How Much Does Plastering Cost Per Room? (2026 Prices)

Plastering costs vary significantly depending on whether you need a simple skim coat or full replastering, room size, ceiling height, and wall condition. Here's what you can expect to pay in 2026.

Average Plastering Costs Per Room

Small bedroom (3x3m, walls and ceiling): £300-£500 for skimming, £500-£800 for full plastering. Standard bedroom (4x4m, walls and ceiling): £400-£600 for skimming, £650-£1,000 for full plastering. Large bedroom or living room (5x5m, walls and ceiling): £500-£800 for skimming, £900-£1,400 for full plastering. Whole 3-bed house (all rooms): £2,500-£5,000+ depending on size and condition.

These prices are for standard ceiling heights (2.4m). Rooms with high ceilings or difficult access cost 20-40% more.

Skimming vs Full Plastering Costs

Skimming (thin finishing coat over existing plaster or plasterboard): £10-£20 per m², takes 1 day for a standard room, suitable for walls in reasonable condition. Full plastering (base coat + finishing coat): £20-£40 per m², takes 2-3 days for drying between coats, necessary for damaged walls, new builds, or bare brick/blockwork.

A good plasterer will advise whether your walls need full plastering or just skimming. Skimming over badly damaged walls is a false economy — the finish won't last.

Ceiling Plastering Costs

Ceilings are harder to plaster than walls and typically cost more per m²: Skim ceiling only: £15-£25 per m². Full ceiling plaster: £25-£40 per m². Artex removal and replaster: £30-£50 per m² (plus asbestos testing if pre-1985).

For a standard 4x4m room, expect to pay £200-£400 for ceiling skimming, £400-£640 for full ceiling plastering.

Day Rates vs Per-Room Pricing

Plasterers charge either per room/m² or by the day: Day rate: £150-£250 (£200-£300 for highly experienced plasterers). Per m²: £10-£40 depending on work type. Per room: £300-£800 for standard bedrooms.

For multiple rooms, day rates are often more cost-effective. For a single room, fixed pricing gives you certainty. Always get a written quote before work starts.

What Affects Plastering Costs?

Room size and ceiling height (larger and taller rooms cost proportionally more). Wall condition (badly damaged walls need more prep and base coats). Access (tight spaces, stairs, or rooms full of furniture increase labour time). Prep work (removing old wallpaper, filling large holes, stripping artex adds cost). Location (London and South East cost 20-30% more than Midlands and North). Number of rooms (discounts often available for whole-house plastering).

Preparation Work and Additional Costs

Plasterers typically include minor prep in their quotes, but significant prep adds cost: Removing wallpaper: £100-£200 per room (or you can do this yourself). Filling large holes/cracks: £50-£150 depending on extent. Stripping artex: £200-£400 per room (more if asbestos present). Plasterboard installation: £10-£20 per m² plus plastering. Moving furniture: £50-£100 or you can do it yourself.

Discuss prep work upfront to avoid surprises. Many plasterers prefer walls cleared of wallpaper before they arrive.

How Long Does Plastering Take?

Skimming one room: 1 day (plaster sets overnight, ready to mist coat after 5-7 days). Full plastering one room: 2-3 days (base coat must dry before finishing coat). Whole house plastering: 5-10 days depending on size. Artex removal and replastering: Add 1-2 days per room.

After plastering, wait 4-6 weeks before painting to allow the plaster to fully dry. Painting too early causes bubbling and peeling.

Plastering Over Artex

Skimming over artex costs £200-£400 per room and creates a smooth, modern finish. However, artex installed before 1985 may contain asbestos and must be tested first (£50-£100 per sample). If asbestos is present, removal costs £500-£1,500+ per room by licensed specialists.

Never attempt to remove or sand artex yourself without testing — disturbing asbestos-containing artex is extremely dangerous.

Painting After Plastering

Fresh plaster requires a mist coat (watered-down emulsion) after 1 week, then full paint coats after 4-6 weeks. Skipping the mist coat or painting too early causes paint to peel. Budget £200-£400 per room for painting after plastering, or DIY to save money.

How to Choose a Good Plasterer

Look for: Examples of previous work (photos or visit completed jobs). Clear, itemised quotes including prep, materials, and timescales. Public liability insurance. References from recent clients. Membership of trade bodies (Federation of Plastering and Drywall Contractors).

Good plasterers are in high demand and often book weeks ahead. Avoid anyone who can start immediately with no notice — quality tradespeople have waiting lists.

Get Quotes from Local Plasterers

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