How much does a painter and decorator charge per day in the UK?

A painter and decorator in the UK typically charges £150–£400 per day, with the national average around £250–£325 per day. Rates vary based on experience, location, and the complexity of the work. Experienced decorators with a strong reputation can command higher rates, while apprentices or newly qualified painters typically charge less.

How much does it cost to paint a room in the UK?

The cost to paint a standard room in the UK ranges from £150 to £400, depending on room size, wall condition, and whether ceilings are included. A small bedroom may cost £150–£200, a medium-sized living room £200–£300, and a large master bedroom or dining room £250–£400. These prices include labour but not materials.

How much does exterior house painting cost in the UK?

Exterior house painting in the UK typically costs £500–£2,000 or more, depending on the size of the property, number of coats required, and access difficulties. A terraced house may cost £500–£1,000, a semi-detached house £800–£1,500, and a large detached property £1,500–£3,000+. Scaffolding can add £200–£500 to the total cost.

How Much Does a Painter & Decorator Cost UK 2026?

Average painter and decorator costs, hourly rates, and room prices across the UK.

Note: Prices are estimates only. Always get a written quote before work begins. Rates vary by location, experience, and job complexity.

Average Hourly and Day Rates

Type of Painter	Hourly Rate	Day Rate
Apprentice/Junior	£15-£20	£120-£160
Qualified Painter	£20-£35	£160-£280
Experienced Decorator	£25-£40	£200-£320
Master Decorator	£35-£50	£280-£400

Room-by-Room Costs

Room	Average Cost (Labour Only)	Typical Time
Small Bedroom	£150-£200	4-6 hours
Medium Bedroom	£180-£250	6-8 hours
Large Bedroom	£220-£300	8-10 hours
Living Room	£200-£300	8-12 hours
Dining Room	£220-£320	8-12 hours
Kitchen	£180-£280	6-10 hours
Bathroom	£150-£250	5-8 hours
Hallway/Staircase	£180-£300	6-10 hours
Ceiling (per ceiling)	£50-£100	2-4 hours
Door (per door)	£40-£80	1-2 hours
Window (per window)	£30-£60	1-2 hours

Exterior Painting Costs

Property Type	Average Cost	Notes
Terraced House	£500-£1,000	Front and back
Semi-Detached	£800-£1,500	Front, back and one side
Detached House	£1,500-£3,000+	Full exterior
Bungalow	£600-£1,200	Single storey
Garage	£150-£400	Detached
Garden Fence (per panel)	£30-£60	Treatment and paint

Wallpapering Costs

Type of Wallpaper	Cost per m² (Labour)	Notes
Standard Paper	£10-£15	Paste the wall or paper
Vinyl Paper	£12-£18	Washable finish
Premium/Designer	£15-£25	High-quality materials
Wallpaper Removal	£5-£10	Per m² stripping
Wall Preparation	£8-£15	Filling, sanding, priming

Regional Variations

Region	Average Day Rate
London & South East	£280-£400
South West	£220-£320
East Anglia	£200-£300
West Midlands	£200-£300
East Midlands	£180-£280
North West	£180-£280
Yorkshire	£160-£260
Scotland	£160-£260

Tips for Hiring a Painter & Decorator

Painting and decorating can transform your home, but getting the right professional ensures quality results. Here are key considerations:

Get multiple written quotes — Always obtain at least three written quotes that detail labour, materials, and preparation work. Be wary of quotes that seem unusually low, as this may indicate substandard materials or rushed work.
Check for previous work — Ask to see a portfolio of recent work or request references from past clients. Quality decorators will be happy to showcase their previous projects.
Clarify what's included — Ensure your quote includes preparation work such as filling cracks, sanding, and priming. Some quotes may exclude these essential steps, leading to poor finish quality.
Ask about materials — Discuss the type and quality of paint or wallpaper they recommend. Trade-grade paints typically offer better coverage and durability than retail paints, though at a higher cost.
Check availability and timeline — Professional decorators often book weeks in advance, especially during spring and summer. Discuss your timeline early to ensure they can accommodate your schedule.
Verify insurance coverage — Ensure your decorator has public liability insurance to protect your property against accidental damage during the work.

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Disclaimer: These are average figures based on typical UK rates. Always get a written quote specific to your job. NearbyTraders provides directory information only — always verify qualifications and insurance directly.