How Much Does Plastering Cost in the UK?

Whether you need a single wall skimmed after a damp repair or an entire house replastered before decorating, plastering is one of those jobs where the price can catch people off guard. Labour is the biggest chunk of the bill, and because plastering is a skilled trade with a relatively slow supply of qualified tradespeople, day rates have climbed steadily in recent years.

This guide breaks down realistic 2026 UK plastering costs by job type, room size and region. We cover skimming, full replastering, dry lining, coving and artex removal so you know what to expect before you pick up the phone to a plasterer.

Plastering Costs by Room Size

The most common plastering quote you will get is a price per room. Plasterers base this on the number of walls and ceiling, the overall square meterage of plaster to apply, and any prep work such as removing old plaster or bonding uneven surfaces. The figures below assume a standard skim coat over existing plasterboard or sound old plaster.

These prices generally include materials such as finishing plaster and bonding coat where needed, but always confirm this with your plasterer before accepting a quote. Some price materials separately, particularly if bonding or hardwall base coats are required.

Skimming vs Full Replastering: What Is the Difference in Cost?

Skimming means applying a thin finishing coat of plaster over an existing surface. It is the cheaper option and suits walls that are structurally sound but look tired, have minor cracks or have been boarded out with fresh plasterboard. Full replastering (also called rendering and skimming, or float and set) involves stripping old plaster back to the brickwork or blockwork, applying a scratch coat and a float coat to build up a flat base, and then finishing with a skim. It takes longer, uses more materials and therefore costs more.

If your walls have recurring damp problems, old lime plaster that is blowing or extensive damage, full replastering is usually unavoidable. Cutting corners with a skim over failing plaster is a false economy: the finish will crack and lift within months.

Whole House Plastering Costs

Having an entire house plastered in one go is common during renovations and is usually more cost-effective per square metre than tackling rooms individually, because the plasterer can work continuously without mobilising multiple times. Expect prices to vary significantly based on whether you need just skimming or a full replaster throughout, and whether the walls are already boarded.

• Two-bedroom terrace (skim only): Typically £2,500 to £4,500 for all rooms, hallway and landing.
• Two-bedroom terrace (full replaster): Usually £4,000 to £7,000 including stripping and disposal of old plaster.
• Three-bedroom semi (skim only): Around £3,500 to £6,000 depending on ceiling heights and room count.
• Three-bedroom semi (full replaster): Expect £5,500 to £9,000 with materials and waste removal included.
• Four-bedroom detached (skim only): Typically £5,000 to £8,500 for a thorough job.
• Four-bedroom detached (full replaster): Often £8,000 to £13,000 for a full strip and replaster throughout.

Waste removal adds to whole-house costs. Old plaster is heavy and cannot go in standard skips without paying attention to weight limits. Budget an extra £150 to £400 for skip hire on a full replaster project, depending on your area.

Plasterer Day Rates and Labour Costs

If you prefer to supply materials yourself or want to understand how a quote is built up, knowing day rate labour costs is useful. Most plasterers in the UK work solo or with a labourer to mix and carry. Day rates vary noticeably by region.

• London and South East: £250 to £350 per day for a qualified plasterer.
• Midlands and East Anglia: £200 to £280 per day.
• North of England: £180 to £260 per day.
• Scotland and Wales: £170 to £250 per day.
• South West: £190 to £270 per day.

A plasterer can typically skim one standard bedroom per day if the surface is well-prepared. A full replaster of the same room may take two days. Factor in drying time too: freshly skimmed walls need at least 48 to 72 hours before painting, and full replastered walls can take several weeks to dry fully in a poorly ventilated space.

Additional Plastering Jobs and Their Costs

Beyond standard room plastering, there are a number of related jobs plasterers are called out to do. Here is what to budget for the most common ones.

• Single wall skim: £80 to £250 depending on wall size and whether access is straightforward.
• Ceiling skim: £150 to £400 for a standard room ceiling, more if Artex removal is needed first.
• Artex removal and skim: £300 to £700 per room. If the Artex pre-dates 2000, it may contain asbestos and must be tested before work begins. Testing adds £50 to £150.
• Coving installation: £8 to £18 per linear metre for supply and fitting of standard plaster coving.
• External render: £30 to £60 per square metre for sand and cement render. Monocouche (one-coat coloured render) costs £40 to £75 per square metre.
• Patch repairs: £80 to £300 for small areas of damage such as after pipes or electrics have been chased in.
• Stud wall and skim: £350 to £700 per wall for erecting a plasterboard stud partition and skimming it.

What Affects the Cost of Plastering?

Several factors push the price up or down beyond the basic room size calculation. Understanding these helps you get a fair quote and spot any that look suspiciously low.

• Condition of existing walls: Blown plaster, heavy damp staining or uneven brickwork all require extra preparation time and materials, which increases cost.
• Ceiling height: Rooms with ceilings above 2.4 metres require additional scaffold or work platforms, adding time and sometimes a scaffolding hire charge of £100 to £300.
• Access: Ground-floor rooms are easiest. Narrow staircases, loft conversions or external render on a tall property all complicate the job.
• Number of features: Alcoves, chimney breasts, arched openings and window reveals all add corners and edges that slow the plasterer down and increase cost.
• Bonding coat required: If walls are very absorbent or have mixed surfaces, a bonding coat is needed before skimming. This adds around £50 to £150 per room in materials and time.
• Location: London and the South East consistently attract the highest prices. Rural areas can sometimes be cheaper but finding an available plasterer may take longer.
• Time of year: Winter and early spring are quieter for plasterers. You may negotiate a better price in January or February compared to peak summer renovation season.

How to Get a Fair Plastering Quote

Getting multiple quotes is the single most effective way to avoid overpaying. Aim for at least three quotes from local plasterers. Here is what a good quote should include.

• Breakdown of labour and materials: Any credible quote should separate these so you can compare like for like.
• Scope of prep work: Confirm whether stripping old plaster, removing coving or clearing the room is included or extra.
• Waste disposal: Ask explicitly whether skip hire or bagging and removing old plaster is covered.
• Drying advice: A good plasterer will tell you when the walls will be ready to paint and whether heating or dehumidifiers are recommended.
• Payment terms: Avoid paying more than a small deposit upfront. Stage payments on larger jobs are reasonable; paying everything in advance is not.

Checking reviews on Checkatrade, Rated People or Trustatrader is worthwhile. Ask to see recent examples of finished work if you are commissioning a large or high-spec job. The finish quality of plastering is immediately obvious once a room is painted, so cutting costs by hiring an inexperienced plasterer tends to produce disappointing results.