The easiest way to get a quote for any building work.

Plastering costs in 2026: a room-by-room UK guide

What homeowners typically pay for skimming, ceilings and full re-plastering — and what pushes the price up or down.

Typical prices by room

Job	Typical cost	Time
Small room / box bedroom — skim walls	£400–£600	1 day
Medium bedroom — skim walls	£550–£800	1–2 days
Living room — skim walls	£700–£1,100	2 days
Ceiling only — skim (average room)	£250–£450	Half to 1 day
Ceiling — re-board and skim	£450–£750	1–2 days
Artex ceiling — cover and skim	£350–£600	1 day
Hallway, stairs & landing	£900–£1,500	2–3 days
Full re-plaster (hack off and redo), per room	£1,000–£2,000	2–4 days

Guide prices for illustration, including labour and materials. Your quote depends on your job and area.

Condition of the walls
Blown or crumbling plaster has to be hacked off first, which can double the labour.
Skim vs full re-plaster
A skim coat goes over sound plaster. A full re-plaster strips back to brick.
Ceiling height and access
High ceilings, stairwells and tight spaces need platforms and take longer.
Empty or furnished room
Clearing and protecting furniture adds time — an empty room is cheaper.
Boarding needed
Plasterboard and beads add materials and an extra stage of work.

Send a few photos. One ID-checked local plasterer replies with a price — no spam calls.

How much does it cost to skim a room in 2026?

Most average UK bedrooms cost around £550–£800 to skim, depending on size, condition and access.

Is it cheaper to skim or re-plaster?

Skimming is usually much cheaper. Re-plastering is only needed when the existing plaster is loose, blown or damaged.

Can I get a plastering quote from photos?

Yes. For most small jobs a trade can give a price guide from a few clear photos and rough room sizes.

How long before I can paint new plaster?

New skim usually needs 3–7 days to dry fully, longer for full re-plaster. Use a mist coat first.