Coving and cornicing are the decorative mouldings that run along the junction between walls and ceilings. They add architectural character, hide the inevitable crack that forms at this joint, and give rooms a finished, elegant look. Here is what to expect to pay.
Coving Installation Cost
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Coving per linear metre (standard) | £12–£20 |
| Average room (12–15 metres of coving) | £200–£350 |
| Plaster coving installation | £20–£35 per metre |
| Ornate period cornicing restoration | £60–£150 per metre |
| Coving removal only | £80–£150 per room |
Plaster Coving vs Polyurethane
Polyurethane (poly) coving is lightweight, inexpensive and easy to install — often a DIY project. It is available in standard profiles and is the most common type sold in DIY stores. Plaster coving is heavier, more authentic in appearance and requires a skilled installer. In period properties, it is almost always the preferred choice.
What Does a Coving Installation Include?
A professional coving installer will prepare the wall and ceiling junction, cut mitres for corners (often the trickiest part), fix the coving with adhesive and mechanical fixings where needed, fill joints, and leave it ready for decoration. Labour for a standard room typically takes 2–4 hours.
Period Cornicing Restoration
Original Victorian and Edwardian cornicing is cast plaster and can be very elaborate. Restoration involves matching the original profile, casting replacement sections if pieces are missing, and re-fixing with lime mortar. This is specialist work and costs significantly more than installing new coving.
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