plasterer rates

Quick Answer: In 2026, plastering costs in the UK typically range from £450-£750 for a small room re-skim to £2,500-£4,500 for a full house. Professional plasterers charge between £150-£250 per day or £15-£25 per square metre depending on location, complexity and the type of plastering work required. London and the South East command premium rates, whilst northern regions average 15-20% less. Understanding Plastering Costs in 2026 Plastering costs have risen approximately 8-12% since 2024, driven by material price increases, wage inflation, and heightened demand for skilled tradespeople. Whether you’re re-skimming a living room, boarding and plastering a new extension, or rendering an exterior wall, understanding current pricing helps you budget accurately and avoid nasty surprises. The total cost depends on several factors: the type of plastering work, room size, your location, the plasterer’s experience level, and any preparatory work needed. A straightforward skim coat over existing sound plaster costs significantly less than stripping walls back to brick, installing new plasterboard, and applying two coats. Average Plastering Costs by Room Size Most homeowners want to know: “How much to plaster my living room?” Here’s a breakdown of typical costs for re-skimming (skim coat only, assuming walls are already prepared): Room Type Approximate Size Re-Skim Cost Duration Small bedroom 2.5m × 3m £450-£600 1 day Medium bedroom 3m × 4m £550-£750 1 day Living room 4m × 5m £700-£1,000 1-2 days Kitchen 3m × 4m £600-£850 1-2 days Bathroom 2m × 2.5m £400-£550 1 day Hallway/landing Various £350-£600 1 day These figures assume walls and ceilings in reasonable condition requiring only a finishing skim coat. For more detailed room-specific pricing, see our guide on how much to plaster a room in 2026. Plasterer Day Rates and Hourly Charges Understanding how plasterers charge helps you evaluate quotes and avoid overpaying. Most professionals work on either a day rate or a fixed price per job, though hourly rates exist for small repair work. Typical Plasterer Rates in 2026 Charging Method London & South East Midlands & North Scotland & Wales Hourly rate £25-£35 £20-£28 £18-£25 Day rate £200-£280 £150-£220 £140-£200 Per square metre £18-£25 £15-£20 £13-£18 Many homeowners wonder whether to hire a plasterer on a day rate or get a fixed quote. Our article on plasterer day rates vs fixed quotes explains the pros and cons of each approach. Pro Tip: Fixed-price quotes typically work out better for standard jobs where the plasterer can accurately assess the work. Day rates make sense when there’s uncertainty (old properties, potential hidden damage) or for ongoing renovation projects where flexibility matters. Cost Breakdown by Type of Plastering Work Different plastering jobs command different prices. Here’s what you’ll pay for various types of work in 2026: Skim Coating (Re-skimming) This involves applying a thin 2-3mm layer of multi-finish plaster over existing plaster or plasterboard to create a smooth, paint-ready surface. It’s the most common domestic plastering job. Cost per square metre: £15-£25 Materials: £2-£3 per m² (British Gypsum Multi-Finish costs around £9-£12 per 25kg bag) Labour: £13-£22 per m² Typical wall (12m²): £180-£300 Re-skimming represents excellent value when your walls have minor imperfections, hairline cracks, or you’ve had artex removed. The plasterer applies PVA bonding agent, then two thin coats of finish plaster, trowelling to a glass-smooth surface. Full Room Plastering (Board and Skim) This comprehensive approach involves fixing plasterboard to walls or ceilings, then applying a skim coat. It’s necessary when walls are in poor condition, severely damaged, or you’re converting a space. Cost per square metre: £35-£50 Small bedroom (30m² total surface): £1,050-£1,500 Large living room (60m² total surface): £2,100-£3,000 This includes 12.5mm tapered-edge plasterboard (the UK standard for walls), plasterboard adhesive or timber battens, scrim tape for joints, and the finishing skim. For more on selecting the right board thickness, see our plasterboard thickness guide. Ceiling Plastering Ceilings require more skill and physical effort due to overhead working. Prices reflect this additional complexity. Re-skim existing ceiling: £18-£28 per m² Overboard and skim (covering artex): £40-£55 per m² Full replacement (strip, board, skim): £50-£70 per m² Average room ceiling (12m²): £600-£840 for full replacement Overboarding existing ceilings with plasterboard provides better thermal and sound insulation whilst avoiding the mess of stripping back to joists. Rendering (External Walls) External sand and cement render protects masonry from weather and provides a decorative finish. Modern acrylic and silicone renders offer improved flexibility and water resistance. Traditional sand/cement render: £40-£60 per m² Monocouche (through-colour) render: £50-£70 per m² Silicone render: £60-£80 per m² Average semi-detached house front: £2,500-£4,500 External rendering typically involves two or three coats (scratch coat, floating coat, finishing coat) applied to brick or blockwork. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities recommends render systems that comply with BS 5262 for external rendered finishes. Repairs and Patching Small repairs often carry minimum call-out charges, but here are typical rates: Small hole/crack repair: £80-£150 Patch repair (1-2m²): £100-£200 Blown plaster section: £150-£300 Half-day minimum charge: £100-£140 Many plasterers set minimum charges because small jobs interrupt their schedule. For DIY repairs, our guide on how to fix a hole in plasterboard walks through the process. Factors That Affect Plastering Costs Quote variations between plasterers often reflect these key cost factors: Property Location Geography significantly impacts pricing. London Zone 1-2 commands the highest rates (£250-£280 per day), whilst rural areas in Wales or Northern England average £140-£180 per day. Kent sits mid-range at £180-£230 per day, reflecting its position in the prosperous South East. Wall Condition and Preparation The more prep work required, the higher the cost. Consider these scenarios: Sound existing plaster: Standard rates apply Remove wallpaper/adhesive: Add £2-£4 per m² Strip blown/damaged plaster: Add £8-£15 per m² Treat damp/mould: Add £150-£400 depending on extent Install new plasterboard: Add £20-£30 per m² ⚠️ Warning: Never plaster over damp walls without addressing the underlying cause. Plastering traps moisture, causing further deterioration, mould growth, and wasted money. Always resolve penetrating damp, rising damp, or condensation issues first. The Property Care Association offers guidance on identifying and treating damp in