Plastering Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost of wall skimming, dry lining, ceiling plastering, and rendering in the UK. Calculate total build costs, labour vs materials, and estimated time.
Plastering Cost Estimator
Calculate your plastering costs based on room size and type
Total wall or ceiling area to be plastered
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Labour rates are typically 20% higher in London and the South East
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Plastering Cost Calculator UK
Enter your project details and click Calculate Cost to see your estimated plastering costs and time.
Average Plastering Costs by Room Size
Typical costs for wall skimming across different room sizes in the UK. Based on average 2026 trade rates.
| Room Size | Area (m²) | Wall Skimming | Dry Lining |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Bedroom | 15 m² | £300 | £675 |
| Medium Bedroom | 25 m² | £500 | £1,125 |
| Large Living Room | 40 m² | £800 | £1,800 |
| Whole House | 100 m² | £2,000 | £4,500 |
Plastering Costs & Process FAQ
Everything you need to know about plastering rates, drying times, and preparation in the UK.
The cost to plaster a standard room in the UK typically ranges from £300 to £700 in 2026, depending on the room size and the type of plastering required. For a small bedroom (15m²), expect to pay around £300-£400 for wall skimming. A larger living room (25m²) will cost between £500 and £700. This price usually includes both labour and materials.
Skimming involves applying a thin, smooth layer of finishing plaster (2-3mm) over existing plasterboard or solid walls to create a perfect finish for painting. Dry lining (or boarding) involves fixing new plasterboard sheets to the walls or ceiling first, and then skimming them. Dry lining is more expensive but is ideal for very uneven walls or when adding insulation.
A professional plasterer can typically skim the walls and ceiling of a standard-sized room (approx. 20-25m²) in 1 to 2 days. This includes preparation, applying the plaster, and cleaning up. If the old plaster needs to be hacked off first, or if you are dry lining, add an extra day to the project. The plaster will then need 2 to 3 days to dry before it can be painted.
Yes, you can plaster over old plaster as long as it is firmly attached to the wall. A plasterer will usually apply a PVA bonding agent first to ensure the new plaster sticks. However, if the old plaster is crumbling or hollow-sounding, it must be removed first. If you have Artex ceilings, you can skim over it, but ensure it is tested for asbestos (common in pre-2000 properties) before disturbing it.
Ceiling plastering is generally more expensive per square metre than walls because it is more physically demanding and requires more skill to work overhead. In the UK, ceiling skimming costs between £20 and £30 per m². For an average-sized room ceiling (15m²), expect to pay between £300 and £450.
Yes, new plaster is highly porous and will absorb paint unevenly if painted directly. You must seal it first. You can use a mist coat (a mixture of water and emulsion paint, usually 60% paint to 40% water) or a dedicated plaster sealer/primer. This allows the paint to soak in slightly and creates a stable base for your top coats.
New plaster typically takes 2 to 3 days to dry completely under normal conditions, though it can take up to a week in damp or cold environments. You will know it is dry when it changes colour from a dark, damp brown/grey to a light, pale pink. Do not use heaters or dehumidifiers to speed up the process, as this can cause the plaster to crack.
Always plaster the ceiling first. Plastering is a messy process, and gravity will cause splashes and drops to fall downwards. If you plaster the walls first and then the ceiling, you will likely damage or dirty the freshly plastered walls. Once the ceiling is done and dry, you can move on to the walls.