When a window breaks, or you know there’s a storm or break-in risk, boarding it up is one of the fastest ways to make your home feel safe again. You might be dealing with a smashed window from bad weather or maybe you’re just taking precautions ahead of time—but either way, knowing how to board up a window properly can make a big difference.
Doing it yourself can save you money, protect your home, and give you peace of mind. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, step by step, using simple tools and everyday materials. No fluff. No jargon. Just what works.
Why should you board up a window in the first place?
Before diving in, let’s talk about why this matters. When a window gets damaged or left exposed, you’ve got more than just a broken pane to worry about. You’re opening your home up to:
- Theft or trespassers
- Wind and water damage
- Wildlife or pests
- Cold draughts and energy loss
So whether it’s after a break-in, before a storm, or during a renovation, boarding up a window gives you a temporary but strong barrier that helps prevent more stress down the line.
What do you need to board up a window safely?
The good news is, you don’t need fancy gear to get the job done. Most of it you can pick up from a local DIY shop. Here’s what you should have before starting:
- Plywood (at least ½ inch thick, cut to size)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil or marker
- Saw (if you need to cut to fit)
- Screws or nails (2-inch length usually works well)
- Power drill or hammer
- Safety gloves
- Safety goggles
If the glass is already shattered, you’ll also want something to clean up the broken bits—like a broom, dustpan, and thick gloves.
How do you measure and prep before boarding up?
First things first—don’t just guess. Get the measurements right so the board fits snug and covers the whole window frame.
- Measure the width and height of the window frame, not just the glass. Go from edge to edge where the board will sit.
- Add about 4 inches to each side if you’re boarding from the outside. That gives you space to anchor into the wall.
- Mark those measurements on your plywood and double-check before cutting.
Once you’ve got your board measured and marked, lay it flat and cut it using a saw. If you’re not comfortable doing that yourself, many timber merchants will cut the plywood for you if you give them the size.
Should you board from the inside or outside?
You can do either, but there’s a difference.
Boarding from the outside offers stronger protection—especially if you’re guarding against storms or vandalism. You can fix the board directly to the brickwork or cladding, which holds better.
Boarding from the inside is sometimes the only option if you’re in a flat or if access outside is tricky. It’s still effective but can leave the frame more exposed.
Choose what suits your home best—but always make sure the board is secure and can’t be pushed or pulled out easily.
How do you actually fix the board in place?
Here’s where you start making things safe.
- Hold the board up to the window frame (or get someone to help if it’s big).
- Use a power drill to drive screws into each corner first. That keeps it steady.
- Add extra screws or nails around the edges—roughly one every 6–8 inches.
- If you’re boarding from the outside, angle the screws slightly so they grip the wall better.
Make sure the board sits flush against the frame or wall—no big gaps or wobbles. You want a firm barrier that doesn’t move if someone bumps or leans on it.
What if the glass is still in the frame?
If the window’s damaged but not completely shattered, it’s best to take out the loose bits first. You don’t want sharp shards falling while you’re working.
Wear thick gloves and goggles, and gently remove any loose pieces from the frame. If you’re not sure how stable the remaining glass is, tape a plastic sheet over it before boarding, just as a backup. Don’t risk cutting yourself.
How long can you leave a window boarded up?
That depends on the situation. If you’re waiting for a glazier or planning a proper repair, boarding up buys you time. But it shouldn’t be a permanent fix.
Here’s why:
- Plywood doesn’t seal fully against the weather
- Moisture can still get in and damage the wall
- Over time, the wood can warp or weaken
Try to arrange a proper window replacement within a week or two, especially if it’s in a room you use every day. The longer it stays boarded up, the more likely it is you’ll run into other problems—like damp, mould, or even insurance issues.
What can you do to make it look less obvious?
If the window’s at the front of the house, a bare board can stand out. Here are a couple of quick fixes:
- Paint the board the same colour as your wall
- Add a layer of black-out film behind it from the inside
- Hang curtains or blinds to hide it from view
None of these are permanent solutions, but they can help your home feel a bit more normal until the glass is sorted.
Is it safe to do this yourself, or should you call someone?
That depends on how confident you feel and what tools you’ve got. If the window’s high up, broken dangerously, or in a tricky spot, it might be worth calling someone out.
Emergency glaziers or property repair companies can board up a window in no time and often offer 24/7 call-outs. But if the window’s accessible and the damage isn’t too severe, you can absolutely do it yourself.
Just take your time and don’t cut corners—especially when handling broken glass.
Can you board up a window without damaging the frame?
Yes—you can use what’s called a tension-fit board. This means measuring the plywood slightly smaller than the window opening and fitting it inside with wooden battens or pressure bars to hold it in place.
This is useful for listed buildings or rented properties where you want to avoid drilling. It’s not quite as strong as screwed-in boards, but it can still give you decent protection short-term.
To do this:
- Cut your board to fit just inside the window recess.
- Add small timber blocks (battens) behind it, screwed or glued to the board.
- Wedge the board tightly in place using those blocks.
You’ll want to test it a bit—gently push and make sure it doesn’t slip.
Can you use plastic or metal instead of wood?
In some cases, yes. Polycarbonate sheeting is a good alternative to plywood—it’s lighter, impact-resistant, and lets light in. But it costs more and can be harder to fix securely.
Metal sheets, like steel, are sometimes used for shopfronts or high-security properties, but they’re not usually practical for homes unless you’ve got a serious reason to protect the place.
Plywood is the go-to material for most people—it’s affordable, available, and easy to work with.
What should you do after boarding it up?
Once the board’s in place, there are a few things worth checking:
- Clear up all broken glass or sharp edges inside
- Make sure the board doesn’t let in draughts or rain
- Keep pets and children away from the area
- Contact your insurer if the damage was due to a break-in or storm
Also, book in a glazier or window fitter as soon as you can. Boarding up buys you time—but you don’t want to rely on it longer than necessary.
Final thoughts—why it’s worth learning this now
Boarding up a window isn’t just about fixing damage—it’s about protecting your home, your things, and your peace of mind. Even if you never have to use it, knowing how to do it means you’re prepared.
It’s one of those things that seems intimidating until you try it. Once you’ve done it once, you’ll realise how straightforward it actually is—and how much better it feels knowing your home is secure.
So if you’re staring at a broken window or getting ready for a rough weather forecast, don’t wait. Grab what you need, measure carefully, and get it boarded up. Your future self will thank you for it.
Glaziers Silverstone – Glaziers Winslow – Glaziers Beaconsfield
