How to Quote a Plastering Job: Complete UK Guide

Plastering is one of those trades where the difference between a profitable job and a loss-making one often comes down to the accuracy of your quote. Unlike some construction work where you can add a generous contingency and absorb variations, plastering margins are tight and the work is labour-intensive. If you underquote, you are working for free. If you overquote, you lose the job to someone cheaper.

This guide walks you through the complete process of quoting a plastering job in the UK, from measuring the space and assessing the existing surfaces through to presenting a professional quote that wins work and protects your margin. Whether you are quoting for a single room skim, a full house re-plaster, or new-build boarding and skimming, the principles are the same.

Step 1: Survey the Property and Assess the Surfaces

Every plastering quote starts with a proper site visit. You cannot quote plastering from photographs or verbal descriptions — you need to see and touch the walls to understand what you are dealing with. During your survey, assess the following.

Existing Surface Condition

Tap the walls and ceilings to check whether the existing plaster is sound or blown. Blown plaster sounds hollow when tapped and will need to come off entirely. If only small patches are blown, you may be able to patch and skim rather than doing a full re-plaster, which changes the quote significantly. Check for damp patches, salt efflorescence, cracks, and any signs of movement. These all affect your approach and your price.

Surface Type

Identify what the walls are made of — brick, block, plasterboard, lath and plaster, or a combination. Each requires a different approach. Lath and plaster (common in pre-1940s properties) is particularly important to identify because removing it creates far more mess and waste than hacking off modern plaster from block walls. Plasterboard walls in good condition may only need a skim coat, which is the quickest and most profitable type of plastering work.

Room Dimensions and Layout

Measure every wall carefully. Note the ceiling height, the position and size of windows and doors, and any features like alcoves, chimney breasts, archways, or boxing. These all add complexity and time. A simple rectangular room is far quicker to plaster than an L-shaped room with two alcoves, a chimney breast, and a bay window — even if the total square meterage is similar.

Access and Preparation

Consider what preparation work is needed. Will the customer be clearing the rooms, or is that part of your scope? Are there radiators that need removing? Is there existing wallpaper or textured coating (Artex) that needs stripping? Is the property occupied or empty? All of these factors affect your time on site and therefore your price.

Step 2: Measure and Calculate Areas

Accurate measurement is the foundation of accurate pricing. Here is how to calculate the areas you will be plastering.

Walls

Measure the perimeter of each room (the total length of all walls) and multiply by the ceiling height. For a standard room that measures 4 metres by 3 metres with a ceiling height of 2.4 metres, the calculation is: perimeter 14 metres multiplied by 2.4 metres equals 33.6 square metres of wall area. Then subtract the area of windows (typically 1.2 to 1.8 square metres each for a standard window) and doors (typically 1.6 to 1.8 square metres each). This gives you the net wall area to plaster.

Ceilings

Ceiling area is simply the room length multiplied by the room width. The same 4m by 3m room has a ceiling area of 12 square metres. Note that ceiling work typically takes longer per square metre than wall work because of the overhead position, so many plasterers charge a premium for ceiling work.

Deductions and Additions

Deduct window and door openings. Add back any window reveals and door reveals that need plastering — these are small areas but they are fiddly and time-consuming, so do not ignore them. Also account for any boxing around pipes, soffits above kitchen units, or other non-standard surfaces.

Our material cost estimator can help you calculate quantities once you have your area measurements.

Step 3: Determine the Type of Work Required

The type of plastering work required has the biggest impact on your price. Here are the main categories and what they involve.

Skim Coat (Finishing Coat Only)

A skim coat involves applying a thin 2 to 3mm layer of finishing plaster (typically Thistle Multi-Finish or Board Finish) over an existing surface that is sound and relatively flat. This is the quickest and most common type of domestic plastering work. Typical scenarios include skimming over new plasterboard, skimming over existing plaster that is sound but cosmetically poor, or skimming over a surface that has had wallpaper stripped. Budget approximately 8 to 15 pounds per square metre for skim coat work, including materials and labour.

Full Re-plaster (Two-Coat Work)

A full re-plaster involves hacking off the existing plaster back to the masonry, applying a base coat (typically Thistle Hardwall or Bonding Coat, 8 to 11mm thick), and then a finishing skim coat. This is necessary when the existing plaster is blown, severely cracked, or damp-damaged. Budget approximately 18 to 30 pounds per square metre, reflecting the additional time for hacking off, disposal, and the two-coat application process.

Plasterboard and Skim

In some cases, particularly with very uneven masonry or damp walls being treated with a membrane, it is more efficient to dry-line (dot and dab plasterboard to the walls) and then skim. Budget approximately 15 to 25 pounds per square metre for board and skim, depending on whether you are using standard or moisture-resistant board.

