Boarding Up Pricing in Luton (LU1–LU7)
When you’re dealing with a smashed window, a forced door, or a vulnerable shopfront, you usually need an answer to one thing first: how much is this going to cost?
Boarding-up prices in Luton vary because every opening, building type, and access situation is different—but we can explain the real-world factors that affect the quote and what you’ll receive for your money. If you need urgent help, we can also talk you through options on the phone and give you a clear, realistic estimate based on what you can tell us.
Need help now? Call 01582 377 256 for immediate assistance.
How our boarding-up pricing works (and why we don’t publish fixed prices)
We don’t publish a one-size-fits-all price list because boarding up isn’t a “standard job”. A single cracked pane on a ground-floor window is very different to a large commercial frontage with compromised frames, or a first-floor opening that needs safe access equipment.
Instead, we price jobs based on:
- the size and number of openings
- whether it’s a window, door, shopfront, rooflight/skylight, or multiple areas
- the material required (e.g., exterior-grade plywood vs OSB)
- the fixing method (including anti-tamper options)
- access and working conditions (height, tight access, fragile surrounds, safe parking/loading)
- whether the goal is short-term make safe or medium-term security (e.g., temporary steel doors or security screens)
If you call, we’ll ask a few practical questions, give you a realistic ballpark, and confirm a proper quote once we understand the opening(s) and what the property needs.
For urgent call-outs, see our dedicated page: emergency boarding up.
What affects the cost of boarding up in Luton?
1) Size of the opening (and number of boards needed)
A small domestic window can sometimes be secured with a single sheet cut to size. A bay window, patio door opening, or shopfront often needs multiple boards, joins, and additional fixings to prevent flexing.
As a rule of thumb, bigger openings tend to require:
- thicker boards (or better bracing)
- more fixings
- more time on site to cut, fit, and confirm security
2) Material choice: plywood vs OSB (and when each makes sense)
We commonly use:
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strong, reliable protection—particularly for larger openings and higher risk areas.
- 12mm OSB for smaller openings or where a practical, cost-effective temporary solution is suitable.
We’ll recommend what fits the risk level and the property’s situation. For example, if a building will be vacant for a while, it can be false economy to fit a lighter board that’s easier to remove.
Related service detail: window boarding in Luton.
3) Fixing method and security level (including anti-tamper)
How we secure the board matters as much as the board itself. Pricing can change depending on whether we can fix into sound frames or need to adapt due to damage.
Security options may include:
- anti-tamper fixings to reduce the chance of removal from outside
- internal battening or “sandwich” fixing (where appropriate) to avoid damaging fragile masonry
- extra bracing for wide spans (common with commercial glazing)
If the surrounding frame is heavily damaged, we’ll explain what’s possible before proceeding. Sometimes a non-destructive approach isn’t safe or secure, and we’ll talk you through alternatives.
4) Door and lock damage (and whether a temporary steel door is better)
After a forced entry, a door can be split, the lock area crushed, or the frame pulled out of square. In some cases, boarding up is the quickest way to make safe immediately. In others, a temporary steel door is a better medium-term solution—especially for:
- empty properties between tenants
- repeated targeting
- sites that need managed access for contractors
More on this service: door boarding up and property scenarios on vacant property boarding.
5) Shopfronts and commercial glazing
Commercial work often involves:
- larger boards and more labour to cut/handle safely
- higher public visibility (security matters more)
- work that may need to be completed out of hours to protect stock and premises
If your shopfront has been attacked or the glass has failed, we’ll focus on a secure fit and safe edges—especially where the public could come into contact with the area.
Service page: shopfront boarding.
6) Rooflights, skylights, and high-level openings
Roof and skylight boarding can affect price due to:
- safe access requirements
- weather conditions
- the need to prioritise weatherproofing as well as security
If you’re dealing with storm damage, it may be a mix of “secure property” and prevent water ingress until repairs are arranged.
More information: roof boarding and guidance for events on storm damage boarding.
7) Time and urgency (daytime vs out of hours)
We do attend urgent call-outs and 24/7 boarding up requests, but we’re careful not to promise fixed arrival times. Workload, travel conditions across LU1–LU7, and the nature of the job all affect timing and, in some cases, cost.
What we can promise:
- we prioritise urgent situations
- we’ll give you a realistic ETA on the phone
- we’ll focus first on making the property safe and secure
If you need help tonight, start here: 24 hour boarding up Luton.
Typical pricing scenarios (examples, not fixed quotes)
These examples show the kinds of variables that change the price—without pretending every job matches a template.
Board up broken window (ground floor, domestic)
Often priced around:
- one opening, straightforward access
- board cut to size, fixed securely
- optional anti-tamper upgrades if the property will be unattended
This is the kind of job people search for as “board up broken window” or “smashed window” help—especially after vandalism or an accident.
