Plastering Costs in the UK: Complete Price Guide 2026

Understanding UK Plasterer Pricing in 2026

Plastering costs have remained relatively stable throughout 2025-2026, though material prices have seen a modest 5-8% increase due to energy costs affecting manufacturing. The good news is that competition amongst tradespeople means day rates haven’t jumped dramatically.

Most professional plasterers charge in one of three ways: daily rates, per square metre pricing, or fixed quotes for complete rooms. Understanding which pricing structure applies to your job helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.

Standard Plasterer Day Rates Across the UK

These rates reflect industry standards reported by Checkatrade and our own experience quoting jobs across Kent in 2026. Day rates typically cover 7-8 hours of work but don’t include materials, which add 15-25% to the total cost.

Cost to Plaster a Room: Detailed Breakdown

Room plastering costs depend heavily on ceiling height, surface condition, and whether you’re skimming existing plaster or boarding and plastering from scratch. Here’s what you’ll actually pay for different scenarios.

Skim Coat on Existing Plaster

A skim coat (typically 2-3mm of finishing plaster) over sound existing plasterwork is the most economical option. This gives you smooth, paint-ready walls without the expense of reboarding.

These prices assume 2.4m ceiling height and include walls and ceiling. Kitchens often cost slightly more per square metre due to the need to work around cupboards and fittings.

New Plasterboard and Skim

If walls are damaged, damp, or you’re converting a space, you’ll need plasterboard fixing followed by a skim coat. This roughly doubles the cost compared to skimming alone.

• 12.5mm plasterboard: £3-£5 per sheet from Wickes or Screwfix
• Insulated plasterboard: £15-£30 per sheet depending on insulation thickness
• Scrim tape and adhesive: £5-£10 per room
• Fixing labour: Adds £4-£7 per m² to the quote
• Total boarding and plastering: £18-£30 per m² including materials

For a typical 4m × 3m bedroom (approximately 40m² wall and ceiling area), expect to pay £720-£1,200 for boarding and plastering combined.

Per Square Metre Pricing: When It Makes Sense

Many plasterers quote on a per-metre-squared basis for larger commercial jobs or multi-room projects. This provides predictable pricing but requires accurate measurements.

Standard m² rates for 2026:

• Skim coat only: £10-£18 per m²
• Board and skim: £18-£30 per m²
• Re-plastering over lath: £25-£40 per m² (requires additional prep work)
• Two-coat work (browning + skim): £22-£35 per m²
• External rendering: £40-£85 per m² depending on finish type

The lower end reflects simpler jobs in competitive markets like the Midlands. Premium finishes, difficult access, or London locations push prices toward the upper range.

To calculate your room’s square metreage, measure each wall’s width and multiply by height, then add the ceiling area (length × width). For a 4m × 3m room with 2.4m ceilings: (4m × 2.4m × 2) + (3m × 2.4m × 2) + (4m × 3m) = 19.2 + 14.4 + 12 = 45.6m².

Full House Plastering Costs

Whole-house replastering projects offer economies of scale. Most plasterers provide discounted rates when working on multiple rooms continuously rather than sporadic single-room jobs.

Three-Bedroom Semi-Detached House

Most plasterers knock 10-15% off individual room pricing for full-house projects because setup time is consolidated and material purchasing becomes more efficient. A job that would cost £4,800 if priced room-by-room might come in at £4,100-£4,300 as a package deal.

Additional Plastering Services and Their Costs

Beyond basic wall and ceiling work, numerous specialised plastering tasks carry their own pricing structures.

Ceiling Repairs and Replastering

Ceilings require additional skill and create more awkward working conditions than walls. Expect to pay a 15-20% premium over standard wall rates.

