Plastering prices in the UK vary significantly depending on the type of work, the size of the area and your location. This guide breaks down typical costs for all the main plastering services so you can budget accurately and compare quotes with confidence.
Average Plastering Costs at a Glance
| Service | Small job | Average job | Large job |
|---|---|---|---|
| Re-skim single room | £250–£350 | £350–£500 | £500–£700 |
| Re-skim whole house | £2,000 | £3,500 | £6,000+ |
| Plasterboard single room | £400 | £600–£900 | £1,200+ |
| External render (per m²) | £30 | £45–£60 | £80+ |
| Coving installation | £150 | £250–£350 | £500 |
| Artex removal & skim | £300 | £450–£600 | £800+ |
What Affects the Cost of Plastering?
Several factors push prices up or down:
- Room size — plastering is priced per square metre. A large open-plan lounge costs more than a small bedroom, but the per-m² rate usually falls for bigger jobs.
- Condition of walls — bare brickwork needs a scratch coat before skimming, adding cost. Old plaster with deep cracks may need hacking off entirely.
- Number of coats — a finish skim is one coat. Full plaster on bare masonry requires a scratch coat, browning coat and finish coat — roughly three times the materials and labour.
- Location — London and South East prices run 20–30% higher than Midlands and Northern England.
- Access and prep — rooms that require furniture removal, dust sheeting or scaffolding access add to the overall price.
Cost to Skim a Room
Re-skimming applies a thin finish coat of plaster over existing walls and ceilings to create a smooth surface. It is the most common plastering job. Expect to pay £250–£500 for a typical bedroom and £350–£700 for a lounge. The plasterer will usually price per m²; rates of £8–£15 per m² are typical across most of England.
Cost to Plasterboard (Dry Line) a Room
Plasterboarding a room involves fixing sheets of plasterboard to walls before skimming. This is common in new builds, extensions and loft conversions. A typical bedroom costs £400–£900 for board and skim; larger open-plan spaces cost £1,000–£2,500.
External Rendering Costs
External rendering typically costs £30–£80 per m² depending on the type. Monocouche and silicone renders sit at the higher end (£50–£80/m²); sand-and-cement render is cheaper at £25–£45/m². An average semi-detached house front might have 40–60m² of render, putting the cost at £1,500–£3,500 for the front elevation.
How to Get the Best Price
Always compare at least three quotes for any plastering job. Prices vary considerably between tradespeople — sometimes by 40% or more for equivalent work. Use our free quote comparison service to hear from up to 3 vetted local plasterers for your specific job.