Plastering price guide: How much does plastering cost in 2024?
If you're exploring plastering solutions and curious about the expenses involved in plastering a room in 2024. Then this article should hopefully help with understanding the general costs of plastering.
Should your home's interior walls appear dull or worn, plastering may be necessary to restore their appearance. This process will provide you with a flawless surface ideal for painting and decorating.
This section provides insight into the expenses associated with plastering a room, considering different scenarios. The cost of plastering a room varies significantly based on the square meterage required for coverage. Additionally, the overall plastering expenses are influenced by the room's size, with costs typically ranging from £450 to £800 for a small room £700 to £1100 for a medium-sized room, and £950 to £1800+ for a large room.
Factors such as the number of walls to be plastered and the complexity of the job (e.g., skimming, artex removal, painting, and decorating) play a crucial role in determining the final cost.
The bullet pointed price list below illustrates the diverse costs associated with plastering a room (contingent upon its size).
Job Description Cost (exc. VAT)
Small Room Plastering Cost £550 - £750
Medium Room Plastering Cost £750 - £1000
Large Room Plastering Cost £1000 - £1800
Plaster Patch Repair Cost £100 - £300
Plaster Over Skim Cost £300 - £1100
Additional Expenses:
Painting Following the completion of plastering by a skilled plasterer, your walls can receive a final coat of high-quality emulsion paint in the color of your choice. This service typically costs between £400 and £650 for painting a medium-sized room, with variations depending on the paint's quality.
Wallpapering If you opt for wallpaper instead of paint, there will typically be an added expense for an experienced decorator to install your chosen wallpaper. The total cost depends on the type of wallpaper selected, as some varieties are more challenging to install.
Labor Costs It's important to factor in additional charges for each day of plastering work. Labor costs vary by location; in London, plasterers usually charge around £200 to £250 per day, whereas in surrounding areas, rates range from £140 to £180 per day.
Factors Influencing Room Plastering Costs Several factors impact the overall cost of plastering a room:
Plaster Type The type of plaster chosen can affect interior wall plastering costs. For instance, undercoat plaster typically ranges from £0.40 to £0.80 per kg, while topcoats are priced between £0.40 and £1.25 per kg.
Area Size The size and complexity of the job play a significant role in determining plastering costs. As a general guideline, basic single-room jobs cost around £8-12 per square meter. Most plasterers charge on a "per square meter" basis.
Number of Walls Plastering costs are influenced by the number of walls requiring repair and the amount of new plaster needed. For example, repairing one wall may cost between £150 and £300, while plastering an entire room with four walls and a ceiling could range from £600 to £1200.
Site Location Location affects pricing, as tradespeople adjust rates based on travel distance. London-based plasterers typically charge higher rates compared to those in surrounding areas.
Ease of Access Plasterers take into account accessibility and ceiling height when pricing a job. Jobs with difficult access or high ceilings may incur additional charges.
Plastering Process:
Overview For first-time plastering projects, following a comprehensive guide can provide insight into the professional process and expected outcomes.
Room Protection It is essential for a professional plasterer to lay down dust sheets to safeguard the floor. This not only gathers any debris but also prevents it from adhering to the plaster, ensuring a smooth and clean surface.
Old Plaster Removal Following the placement of dust sheets, the plasterer will proceed to remove any old plaster and replace it. This approach is cost-effective and serves to extend the lifespan of your walls. There are various methods for re-plastering, with one technique involving the removal of old plaster using a hammer, chisel, and drill.
Wall Priming Next, the plasterer will prime the walls. A PVA solution is diluted with water to create a runny paste. This solution effectively eliminates excess moisture or dirt, resulting in a clean and even surface for plaster application.
Plaster Mixing Most plasterers opt to mix their plaster on-site. They can choose between traditional (smooth, wet) or dry-lining techniques, each offering distinct advantages. Wet plaster, the most common choice preferred by homeowners, provides a seamless finish, albeit with a longer application time. Dry plaster dries faster and quieter, achieving a clean finish.
Plaster Application Modern plastering methods typically involve the application of two coats of plaster to adequately cover existing plaster. The first coat addresses any discrepancies in the wall, providing a reasonably flat surface for the second coat. Application is often done incrementally until the entire wall is covered.
Smoothing and Skimming After allowing the first layer of plaster to settle for approximately 20 minutes, the plasterer will even out any bumps and smooth the top and bottom corners.
Surface Scraping Using a float, the plasterer smoothens the surface, crucial for eliminating any small lumps or bumps that may appear during plaster application. This step is best handled by a professional.
Additional Layer Application Once the initial layer of plaster has set, a new layer of plaster is applied. The second coat typically utilizes a finishing plaster, slightly thinner than the first coat, to ensure an even, smooth finish.
Final Touches To complete the plasterwork, the tradesman will wait for two minutes before spraying the edges with water. They will then use a trowel or wet brush to run over the surface, ensuring that once set, the plaster becomes an integral part of the wall, ready for paint or wallpaper application.
Recommendations when hiring someone to plaster your wall…
When selecting a plastering contractor for your wall, it's essential to ensure they hold a Level 2 NVQ in Plastering and possess a minimum of five years of experience. Look for accreditation in the profession, such as membership in the British Gypsum Certified Plasterer Scheme. Additionally, request references or recommendations from previous clients and review their feedback. Verify that the contractor has insurance coverage for public and employer liability. It's advisable to obtain quotes from at least three plasterers before making a decision.
Here at Butler and Sons Plastering, we meet all the aforementioned criteria and can assure peace of mind for any plastering project. If you're interested in learning more about the cost of plastering a wall, please don't hesitate to request a free quote from us today!
