Updated April 2026
How Much Does Plastering Cost?
Plastering costs depend on whether you need a skim coat over existing plaster, fresh plaster on bare walls, or external rendering. Most plasterers quote per room or per square metre.
What you can expect to pay
| Description | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skim coat (per room) | £150 | £250 | £350 |
| Full re-plaster (per room) | £300 | £500 | £750 |
| External render (per m²) | £40 | £60 | £80 |
Prices are UK averages for 2026 including VAT where applicable. Your actual cost may vary based on location and specific requirements.
What affects the price
Skimming over existing plaster is much cheaper and quicker than stripping back to brick and re-plastering from scratch.
Room size and ceiling height are the main variables. A small box room costs half what a large living room would.
Ceilings are more labour-intensive than walls, so expect to pay more if the ceiling needs doing as well.
External rendering costs vary by material. Sand and cement is cheapest, monocouche and silicone renders cost more but last longer.
How to keep costs down
- 1
If you have multiple rooms that need doing, get a price for the whole lot. Plasterers prefer multi-room jobs and will usually offer a better rate.
- 2
Make sure the room is cleared of furniture before the plasterer arrives. They work fast and need clear access to every wall.
- 3
Ask whether the quote includes removing old loose plaster or just skimming over the top. Stripping back adds to the cost but gives a better result on damaged walls.
- 4
Allow 2 to 4 weeks for new plaster to dry fully before painting. Using a mist coat (watered-down emulsion) as the first coat helps the paint bond properly.
Frequently asked questions
An experienced plasterer can skim a standard room (walls and ceiling) in a day. Full re-plastering from scratch takes 2 to 3 days per room including drying time between coats.
Skimming applies a thin (2 to 3mm) layer of finish plaster over existing plasterboard or plaster. Full plastering applies a thicker base coat (undercoat) followed by a skim. You need full plastering on bare brick or very damaged walls.
It's not recommended. Wallpaper can bubble and separate under wet plaster, leaving you with a poor finish. Strip the wallpaper first, then the plasterer can assess whether the underlying surface needs a full re-plaster or just a skim.
New plaster needs 2 to 4 weeks to dry completely, depending on ventilation and room temperature. You can tell it's dry when the colour changes from dark to a uniform light pink. Always apply a mist coat first.
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