Cost calculator
Painting and decorating cost calculator
Decorating prices differ almost entirely on preparation. Two coats over a filled, sanded and sealed surface is a different product from two coats over whatever was there before.
Standard-sized rooms including walls, ceiling and woodwork.
Broad trade availability keeps day rates near the national average.
Estimated range, ex VAT
£1,600 – £3,750
- Labour (typical)
- £2,100
- Materials (typical)
- £600
Guidance only. A real quotation depends on site conditions, specification and access — which is exactly what an independent review of your own quote will tell you.
What affects the cost
Preparation required
Filling, sanding, stripping wallpaper, stain-blocking and repairing cracks can exceed the painting time itself.
Number of coats
New plaster needs a mist coat plus two. Dark-to-light colour changes need three.
Woodwork
Doors, frames, skirting and window boards are slow work, especially where old gloss needs de-nibbing.
Ceiling height and access
Stairwells and double-height spaces need towers or scaffold and take longer.
Paint quality
Trade emulsion and durable finishes cost more per litre and last considerably longer in high-traffic areas.
Regional pricing differences
Materials cost roughly the same everywhere in the UK; labour does not. Use the region selector above to apply a local index — London and the South East typically run 15–30% above the national average, while the North East, Northern Ireland and Yorkshire sit below it.
Labour vs materials
Roughly 78% of this type of work is labour and 22% materials. Decorating is 75–80% labour. Paint is a modest cost, though premium trade paints cover better and can reduce coats.
Common hidden costs
- Wallpaper stripping and the plaster repairs it reveals.
- Moving and protecting furniture in an occupied house.
- Damp or stain-blocking primer where marks would bleed through.
- Exterior work: scaffolding, weather delays and masonry repairs before painting.
How to save money
- Do several rooms in one visit — setup and protection time is charged once.
- Keep the same colour family so fewer coats are needed.
- Strip wallpaper and clear rooms yourself before the decorator starts.
- Ask exactly how many coats and which paint product the price is based on.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to paint a room?
£380–£850 per standard room in 2026 including walls, ceiling and woodwork, depending on preparation.
How long does decorating a house take?
Roughly one to two days per room including preparation and drying between coats.
Should I supply the paint?
You can, but the decorator then carries no responsibility for coverage. Agree the product and number of coats either way.
Why do quotes differ so much?
Nearly always preparation and coat count. Ask each decorator to write down both.
Independent
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