Related situations: vandalism repair or accident damage securing.
Board up door after a forced entry
Often priced around:
- damage to the door/lock area and whether the frame is still sound
- whether boarding will hold securely or a temporary steel door is recommended
- access and whether the building needs controlled entry afterwards
If the door or frame is too damaged to secure properly with a basic board, we’ll explain why and discuss options before proceeding.
Related situation: burglary repairs and boarding.
Shopfront boarded up (commercial glazing)
Often priced around:
- width/height of the opening and board handling
- extra fixings and bracing to prevent flexing
- extra care to protect the public-facing perimeter while we work
If you’re dealing with a “shopfront boarded up” emergency, we’ll focus on securing the premises first, then provide paperwork for your insurer or facilities team.
What you get for your money
Whether it’s planned temporary boarding or emergency boarding up, you should receive clear documentation and a properly secured opening—not a quick patch that creates more problems later.
Typically you’ll receive:
- a clear description of what was secured (openings, method, materials)
- time-stamped photos before/after (where appropriate)
- an itemised invoice and work statement (useful for landlords, agents, and insurance)
- practical guidance on next steps (glazier, door repairs, longer-term security)
We’re fully insured and our technicians are DBS-checked. We’ve been trading for 10+ years across Luton and the wider LU area.
Insurance and boarding-up costs: what to know
Many customers call us after speaking to their insurer—or because they’re not sure what their policy covers. We’re not loss adjusters and can’t tell you what your insurer will pay, but we can provide the kind of documentation insurers typically ask for.
Practical tips that often help:
- If a crime is involved, report it and keep your crime reference number.
- Take photos of the damage before we arrive (only if it’s safe).
- Don’t touch broken glass or unstable frames—wait for proper tools and PPE.
- Contact your insurer early and ask what evidence they need.
More guidance here: insurance claims support.
How to get an accurate quote quickly
If you want the fastest, most accurate pricing, it helps to have a few details ready.
What we’ll ask on the phone
- Is it a window, door, shopfront, or roof opening?
- Rough size (even “about a metre wide” helps)
- Ground floor or upstairs? Any access issues?
- Is the property occupied right now?
- Has the frame been damaged, or is it mainly broken glass?
- Do you need a simple temporary boarding or stronger medium-term security?
What you can send (optional but helpful)
If you’re able, you can email photos for a quicker assessment: info@boarding-up-luton.co.uk.
(Please don’t put yourself at risk to get pictures—your safety comes first.)
If you’d rather speak to someone immediately, use: Call 01582 377 256.
Payment, invoicing, and paperwork (for landlords and businesses)
We regularly help:
- landlords and letting agents
- shop owners and site managers
- facilities management teams
- homeowners and tenants (with permission where required)
If you need specific paperwork (purchase order references, site notes, access instructions), tell us when you call. We’ll confirm what we can provide and keep the process straightforward.
For general questions, you may also find answers on our FAQs.
FAQs: pricing for boarding up in Luton
How much does boarding up cost in Luton?
It depends on the opening(s), materials, access, and security level required. If you call with a few details (and ideally a photo), we can give a realistic estimate and explain options.
Is emergency boarding up more expensive out of hours?
Sometimes, yes—out of hours work can involve different staffing and logistics. We’ll be transparent on the phone before attending. If cost is a concern, tell us and we’ll discuss the safest, most sensible approach.
Can you give a quote over the phone?
We can give a ballpark based on what you describe and confirm once we understand the opening and security requirement. Photos can make phone quoting much more accurate.
Is boarding up covered by insurance?
Often it can be, especially after burglary, vandalism, storm damage, or fire—depending on your policy. We’ll provide documentation that insurers typically request, but coverage decisions are up to your insurer. See: insurance claims support.
Do you charge more for shopfronts?
Shopfronts often cost more because openings are larger and may need additional fixings/bracing for security. They can also require extra care due to public-facing safety.
What’s the difference in price between plywood and OSB?
OSB can be more cost-effective for smaller, lower-risk temporary jobs. Exterior-grade plywood is generally stronger and more resistant to tampering and weather, which can make it better value for higher-risk or longer-duration situations.
Can you price for vacant properties or repeated call-outs?
Yes. If you’re managing an empty or void property, we can discuss options that reduce repeat incidents—sometimes a more robust solution upfront helps. See: vacant property boarding.
Ready to get a quote?
If you need boarding up in Luton or anywhere across LU1–LU7, we’ll talk you through options and give a clear, honest price based on what you actually need.
Need help now? Call 01582 377 256 for immediate assistance.
Or email photos/details to info@boarding-up-luton.co.uk.