• Small patch repair (under 1m²): £80-£150 including materials
• Artex removal and skim: £15-£25 per m² (always test for asbestos first if pre-2000)
• Lath and plaster ceiling replacement: £35-£55 per m²
• Coving installation: £4-£8 per linear metre depending on profile complexity
• Cornice restoration: £40-£120 per metre for period property work

Artex ceilings remain common in 1960s-1990s properties. The Health & Safety Executive requires asbestos testing on any Artex applied before 2000, adding £50-£150 for sampling but protecting everyone involved.

Rendering and External Work

External rendering costs significantly more due to weather considerations, scaffolding requirements, and tougher material specifications to meet Building Regulations.

• Sand and cement render: £40-£65 per m²
• Monocouche render: £50-£75 per m²
• Silicone render: £65-£95 per m²
• Insulated render systems: £80-£140 per m² (includes EPS boards)
• Lime render (heritage work): £60-£100 per m²

These prices exclude scaffolding hire, which adds £600-£1,200 per week depending on house size. A typical two-storey detached house needs scaffolding on two elevations for approximately 2-3 weeks.

Specialist Finishes

High-end decorative plastering demands advanced skills and commands premium pricing:

• Venetian plaster: £45-£100 per m² plus materials (£15-£30/m²)
• Polished plaster: £50-£120 per m²
• Textured finishes: £25-£50 per m²
• Decorative mouldings: £150-£800 per feature depending on complexity

We frequently install Venetian plaster in bathrooms and feature walls where clients want the depth and sheen that ordinary paint can’t deliver. The application process involves multiple trowelled layers, each burnished to create that characteristic lustre.

What Affects Your Plastering Quote?

Understanding price variables helps you assess quotes accurately and avoid comparing apples to oranges when getting multiple estimates.

Room Condition and Preparation

The existing surface dramatically impacts cost:

• Sound existing plaster: Minimal prep, standard rates apply
• Cracked or blown areas: Requires hack-off and patching, adds £100-£300 per room
• Wallpaper removal: £1-£3 per m² if plasterer does it, or £50-£150 if you hire a decorator first
• Lath and plaster removal: Adds £8-£15 per m² plus skip hire (£150-£300)
• Damp treatment required: Specialist work costing £30-£60 per m² before plastering begins

I’ve walked into jobs where customers expected a quick skim but the walls had 50+ years of blown render underneath. Explaining that proper work requires stripping back to brick and starting fresh isn’t a conversation anyone enjoys, but it’s infinitely better than plastering over problems that’ll resurface within months.

Access and Working Conditions

Difficult access increases labour time and risk, affecting pricing:

• Stairwells and vaulted ceilings: 20-40% premium due to tower scaffold requirements
• Occupied properties: Working around furniture adds time; may increase costs 10-15%
• No parking/restricted access: Carrying materials further adds labour time
• Listed buildings: Heritage work requires specialist skills and lime-based materials, typically 30-60% more expensive

Materials Selection

Not all plaster costs the same. Your choice impacts both material cost and labour time:

Most plasterers add 10-15% to material costs to cover wastage, transport, and handling. On larger jobs, buying materials directly from builders’ merchants like Travis Perkins or Jewson saves money versus cash-and-carry purchases from Screwfix.

Timeline and Scheduling

When you need the work done influences pricing:

• Standard booking (2-4 weeks notice): Normal rates
• Rush jobs (under 1 week): 15-30% premium
• Weekend/evening work: 25-50% premium
• Winter months (December-February): Potentially lower rates due to reduced demand
• Spring/summer (April-September): Peak season, higher demand, less flexibility on pricing

How to Get Accurate Plastering Quotes

Securing reliable quotes requires preparation and clear communication. Follow these steps for best results:

Before Contacting Plasterers

• Measure your rooms accurately – length, width, and ceiling height in metres
• Document surface condition – take photos of cracks, damp patches, blown areas
• Clear the space or at least move furniture away from walls so plasterers can assess properly
• Identify what you want – skim only, board and skim, textured finish, etc.
• Consider access – parking, carrying distance, stair width if working upstairs

