upper floor, rear access only, gated areas)
- Photos if possible (sent by email is fine)
If it’s urgent, call: 01908 024 702.
What to Expect on the Phone (No Pressure, Just Clarity)
When you ring us, we’ll ask a few quick questions to understand the risk and recommend the right approach. If it’s an emergency, we’ll prioritise the job and give you a realistic ETA—without making promises we can’t keep.
If you’re not sure what type of boarding you need, the guide at what is boarding up? explains the basics in plain English.
Pricing FAQs (Milton Keynes)
How much does boarding up cost in Milton Keynes?
It depends on the size and number of openings, the material (plywood/OSB), the fixing method, access, and whether the job is out of hours. Call us with a couple of details and we’ll give you a clear estimate based on your situation.
Is emergency boarding up more expensive out of hours?
It can be, because out-of-hours work involves urgent attendance and often additional safety considerations. We’ll explain any uplift upfront on the phone, before we attend.
Can you give a quote from photos?
Often, yes—especially for a board up broken window or straightforward door opening. For complex damage (e.g., unstable frames, multiple panels, high-level access), we may confirm on arrival.
Is boarding up covered by insurance?
Many policies cover reasonable “make safe” costs to prevent further damage, but it varies. Keep your reference numbers and receipts, and speak to your insurer as early as possible. We can provide invoices and photos to support a claim—see insurance claims support.
Do you charge differently for shopfronts in MK postcodes?
Shopfront work is typically priced by frontage size, number of glazed sections, and security level required. If the premises will be unattended, we’ll often recommend stronger boarding and anti-tamper fixings to reduce the chance of repeat incidents.
What if the frame is too damaged to board safely?
If the structure around the opening is split, loose, or unsafe, we’ll explain the options. Sometimes we can still secure using bracing or alternative fixings; sometimes you may need a temporary door solution or additional making-safe steps before standard boarding is possible.
How long does boarding up take?
A single opening can often be secured quickly, but multiple openings or difficult access will take longer. We’ll give a realistic timeframe when we understand the scope, and we work efficiently to get the property secure.
Ready to Secure the Property?
Whether it’s a smashed window, a forced entry, or a shopfront that needs to be made safe, we’ll talk you through the options and provide a clear, honest quote.
Ready to get started? Call 01908 024 702 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.
