UK Plasterer Rates at a Glance (2025)
| Region | Hourly Rate | Day Rate |
|---|---|---|
| National average | £35–£55/hr | £150–£280/day |
| London | £50–£75/hr | £250–£380/day |
| South East | £45–£65/hr | £210–£330/day |
| Midlands | £30–£50/hr | £140–£250/day |
| North England | £28–£45/hr | £130–£230/day |
| Scotland | £30–£48/hr | £135–£240/day |
| Wales | £28–£44/hr | £125–£220/day |
Are you a plasterer? These are market averages — your actual rate needs to cover your overheads, tax, and target income, not just match what others charge. Use our free plasterer day rate calculator to find your real minimum.
What Do Plasterers Charge for Common Jobs?
Most plasterers quote per job or per room rather than hourly, because the time to plaster a wall varies less than most people think — it's the prep and the number of coats that drives price.
What Affects a Plasterer's Day Rate?
Plastering looks like a single trade but there's a real range in what different plasterers can and will do. A few things that move the needle on price:
- Type of work — Skim coat on fresh plasterboard is faster than two-coat work on old brick. Rendering is different again. Most plasterers have a preference and price accordingly.
- Prep condition — Walls that have been properly prepared (studwork straight, boards taped, surfaces primed) take less time. Turning up to a messy substrate costs the plasterer time, and they'll factor that in.
- Location — London rates run 30–40% above the national average. Parking, congestion charges, and higher living costs all feed into it.
- Experience and finish quality — A skilled plasterer who can leave a finish ready for mist coat without any flatting down commands a higher rate than someone whose work needs sanding.
- Access — Ceilings, stairwells, and high rooms cost more. Setting up scaffolding or working off a tower takes time the plasterer needs to price in.
Plastering Rates Per Square Metre
When quoting large jobs — new builds, whole-house plastering, or external rendering — plasterers often price per square metre rather than by day. Typical rates in 2025:
| Work type | Rate (per m²) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skim coat (over plasterboard) | £8–£15/m² | Single coat, smooth finish |
| Two-coat plaster (bonding + skim) | £15–£25/m² | On brick or block |
| Sand and cement render (external) | £20–£40/m² | Labour only, no materials |
| K-Rend / monocouche | £35–£60/m² | Specialist finish, inc. material |
Is It Worth Getting Multiple Quotes?
Yes — but the cheapest quote isn't always the right one. Plastering is one of those trades where the quality difference between a good and mediocre finish is very visible once the paint goes on. A poorly finished skim under emulsion will show every line in raking light. Get two or three quotes, look at previous work if you can, and don't automatically go for the lowest.
If a quote seems surprisingly cheap, ask what it includes. Some plasterers quote labour only, expecting you to supply materials. Others include everything. Make sure you're comparing like for like.
Are you a plasterer? Find your real rate.
Use our free calculator to work out the minimum you should charge based on your overheads, target income, and billable days — not just what the market charges.
Calculate My Plasterer Rate ›Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does a plasterer charge per day in the UK?UK plasterers typically charge £150–£280 per day nationally. London and South East plasterers charge £250–£380/day. Rates depend on experience, work type, and location.
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How much does it cost to plaster a room?A standard bedroom skim (over plasterboard) typically costs £350–£600 including materials. A full re-plaster stripping old plaster back costs £500–£900. London prices run 30–40% higher.
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How long does it take to plaster a room?A medium-sized bedroom skim takes one plasterer a full day. A larger room or two-coat work takes 1.5–2 days. Allow 3–5 days drying time before decorating, longer in cold or humid conditions.
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Do plasterers charge for materials separately?Most include materials in their quote. Some charge labour only if you supply materials, but most prefer to source their own — they know what they're getting and can charge a small markup for the sourcing time.
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Do plasterers charge VAT?Only if VAT registered (turnover over £90,000/year in 2025/26). Many sole-trader plasterers fall below this threshold. Always check whether quotes are ex-VAT or inclusive — it makes a 20% difference.