Questions to Ask Plasterers

Don’t accept vague quotes. Professional tradespeople will happily clarify scope:

• Does the quote include materials, or is it labour-only?
• Is VAT included? (Most tradespeople are VAT-registered and must add 20%)
• What preparation work is included? (hacking off old plaster, PVA application, etc.)
• How long will the job take, and when can you start?
• What type of plaster will you use and why?
• Do you carry public liability insurance? (£5-10 million cover is standard)
• Can you provide recent customer references?
• What payment terms do you require? (Avoid paying 100% upfront)

Red Flags to Watch For

Some warning signs suggest you should keep looking:

• Cash-only deals with no receipt or written agreement
• Demands for full payment upfront before any work begins
• No insurance or can’t provide documentation
• Pressure to decide immediately without time to consider
• No address, business website, or way to verify identity
• Vague scope descriptions – “We’ll sort it out” isn’t a quote
• Unwillingness to put terms in writing

The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) requires contractors to register and follow tax procedures. Legitimate plasterers operate within this framework – ask about CIS registration if hiring for substantial work.

How Long Does Plastering Take?

Time equals money, so understanding typical timelines helps you assess quotes and plan around the work:

Drying times vary with temperature, humidity, and ventilation. Winter jobs in unheated properties take 50-100% longer to dry than summer work in well-ventilated spaces. Never rush painting onto damp plaster – it traps moisture and causes adhesion failure.

Learn more about proper plaster drying times and conditions in our detailed guide.

DIY vs Professional Plastering: Cost Comparison

Plastering is notoriously difficult to master. The tools cost relatively little, but the skill takes years to develop. Here’s an honest assessment:

DIY Approach Costs

If you’re determined to attempt it yourself, budget for:

• Plastering trowels (finishing, laying-on, bucket): £60-£150 for decent quality
• Hawk and mixing paddle: £25-£40
• Spotlights and dust sheets: £30-£50
• Materials for average room: £50-£80
• Potential re-work materials: £40-£100 when first attempts fail
• Total DIY investment: £205-£420

Saving £350-£550 in labour looks attractive until you factor in the time investment (15-25 hours for a beginner to plaster one room badly), physical strain, and near-certainty of needing professional remediation. We regularly get calls from homeowners who tried DIY plastering, created a worse mess than they started with, and now face higher costs to fix it properly.

For small patch repairs under 0.5m², DIY makes sense. For whole rooms, hire a professional unless you’re genuinely training to enter the trade. Check out our article on DIY home projects you can tackle for more appropriate beginner tasks.

Ways to Reduce Plastering Costs

You can legitimately save money without compromising quality:

• Do your own preparation: Remove wallpaper, clear rooms, protect floors yourself – saves £80-£200
• Source materials yourself: If you understand specifications, buying your own plaster can save 10-15% on trade pricing
• Schedule during quiet periods: November-February often sees 10-20% lower rates
• Bundle multiple rooms: Full-house quotes typically offer 15-20% savings versus individual rooms
• Don’t over-specify: Standard skim coat looks perfect once painted – you don’t need premium finishes for most applications
• Accept longer lead times: Flexibility on start dates often gets you better pricing
• Do your own painting: Professional decoration adds £150-£300 per room

What doesn’t save money: accepting substandard work, using uninsured tradespeople, or skipping necessary preparation steps. These create expensive problems later.

Understanding Payment Terms

Professional payment structures protect both parties:

Standard payment schedules:

• Small jobs (under £500): Payment on completion
• Medium jobs (£500-£2,000): 30-50% deposit, remainder on completion
• Large jobs (over £2,000): Staged payments – typically 25% deposit, 50% at midpoint, 25% on completion

Never pay more than 50% upfront, and never pay the final instalment until you’re satisfied with the work. Legitimate plasterers understand this protects everyone and won’t pressure you differently.

For larger renovation projects involving plastering alongside other trades, understand how renovation projects can go wrong and proper sequencing matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost to Skim a Room in 2026?