Ceiling Re-plaster

Ceiling work is priced at a premium because of the difficulty of working overhead. Skimming a ceiling typically costs 12 to 20 pounds per square metre. If the existing ceiling plaster needs to come down first (common in older properties with lath and plaster ceilings), add the cost of plasterboarding the ceiling before skimming — typically an additional 10 to 15 pounds per square metre for boarding, including materials.

Patch Repairs

Small patch repairs are difficult to quote per square metre because the set-up time is disproportionate to the area being plastered. Most plasterers quote patch repairs as a day rate or a fixed price per patch. A typical patch repair (up to 2 square metres) might be priced at 80 to 150 pounds as a fixed price.

Step 4: Calculate Your Material Costs

Plastering materials are relatively inexpensive compared to the labour, but you still need to account for them accurately. Here are the main materials and their approximate costs in 2026.

Finishing plaster (Thistle Multi-Finish or Board Finish). A 25kg bag covers approximately 7 to 8 square metres at 2mm thickness. Cost per bag is 9 to 12 pounds from a builders merchant. For a standard room with 34 square metres of wall area plus 12 square metres of ceiling (46 square metres total), you would need approximately 6 to 7 bags.

Base coat plaster (Thistle Hardwall or Bonding Coat). A 25kg bag covers approximately 2.5 to 3.5 square metres at 8mm thickness. Cost per bag is 8 to 11 pounds. Base coat is only needed for full re-plaster or patch repair work.

Plasterboard. Standard 2400mm x 1200mm x 12.5mm boards cost approximately 6 to 9 pounds each, covering 2.88 square metres per board. Moisture-resistant boards cost approximately 9 to 13 pounds each. Tapered-edge boards are best for skim finishing.

Beading. Angle beads for external corners, stop beads for edges, and thin-coat beads for plasterboard joints. Budget approximately 1.50 to 3.00 per linear metre depending on the type.

PVA and bonding agents. Blue grit or PVA is used to prepare smooth surfaces before plastering. A 5-litre tub of PVA costs approximately 8 to 12 pounds and covers a large area.

Scrim tape. Self-adhesive fibreglass tape for plasterboard joints. A 90-metre roll costs approximately 4 to 6 pounds.

Ancillaries. Screws, adhesive (for dot and dab), dust sheets, masking tape. Budget a flat 15 to 25 pounds per room for sundries.

As a rule of thumb, materials for a skim coat typically cost 2 to 4 pounds per square metre. Materials for a full re-plaster cost approximately 5 to 8 pounds per square metre. The vast majority of your quote is labour.

Step 5: Calculate Your Labour Costs

Labour is where most of the value lies in a plastering quote. Your labour charge needs to cover your wages, overheads (van, fuel, insurance, tools), and profit margin. Here are typical timeframes for common plastering jobs.

Skim coat — standard room (walls and ceiling, approx 45m2): 1 day
Skim coat — large room or room with features (approx 60m2): 1.5 days
Full re-plaster — standard room (hack off, two coats, approx 45m2): 2.5 to 3 days
Plasterboard and skim — standard room: 1.5 to 2 days
Ceiling only — skim (approx 12m2): Half day
Ceiling only — board and skim (approx 12m2): 1 day
Full house re-plaster — 3-bed semi (approx 6 rooms): 10 to 15 days

Most experienced plasterers in the UK work on a day rate of 200 to 350 pounds per day, depending on the region and their experience level. London and the South East are at the top of this range, while areas in the North and Wales tend to be lower. If you are unsure what your day rate should be, our day rate calculator can help you work out a figure based on your actual costs and target income.

When calculating labour days, be realistic. Account for set-up time, mixing, cleaning up at the end of each day, and the inevitable small delays. It is far better to quote accurately and deliver on time than to quote optimistically and overrun.

Step 6: Account for Preparation and Additional Work

Preparation work is one of the most commonly underquoted elements of a plastering job. Make sure you account for the following.

Hacking Off

If existing plaster needs to come off, this is hard, dusty, physical work that takes significant time. Budget approximately half a day per room for hacking off plaster from walls, and slightly less for ceilings (assuming the ceiling is being taken down in sheets rather than chipped off). Lath and plaster takes longer to remove than modern plaster on block walls.

Waste Disposal

Old plaster is heavy. A full re-plaster of a 3-bed house generates a surprising volume of waste. Budget for skip hire (a 4-yard mini skip at 200 to 300 pounds, or a 6-yard skip at 250 to 400 pounds) or bagged removal if access is restricted. Include this as a line item in your quote.

Radiator Removal

If you are plastering behind radiators (which you should for a proper finish), you will need to drain and remove them. If you are not a plumber, this needs to be coordinated with the customer. Some plasterers include radiator removal in their price (50 to 80 pounds per radiator for remove and refit), while others specify that the customer arranges this separately. Either way, be clear about it in your quote.

