Boarding Up Pricing in Canterbury (CT) — What It Costs & What Affects The Price

If you’re looking for boarding up in Canterbury, you usually want two things at once: the property secured quickly and a clear idea of what it’s going to cost. The honest answer is that boarding up prices vary because every opening, frame, and access situation is different — especially after a break-in, storm damage, or an accident.

We’re Boarding Up Canterbury, trading for 10+ years, fully insured, with DBS-checked technicians, covering CT postcodes (CT1–CT50). If you need urgent help, you can speak to us now and we’ll talk you through the most likely cost drivers and give you a realistic estimate based on what you can see on site.

Need help now? Call 01227 953 460 (or email [email protected]).

How boarding up is priced (and why it’s not one-size-fits-all)

Boarding up isn’t like ordering a standard product. Two “smashed window” jobs can be completely different once you look at:

the size and shape of the opening
whether the frame is intact enough for safe fixing
if the property is occupied, vacant, or a commercial unit
whether it’s a ground-floor window or a tricky overhead/roof opening
what level of security is needed (short-term temporary boarding vs medium-term solutions)

That’s why we don’t publish fixed prices online. Instead, we price fairly based on what’s required to make safe and secure the property, with materials and labour matched to the risk.

If you want to understand the options before you call, our explainer page is a good starting point: what boarding up is and when it’s needed.

The main factors that affect boarding up costs in Canterbury

1) The opening size (and how many openings need securing)

A single small pane is very different from a wide shopfront. In general, the more area that needs covering — and the more separate windows/doors involved — the more materials and fixings are required.

We’ll often ask:

Approximate height and width of the opening
Is it one window, or multiple panels?
Is there also a door that needs securing?

If it’s a commercial frontage, see: shopfront boarding.

2) Materials used: plywood vs OSB (and when each is appropriate)

We choose materials based on the opening, the exposure to weather, and the security risk.

Common choices include:

18mm exterior-grade plywood for higher strength and better durability (often preferred for larger or higher-risk openings)
12mm OSB for smaller openings or short-term securing where appropriate

We won’t overspecify if it’s unnecessary — but we also won’t under-specify and leave a property vulnerable. If you’re unsure, we’ll explain what we’d use and why.

Related reading: window boarding in Canterbury.

3) Fixing method and frame condition (non-destructive where possible)

Cost can change depending on whether we can use non-destructive methods or whether the frame is already too damaged.

If the frame is sound, we’ll usually fix boards in a way that’s secure and aims to minimise further damage.
If the frame is split, rotten, twisted, or crumbling after impact, it may not hold fixings safely. In that case, we’ll explain the options before proceeding.

For higher-risk or longer unattended periods, we may use anti-tamper fixings so boards are harder to remove from outside — especially important if you’re trying to secure property after burglary or vandalism.

4) Door security needs (boarding vs temporary steel door)

A boarded doorway can be appropriate for short periods, but it isn’t always the best solution if:

the door has been forced badly
the property is vacant
you need repeated access for trades/insurers
you want stronger medium-term security

In those cases, a temporary steel door can be more practical and secure — and may reduce ongoing risk.

See: door boarding and our broader urgent help page: emergency boarding up.

5) Access, height, and safety requirements

The easiest jobs are ground-floor windows with clear access. Costs can increase when we need to manage:

rear access only (through side gates or narrow alleys)
overhead openings (skylights, rooflights)
fragile surfaces, conservatories, or restricted working space

Roof-level work may involve additional safety measures and time on site. More on that here: roof boarding.

6) Time of day and urgency (including out of hours)

If you need us tonight, during the weekend, or out of hours, that can affect pricing due to staffing and call-out logistics. We don’t promise fixed arrival times — but we do prioritise urgent jobs and will give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

If you’re dealing with a smashed window or need to board up broken window immediately, don’t wait for morning if the property is exposed.

What you get for the price (so you can evidence it properly)

People often need boarding up for insurance, landlords, managing agents, or facilities teams — so documentation matters. Where needed, we can provide:

Itemised invoice (materials, labour, call-out where applicable)
A clear work statement describing what was done to make safe and secure
Time-stamped photos before/after (useful for insurers and property managers)

We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisers, but we can supply the practical information insurers typically ask for.

