Decorating Costs at a Glance (2026)
| Job | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single room (walls + ceiling) | £150–£350 | 2 coats, prep included |
| Single room (full inc. woodwork) | £250–£450 | Skirting, door, window reveal |
| Hallway, stairs, landing | £400–£900 | Fiddly; access time adds cost |
| Whole house (3-bed semi) | £2,500–£5,000 | Labour only; materials separate |
| Exterior house repaint | £800–£2,500 | Masonry paint, windows, soffits |
| Feature wall / specialist finish | £300–£800 | Venetian plaster, limewash etc. |
Labour costs above assume you supply paint. If the decorator supplies materials, add 15–25% to cover materials and their margin.
Decorator Day Rates
Painter and decorators in the UK typically charge:
- Day rate: £150–£280/day
- London: £200–£380/day
- Two-person team: £280–£480/day
A competent decorator paints approximately 15–25m² per day with proper prep. A standard bedroom (4m x 4m, 2.4m ceiling = ~50m² of wall and ceiling) takes 1.5–2.5 days including prep, cutting in, and two coats.
What's Included in a Decorating Quote?
- Dust sheeting and protection
- Surface prep — filling cracks, sanding, cleaning
- Cutting in and rolling walls and ceiling
- Two coats of emulsion (or one if recoating same colour)
- Gloss or satinwood on woodwork (skirting, door frames, window reveals)
What's usually not included unless specified: paint supply, wallpaper hanging, stripping old wallpaper, remedial plasterwork, priming bare new plaster, or specialist finishes.
What Drives the Price Up?
- Wallpaper hanging — adds £15–£30/m² for supply and hang; patterned paper takes longer
- High ceilings — working above 3m requires extra scaffold or extension poles, adding time
- New plaster — freshly plastered walls need a mist coat (diluted emulsion) before normal painting; adds a day to the schedule
- Colour change — going from dark to light (or vice versa) often needs an extra coat; some colours need primer first
- Stripping old wallpaper — 1–2 days of prep work before any painting begins; charged separately at £150–£250/day
- Exterior work — scaffolding or MEWP hire adds to exterior job costs
How to Find a Reliable Decorator
- Ask to see a recently completed job (not just photos)
- Check they use proper prep — a decorator who won't discuss preparation isn't one you want
- Get a written quote specifying number of coats, whether prep is included, and whether paint is supplied
- Check reviews specifically mention clean finish and tidiness — not just friendliness
- Guild of Master Craftsmen or Dulux Select Decorator accreditation shows ongoing training, though many excellent decorators aren't formally accredited
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paint a room in 2026?
Painting a standard bedroom (walls and ceiling, 2 coats) costs £150–£350 for labour. Including woodwork runs £250–£450. The decorator's day rate is usually £150–£280.
How long does it take to paint a room?
A standard bedroom takes 1.5–2.5 days for a competent decorator including prep, two coats, and woodwork. Hallway, stairs, and landing typically takes 2–4 days due to access complexity.
Should I supply paint or let the decorator supply it?
Supplying your own paint gives you control over colour and quality, and removes the decorator's supply margin (typically 15–25%). Most decorators are happy either way.
How much does it cost to decorate a whole house?
Labour for a full 3-bedroom semi (all rooms, hallway, stairs, woodwork) runs £2,500–£5,000. Add £500–£1,500 for paint depending on quality and number of rooms.
How long after plastering can I decorate?
New plaster needs 4–6 weeks minimum to dry before painting. Apply a mist coat (5:1 water:emulsion) first to allow moisture to escape. Decorating over wet plaster causes flaking.
Are You a Tradesperson?
These are consumer prices including labour and materials. If you're a painter & decorator working out what to charge, our free calculator covers your overheads, tax, and target income.
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