Painter & Decorator Rates in Bristol vs the National Average
| Rate Type | Bristol | UK National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | £28–£55/hr | £25–£50/hr |
| Day rate | £165–£310/day | £150–£280/day |
Painter and decorator rates are among the more competitive across the trades. Decorators specialising in high-end finishes — Venetian plaster, period cornicing, or specialist coatings — can charge significantly above standard rates. Clifton, Redland, and Cotham carry a noticeable premium for residential work. The wider Bristol and Bath area is one of the most expensive outside London for trade services.
Are you a Painter & Decorator in Bristol? These are market averages — your rate should reflect your actual costs. Use our free painter & decorator rate calculator to find what you personally need to charge.
How Much Do Painter & Decorators Charge for Common Jobs in Bristol?
These figures show Bristol-adjusted estimates for typical jobs. Prices include labour only unless stated.
Why Are Painter & Decorator Rates in Bristol Different?
Bristol's combination of high property prices, strong demand, and a limited local tradesperson supply has pushed rates well above the national average. The city also attracts a lot of high-specification renovation work.
Good to know: Quality of prep is everything in decorating. A good decorator will spend as much time preparing surfaces as painting them. Be wary of anyone who skips this step.
Other Cities: Painter & Decorator Rate Comparisons
See how Bristol painter & decorator rates compare to other UK cities:
Are you a Painter & Decorator in Bristol?
Use our free calculator to find the minimum you need to charge — based on your real costs, not city averages.
Calculate My Painter & Decorator Rate ›Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does a painter and decorator charge per day in Bristol?A painter and decorator in Bristol typically charges £165–£310 per day. Most domestic jobs are quoted as a fixed price per room rather than a day rate.
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How much does it cost to paint a room in Bristol?Painting a bedroom in Bristol typically costs £220–£495 for labour only. This includes preparation, two coats of emulsion on walls, and ceiling. Paint is usually supplied separately or added to the quote.
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How long does it take to paint a room?A single-coat bedroom typically takes half a day. Two coats with proper drying time between them usually means one room per day for a painter working alone. Prep work on rough surfaces adds time.
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Why do decorator rates in Bristol differ from other areas?Bristol's combination of high property prices, strong demand, and a limited local tradesperson supply has pushed rates well above the national average. The city also attracts a lot of high-specification renovation work.
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Should my decorator supply the paint or should I buy it?Either works. Some decorators include paint in their quote, others prefer you choose your own colours. If you supply it, choose correctly — your decorator will not be responsible for colour choices or coverage if you supply sub-standard paint.