Coving and Skirting

Clarify whether the customer expects you to re-fit coving after plastering. Many customers assume this is included. If you are offering coving as part of your service, price it separately — typically 5 to 10 pounds per linear metre for supply and fit of a standard plaster coving.

Step 7: Build Your Quote With a Sample Breakdown

Here is a sample quote breakdown for a common plastering job — a full re-plaster of a living room measuring 5m by 4m with 2.4m ceilings, including the ceiling.

Wall area: Perimeter 18m x 2.4m = 43.2m2. Minus window (1.5m2) and door (1.7m2) = 40m2 net.
Ceiling area: 5m x 4m = 20m2.
Total area: 60m2.

Hack off existing plaster (walls and ceiling): 1 day labour — 280.00
Skip hire (4-yard): 250.00
Re-bead all external corners and edges: included in plaster labour
Base coat (Thistle Hardwall, 60m2): materials 150.00
Finishing skim coat (60m2): materials 80.00
Plastering labour (base coat and skim, 2.5 days): 700.00
Sundries (PVA, beading, scrim, dust sheets): 35.00
Radiator removal and refit (1 no.): 60.00

Total (excl. VAT): 1,555.00

That works out at approximately 26 pounds per square metre for a full re-plaster including hack off, disposal, and radiator removal. For a skim coat only on the same room, the quote would be significantly lower — roughly 700 to 900 pounds — because you eliminate the hacking off, skip hire, and base coat work.

Present your quote as a professional PDF document with your business details, the customer details, a clear scope of work, the itemised pricing, your terms and conditions, and your warranty period. A well-presented quote significantly increases your conversion rate. Read our guide on why professional proposals win more work for the evidence behind this.

Step 8: Pricing by Room vs Pricing by Square Metre

Many plasterers quote by room rather than by square metre, and both approaches have their merits. Quoting by room is simpler for the customer to understand and easier for you to calculate quickly. However, it can lead to undercharging on large rooms and overcharging on small ones. Quoting by square metre is more precise and easier to justify if the customer queries your price.

As a rough guide for per-room pricing in 2026, here are typical prices for skim coat work across the UK.

Small room (box room / bathroom, approx 25-30m2 walls + ceiling): 350 to 500 pounds
Medium room (standard bedroom, approx 35-45m2): 450 to 650 pounds
Large room (living room, approx 50-65m2): 550 to 850 pounds
Ceiling only (standard room, 10-15m2): 200 to 350 pounds

For multi-room jobs, you can offer a slight discount because you benefit from the efficiency of being on the same site for several days. A full house skim (typically 5 to 7 rooms) might be discounted by 10 to 15 percent compared to the sum of individual room prices.

Step 9: Present and Follow Up

Send your quote within 24 to 48 hours of the site visit. Plastering is not usually emergency work, but customers are often comparing 2 to 3 quotes and the first plasterer to respond professionally has a significant advantage.

When you send the quote, include a brief covering message explaining the key points — the total price, the proposed start date, how long the work will take, and what the customer needs to do to prepare (clearing furniture, etc.). Do not just send a PDF with no explanation.

If you have not heard back within a week, follow up with a brief phone call or text. Many customers take their time deciding, and a polite follow-up shows professionalism without being pushy. Our guide on how to follow up on a quote covers the best approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I charge per square metre for plastering in the UK?

In 2026, UK plasterers typically charge between 8 and 15 pounds per square metre for a skim coat over existing plaster or plasterboard, and between 18 and 30 pounds per square metre for a full re-plaster (hack off and two-coat work). Prices vary significantly by region, with London and the South East commanding the highest rates. These figures include labour and materials but exclude VAT.

How long does it take to plaster a room?

A competent plasterer can skim a standard 4m x 4m room (walls and ceiling) in approximately one day. A full re-plaster of the same room, including hack off, re-beading, and two-coat work, would take 2 to 3 days. Larger rooms, high ceilings, or rooms with many obstacles like alcoves and chimney breasts will take longer. Always build in drying time between coats when scheduling multiple rooms.

What is the difference between a skim coat and a full re-plaster?

A skim coat (also called a finishing coat) is a thin 2-3mm layer of finishing plaster applied over an existing surface that is in reasonable condition, such as plasterboard or existing plaster that is sound but has minor imperfections. A full re-plaster involves removing the existing plaster back to the brick or block, applying a scratch coat (base coat), and then a finishing skim coat. A full re-plaster costs roughly twice as much as a skim coat because of the additional labour and materials involved.

How do I calculate the area of walls for plastering?

Measure the perimeter of the room (total length of all walls) and multiply by the ceiling height. Then subtract the area of any windows and doors. For example, a 4m x 3m room with 2.4m ceiling height has a wall perimeter of 14 metres, giving a wall area of 14 x 2.4 = 33.6 square metres. Subtract roughly 1.6 square metres per door and 1.5 square metres per standard window. Add the ceiling area (4 x 3 = 12 square metres) if you are plastering the ceiling too.