Painter & Decorator Rates in Edinburgh vs the National Average
| Rate Type | Edinburgh | UK National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | £26–£53/hr | £25–£50/hr |
| Day rate | £160–£295/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. New Town properties, Stockbridge, and Morningside command the highest residential rates. Listed building consents in the Old Town add complexity and cost to renovation projects.
Are you a Painter & Decorator in Edinburgh? 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 Edinburgh?
These figures show Edinburgh-adjusted estimates for typical jobs. Prices include labour only unless stated.
Why Are Painter & Decorator Rates in Edinburgh Different?
Edinburgh's historic building stock requires specialist skills — lime mortar, traditional slate, and period joinery. Listed building consent restrictions slow jobs down, which is reflected in pricing. The short-term rental market also drives high renovation volumes.
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 Edinburgh painter & decorator rates compare to other UK cities:
Are you a Painter & Decorator in Edinburgh?
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 Edinburgh?A painter and decorator in Edinburgh typically charges £160–£295 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 Edinburgh?Painting a bedroom in Edinburgh typically costs £210–£475 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 Edinburgh differ from other areas?Edinburgh's historic building stock requires specialist skills — lime mortar, traditional slate, and period joinery. Listed building consent restrictions slow jobs down, which is reflected in pricing. The short-term rental market also drives high renovation volumes.
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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.