Quick Answer
Plastering a single wall costs £150–£400. A full skim of one room costs £400–£900. A complete re-plaster (stripping back to brick and re-plastering) of a room costs £600–£1,400. Most homeowners pay around £600–£800 for a standard room skim in 2026.
Whether you're covering up cracked, blown, or damaged plaster, preparing walls for a fresh coat of paint, or dealing with damp that has ruined your plaster, understanding what plastering costs in the UK is essential before getting quotes. Prices vary significantly depending on whether you need a simple skim coat, a full re-plaster, or specialist work such as dry-lining.
In 2026, plasterers remain one of the most in-demand trades in the UK. Labour shortages mean that good plasterers are often booked weeks in advance, and prices have risen accordingly. However, with the right information, you can ensure you're paying a fair price and get the best result for your home.
All prices below are based on 2026 UK market rates including labour. To compare quotes from local plasterers, post your plastering job on GetQuickHelp for free.
In this guide
Types of Plastering and Costs
There are several types of plastering work, each with different costs and purposes:
| Type | Cost per Wall | Cost per Room | When Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skim coat (over existing plaster) | £150 – £300 | £400 – £900 | Walls are sound but surface is rough/cracked |
| Full re-plaster (strip and replaster) | £300 – £600 | £600 – £1,400 | Old plaster has blown or failed |
| Dry-lining (plasterboard + skim) | £300 – £600 | £700 – £1,500 | New partitions, insulation, or stud walls |
| Dot-and-dab (plasterboard to masonry) | £250 – £500 | £600 – £1,200 | Faster alternative to traditional wet plaster |
| Artex removal and skim | £200 – £400 | £500 – £1,000 | Removing old textured ceilings |
| Render (external) | £25 – £50/m² | N/A | External walls — monocouche or sand/cement |
A skim coat is a thin finish coat of multi-finish plaster applied over an existing plaster surface that is still sound and well-bonded but needs refreshing. It's the most common type of plastering work and leaves a smooth surface ready for painting. A skim coat is typically 2–3mm thick.
A full re-plaster involves hacking off all the old plaster back to the brick or blockwork, applying a scratch/base coat, and then a finish skim coat. This is necessary when plaster has "blown" (come away from the wall, producing a hollow sound when tapped), when damp has damaged the existing plaster, or in older properties where lime plaster has failed.
Plastering Costs by Room Size
| Room | Skim Coat | Full Re-plaster | Timescale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single wall (any room) | £150 – £300 | £300 – £600 | Half day – 1 day |
| Small bedroom (8–10m²) | £350 – £600 | £500 – £900 | 1 – 1.5 days |
| Average bedroom (10–15m²) | £400 – £700 | £600 – £1,100 | 1 – 2 days |
| Large bedroom / lounge (15–20m²) | £500 – £900 | £700 – £1,400 | 1.5 – 2.5 days |
| Open-plan kitchen/diner (20–30m²) | £700 – £1,200 | £900 – £1,800 | 2 – 3 days |
| Ceiling only (average room) | £200 – £400 | £300 – £600 | Half day – 1 day |
What Affects the Cost of Plastering
| Factor | Impact | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Type of work (skim vs full replaster) | Very high | Full replaster can cost 2× as much as a skim |
| Number of coats required | High | Some surfaces need multiple base coats before finish |
| Room size and ceiling height | High | Higher ceilings need scaffolding or hop-up boards |
| Condition of existing plaster | Medium | Extensive hacking-off adds half a day's labour |
| Damp treatment required | High | Damp must be fixed before plastering — see damp guide |
| Access and furniture | Medium | Rooms that can't be cleared take longer and cost more |
| Location | Medium | London adds 20–30% to plasterer day rates |
| Materials | Low | Usually included in the quote — plasterboard adds more |
One of the most important factors is whether damp is present. If your walls have damp, it must be identified and treated before any plastering takes place. Plastering over damp walls is the single most common reason for plaster failure. See our guide on how to fix damp before repainting or plastering a room.
How to Prepare Before the Plasterer Arrives
Proper preparation will save your plasterer time and save you money — plasterers typically charge by the day, so a room that's ready to work in saves labour costs:
- Clear the room completely — move all furniture, pictures, and curtains out of the room
- Remove skirting boards — or accept that they'll be plastered to (plasterers can work around them but it's cleaner without)
- Cover the floor thoroughly with dust sheets or polythene — plaster splashes and drips are difficult to remove
- Turn off electricity to the room and remove socket and switch faceplates if possible
- Check for any loose plaster — point out any areas you know are hollow or blown
- Ensure access to water — plasterers need a water supply nearby for mixing
💡 Tip
Don't paint freshly plastered walls too quickly. New plaster needs to dry fully — usually 4–6 weeks for a full re-plaster — before applying a standard emulsion paint. Apply a "mist coat" first (50% diluted emulsion) to allow the plaster to breathe as it dries and prevent peeling.
How Long Does Plaster Take to Dry?
Fresh plaster changes colour as it dries — starting as a dark pink/terracotta and turning to a pale buff colour when fully dry. Here are typical drying times:
- Skim coat over existing plaster: 2–7 days before mist coat, 4 weeks before full decoration
- Full re-plaster: 6–8 weeks before full decoration
- Accelerate drying: Gentle heating and ventilation help — don't use strong direct heat as this can crack the plaster
For guidance on preparing walls for painting after plastering, see our article on how to prepare walls before painting. For finding the right tradesperson for your plastering project, read our guides on how to hire a builder in the UK and questions to ask before hiring a tradesperson.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a plasterer charge per day?+
A skilled plasterer typically charges £200–£350 per day in most UK regions, rising to £300–£500 per day in London. Day rates vary depending on experience, location, and demand. Most plasterers prefer to quote by the job rather than per day.
Is it worth skimming old walls or should I use plasterboard?+
If the existing plaster is sound (doesn't sound hollow when tapped), a skim coat is faster and cheaper. If the plaster has failed over large areas, dot-and-dab plasterboard over the top can be more economical than a full re-plaster, as it avoids the messy and time-consuming process of hacking off all the old plaster.
Can I plaster a room myself?+
Plastering to a smooth, even finish is one of the harder trades to learn — it requires significant practice to develop the right technique. DIY plastering is achievable for patch repairs, but for a whole room, the results are usually visibly inferior to a professional finish. Poorly executed DIY plastering is also very difficult and expensive to correct.
How long does it take to plaster a room?+
A typical bedroom (10–15m²) takes an experienced plasterer 1–2 days to skim. A full re-plaster of the same room takes 2–3 days including the hacking-off stage. Ceilings are typically done in half a day for an average room.
Should I skim before or after electrics?+
Plastering should always be done after first-fix electrical and plumbing work (cables chased into walls, boxes fixed) and before second-fix (sockets, switches, radiators). The plasterer will plaster over the backs of socket boxes, leaving the fronts clear for the electrician to complete.
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