Cost calculator
Plastering cost calculator
There are three different jobs sold as 'plastering': skimming a sound surface, overboarding and skimming, and hacking off to brick and re-plastering. They cost very different amounts, so make sure your quotes describe the same one.
Total wall and ceiling area to be plastered.
Broad trade availability keeps day rates near the national average.
Estimated range, ex VAT
£1,400 – £3,350
- Labour (typical)
- £1,800
- 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
Type of work
Skim over existing at the low end, overboard and skim in the middle, hack off and full render-and-set at the top.
Surface condition
Artex, blown plaster, damp and old lime plaster all need preparation before anything new goes on.
Ceiling vs wall
Ceilings take longer and are priced higher per m², especially above standard height.
Access and room size
Stairwells, high ceilings and small awkward rooms need towers and cost more per m².
Drying and programme
Fresh plaster needs several days to dry before decoration — factor it into your schedule, not just your budget.
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 75% of this type of work is labour and 25% materials. Plastering is almost entirely labour. Plaster, board, beads and scrim are a small share of the total.
Common hidden costs
- Asbestos testing on Artex ceilings applied before the year 2000.
- Removing and reinstating coving, skirting, sockets and radiators.
- Protection and dust management in an occupied house.
- Mist coat and decoration afterwards, which is a separate trade.
How to save money
- Overboard rather than hack off where walls are sound — quicker, cleaner and cheaper.
- Do the whole floor at once so one mobilisation covers several rooms.
- Strip wallpaper and remove fittings yourself before the plasterer arrives.
- Book plastering to run alongside first-fix electrics and plumbing so nothing is opened up twice.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to plaster a room?
A typical 12m² bedroom costs £450–£950 to skim, or £900–£1,600 to overboard and skim, in 2026.
How long before I can paint new plaster?
Usually 5–14 days depending on thickness, ventilation and time of year. Use a thinned mist coat first.
Is skimming cheaper than replastering?
Yes, considerably — but only works where the existing surface is sound and well keyed.
Do plasterers remove Artex?
Many will overboard instead, which is safer and cheaper if the Artex may contain asbestos.
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