Skimming an average 4m × 3m bedroom costs £450-£700 including materials and labour in most of the UK. London prices run 20-30% higher at £550-£900. This assumes sound existing plaster requiring just a finishing coat. Factor an additional £100-£300 if walls need repair work before skimming.

The price includes two coats of multi-finish plaster (approximately 2-3mm total thickness), proper surface preparation, and professional trowel finish. Expect the work to take one full day, with 3-5 days drying time before you can apply mist coat and final decoration.

Is It Cheaper to Plaster or Replace with Plasterboard?

It depends entirely on your existing wall condition. Skimming existing plaster costs £10-£18 per m², whilst overboarding with plasterboard and skimming costs £18-£30 per m². For severely damaged walls, complete plasterboard replacement proves more cost-effective than extensive repairs.

Calculate the tipping point: if more than 40% of your wall area needs hacking off and patching, overboarding typically costs less overall and delivers a superior finished surface. It also provides an opportunity to improve insulation and sound-proofing – particularly valuable for external walls where insulated plasterboard meets current thermal efficiency standards.

How Much Does Plastering Cost Per Day for Labour Only?

Professional plasterers charge £150-£300 per day depending on location and experience. The South East and London command the highest rates (£200-£300), whilst the Midlands and North average £150-£200. These rates apply to experienced, qualified tradespeople working alone.

A two-person team (plasterer and labourer) typically charges £250-£450 per day combined. Labour-only quotes exclude materials, which you must supply. Most plasterers prefer to supply their own materials to ensure quality and compatibility – mixing brands or grades causes problems with setting times and finish quality.

Do I Need to Move Out Whilst My House Is Being Plastered?

No, but expect significant disruption. Most families stay put during plastering, though some opt for temporary accommodation if the whole house is being done simultaneously. Practical considerations:

• Dust travels everywhere despite protective sheeting – cover or remove valuable items
• Rooms being plastered must be completely clear
• You’ll need functional kitchen and bathroom access
• Moisture increases dramatically – run dehumidifiers and maintain ventilation
• Wet plaster needs 3-5 days drying before rooms are usable

Most plasterers work room-by-room through a house, allowing you to maintain some living space throughout the project. For a typical three-bedroom house done sequentially, expect 10-14 working days plus another week for everything to dry properly before decorating begins.

What’s Included in a Standard Plastering Quote?

A comprehensive plastering quote should specify:

• Scope of work: Exact rooms, surfaces (walls, ceilings, both)
• Preparation included: PVA application, minor repairs, crack filling
• Materials: Type and brand of plaster, who supplies them
• Number of coats: Undercoat plus skim, or skim only
• Timeline: Start date and completion estimate
• Cost breakdown: Labour and materials separated
• Payment terms: Deposit amount and payment schedule
• Exclusions: What’s NOT included (furniture moving, decoration, etc.)

If any of these elements are missing or vague, request clarification before accepting. Written quotes protect both parties and prevent disputes. Professional tradespeople provide detailed paperwork as standard – it’s a sign of legitimacy and experience.

How Long Does Fresh Plaster Take to Dry Before Painting?

Standard gypsum plaster requires 7-14 days to fully dry before applying the first mist coat. The surface may feel dry after 2-3 days, but moisture remains deeper in the material. Painting too early traps this moisture, causing poor paint adhesion and potential mould growth.

Drying time depends on multiple factors:

• Ambient temperature: 18-21°C is ideal; below 10°C dramatically extends drying
• Humidity: Below 70% relative humidity speeds drying
• Ventilation: Good airflow accelerates moisture evaporation
• Heating: Gentle background heat helps, but don’t overheat or force-dry
• Plaster thickness: Two-coat work takes longer than single skim coats

The plaster changes from dark grey-brown to pale pink uniformly across the surface when dry. Any darker patches indicate remaining moisture – wait until everything matches. Our detailed guide on plaster drying times covers this comprehensively.