Useful next step: insurance claims guidance.

Typical scenarios and how they influence price

After a break-in or attempted burglary

You might need to board up door after lock damage, secure a side window, or cover multiple openings. If the frame is compromised, extra work may be required to get a secure fixing.

Related: burglary repairs and boarding.

After vandalism (including repeated attacks)

If a property has been targeted more than once, we may recommend stronger methods (e.g., thicker boards, anti-tamper fixings, or a more robust medium-term solution). The aim is to reduce the chance of another incident.

Related: vandalism repair and securing.

Storm damage or accidental impact

After storms, debris can leave irregular openings and wet frames. After accidents, there may be structural concerns or unsafe glass. In these cases, the initial goal is to make safe first, then secure properly.

How to get an accurate quote (without wasting time)

The fastest way for us to price correctly is to get a few key details. If it’s safe to do so, before you call:

Take 2–3 photos of the damage (wide shot + close-up of the frame).
Note the address and postcode (CT1–CT50).
Estimate opening size (even “about a metre wide” helps).
Tell us if it’s residential, commercial, or vacant.
Let us know if there are any access issues (rear access only, upper floor, roof level).

Then call: 01227 953 460. If you’d rather write it down, email photos to [email protected].

Will my insurer cover boarding up costs?

Often, boarding up is treated as an emergency “mitigation” step — you’re preventing further loss (weather damage, theft, trespass). Cover depends on your policy, excess, and circumstances, but these steps usually help:

Keep your crime reference number if it’s burglary/vandalism
Take photos before and after (if safe)
Don’t throw away damaged parts until your insurer confirms (where practical)
Request documentation that clearly states the property was made safe and secured

More practical guidance: insurance claims.

Price vs security: choosing the right level of protection

It’s tempting to choose the cheapest option when you’re stressed — but the “right” solution is the one that matches the risk:

Occupied home, single broken pane: often straightforward temporary boarding
Empty property between tenants: consider stronger medium-term security
Shopfront boarded up after an attack: robust boards and anti-tamper fixings may be sensible

If you tell us how long the property will be unattended and what you’re worried about, we’ll recommend a sensible approach without pushing you into unnecessary work.

For longer-term vacancy support, see: vacant property boarding solutions.

Pricing FAQs (Canterbury & CT area)

How much does boarding up cost in Canterbury?

It depends on the opening size, materials (plywood vs OSB), fixing method, access, and urgency. Call us with a couple of photos and your postcode and we’ll give you a practical estimate and options.

Do you charge more for out of hours boarding up?

Out of hours or urgent call-outs can affect pricing. We’ll always explain any call-out element clearly before attending, and we’ll give you a realistic ETA when you call.

Can you board up a broken window the same day?

Often, yes — especially for urgent “board up broken window” situations where the property is exposed. Attendance depends on workload and conditions, but we prioritise emergency boarding up and will advise what’s achievable when you call.

Do you provide receipts and paperwork for insurers or landlords?

Yes. We can provide an itemised invoice and supporting notes/photos where required. See our guidance on insurance claims.

Is boarding up a door different from boarding a window in terms of price?

It can be. Doors often need stronger fixing and may involve more security considerations (especially if the lock/door leaf is damaged). In some cases, a temporary steel door may be a better medium-term option. See door boarding.

I’ve got a smashed shop window — can you secure it tonight?

If your shopfront is exposed, we can usually arrange emergency help, including shopfront boarded up solutions. Call and we’ll talk through the size, access, and what security level you need: Call 01227 953 460.

Do you offer free quotes?

We provide no-obligation quotes/estimates based on the details you provide. For emergency jobs, we’ll confirm the approach clearly on the phone before we attend.

What areas do you cover for boarding up pricing and call-outs?

We cover Canterbury and the wider CT postcode area (CT1–CT50). If you’re unsure whether you’re in range, check areas we cover or call us.

Ready to get a quote?

If you need temporary boarding, a door secured, or you want advice on the most cost-effective way to secure property after damage, we’ll help you make a clear plan.

Ready to get started? Call 01227 953 460 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.

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