Plasterer Cost UK 2026: Skim, Re-Plaster, Render, Lime
Plasterer costs in the UK, 2026
Plastering pricing is one of the most variable trades because of the gap between skim coats (re-finishing existing surfaces) and full re-plasters (back to brick). A £200 skim job and a £1,800 full re-plaster on the same wall are not the same job.
This guide covers typical 2026 UK plasterer prices for the most common jobs, including how to spot quotes that have been cut to win the work.
Typical UK plasterer costs (2026)
| Job | Typical UK 2026 price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plasterer day rate | £200–£320 | Single skilled plasterer. London +20-30%. |
| Skim coat (single bedroom wall, ~10 sqm) | £180–£320 | Existing plaster sound, light prep needed. |
| Skim coat (full bedroom, walls + ceiling) | £480–£850 | 1-2 days. Includes mist coat after. |
| Skim coat (full living room, 4×5 m) | £650–£1,200 | 2 days. |
| Full re-plaster (single bedroom, back to brick) | £1,200–£2,200 | 3-4 days. Includes scratch coat + finish. |
| Full re-plaster (whole 3-bed semi) | £5,500–£9,500 | 2-3 weeks. |
| Plasterboard a stud wall (3 m run) | £180–£320 | Includes taping and joining. |
| Re-plaster a damp-affected wall | £380–£680 | Includes salt-resistant render. Damp-proofing extra. |
| Render external wall (per sqm) | £55–£95 | Standard sand & cement render. |
| Render external wall (silicone, per sqm) | £90–£150 | Premium finish, breathable, 25-year life. |
| Lime plaster (heritage/period property) | £90–£180 per sqm | Specialist work for listed and pre-1900 properties. |
Skim vs full re-plaster — pick the right one
- Skim coat (3-5 mm finish): applied over sound existing plaster. Smooths, refreshes, hides minor cracking. Doesn't fix damp, deep cracks, or hollow plaster.
- Full re-plaster (back to brick or block): remove old plaster, repair brickwork, scratch coat, then finish coat. Required when existing plaster is hollow, salty, or extensively damaged.
- How to tell which you need: tap the wall in 5-6 places. A solid sound = skim is fine. A hollow drum-like sound = the plaster has lost its bond and needs full removal.
The classic mistake: paying for skim over hollow plaster. The new finish lasts 6-18 months before it lifts and cracks — you've wasted the cost.
What changes the cost
- Substrate condition: sound substrate vs hollow vs damp. Damp walls need salt-resistant render and a damp-proof course before plastering.
- Ceiling height: standard 2.4 m ceilings are baseline. Stairwells and double-height rooms need scaffold (£80–£200/day extra).
- Lime plaster: for pre-1900 and listed buildings, lime plaster is the right material (modern gypsum traps moisture in old walls, causing damp). Specialist plasterers charge 50–100% more than gypsum work.
- Drying time: a fresh skim needs 5-7 days before painting. A full re-plaster needs 4-6 weeks before final decoration. Rush this and the paint cracks.
- Waste removal: a full re-plaster of a 3-bed semi produces 2-3 skip-loads of waste. Budget £180–£280 per skip.
For finding a plasterer in Kent, see our how to choose a plasterer guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to plaster a room in the UK?
A skim coat on walls + ceiling for a standard bedroom typically £480-£850. Full re-plaster (back to brick) of the same room £1,200-£2,200. The difference is whether existing plaster is sound or needs removal.
Is a plasterer's day rate high or low value?
Plasterers earn £200-£320 per day in 2026. The work is physically demanding, requires high skill, and has a 5-year apprenticeship pathway. Cheap plasterers usually mean rushed work that cracks within 12 months.
How long after plastering can I paint?
Skim coats need 5-7 days drying time. Full re-plasters need 4-6 weeks before final paint. Rushing causes the paint to crack and peel as the plaster releases moisture. Always test for moisture with a meter before final coats.
Why do I need lime plaster on an old house?
Pre-1900 properties were built with lime mortar and plaster, which lets walls breathe. Modern gypsum plaster is impermeable and traps moisture, causing damp and crumbling brickwork. Lime is the correct material for heritage and listed properties.