Plastering Costs – How Much to Dryline & Plaster?

If you are planning to renovate a room or smooth out uneven walls, plastering in the UK typically costs between £10 and £25 per square metre. This means you can expect to pay around £400 to £900 to plaster or dryline a medium-sized room, depending on the wall condition, materials used, and where you live. 

This guide explains everything you need to know about plastering and dry lining costs, what affects the price, and how to decide whether to hire a professional or take on smaller jobs yourself. 

What plastering does and why it matters 

Plastering gives your walls and ceilings a smooth, even finish that is ideal for painting or wallpapering. It also offers thermal insulation, helps to reduce sound transmission, and adds fire resistance, making it both an aesthetic and practical improvement. 

Poor plasterwork can ruin the look of a room, even after expensive paint or wallpaper is applied. A well-finished wall, on the other hand, enhances the overall value and feel of your home. 

There are two main ways to achieve a plastered wall: the traditional wet plastering method and the modern dry lining method. 

User submitted plastering prices

Below are some of the prices we have received from WhatPrice users on plastering jobs completed or quoted, you can also try our plastering cost calculator for an indication of costs.

Job type	Description	Price	Units	Region
Plastering only	Main bedroom and single bedroom. Main bedroom looks good, however single bedroom a mess requiring me to repaint the wall = I was not told that this would happen, so not happy.	£700	Total price	South East
Drylining & plastering	kitchen ceiling four metres by three metres and eight spot light holes need to be filled in	£1400	Total price	South East
Drylining & plastering	1940 house. Bedroom with lath artex ceiling 3m by 3m. Plaster boarded, skimmed, light fitting changed. (Level so decided not to take old ceiling down – too dirty)	£530	Total price	London
Plastering only	ten metres square skim	£266	Total price	South East
Plastering only	Skim ceiling and walls in bathroom Pva walls then skim	£360	Total price	Northern Ireland
Plastering only	20 m2 lounge ceiling	£262	Total price	South West
Plastering only	1927 house. 14m2 bedroom plastered over old Artex finish. Curved edge ceiling plastered down to picture rails. Surface coated in Unibond before plastering. Nice finish.	£400	Total price	South East
Plastering only	labour and materials to plaster the 12’×13′.8″ kitchen ceiling	£387	Total price	North East
Drylining & plastering	Removal of artex and plastering/skimming ceiling (4 x 3m aprox)	£511	Total price	London
Drylining & plastering	Pull down 8X2M ceiling damaged by water; re-board, 2 coat multifinish, pva joins	£620	Total price	East of England
Drylining & plastering	batton a ceiling, insulate with 1 inch celotex, fix plaster board and skim, 2 ceiling lights	£760	Total price	South West
Drylining & plastering	Removal of polystyrene tiles from 2 ceilings, overboard and skim. Overboard and skim, upstairs passageway and landing (small), dining room. Skim only lounge ceiling. Removal of cork tiles from walls (3) in large bathroom. Cash price	£1060	Total price	East Midlands
Drylining & plastering	44 m2 fireline plasterboard and skimmed	£735	Total price	North West
Plastering only	i plastered one ceiling roughly 25m2 and got charged £470	£470	Total price	London
Drylining & plastering	Ceiling overboarded, skimed two coats, two coats of emulsion, no tea or biscuits!	£760	Total price	North West
Drylining & plastering	2 bedrooms, 2 living rooms, hall/landing, attic	£4600	Total price	East Midlands
Drylining & plastering	Got an old hand and very experienced plasterer to part dry line room, i.e. external walls with thermal boards, using dot and dab method as walls were wonky. I drylined and prepped all internal walls. Put 2 layers of plaster to ceiling and walls. 6 days to do 2 rooms with high vaulted ceilings.	£1970	Total price	West Midlands
Drylining & plastering	To remove existing ceiling, add insulation, replace with new plaster boards and skimm with multifinish plaster to cover an area of about 20 square metre.	£850	Total price	London
Drylining & plastering	3 bed semi rip off old plaster dry line all over board old ceilings and skim £4,330 including materials really good job polite and very tidy	£4330	Total price	North West
Drylining & plastering	Kitchen 5mx5.5m. Had 2 guys , they took ceiling down, installed knauf suspended metal ceiling with insulation, plus vapour barrier , plasterboards, taping and jointing and mist coat on ceiling, 3 days £2000 inc materials	£850	Total price	South East
Drylining & plastering	£1800 to dry line dot and dab all 4 walls .Tanking using hey’di k11 . Ceiling plaster boarded and skimmed. Skirting boards replaced. Room 11ft by 14ft.	£1800	Total price	North East & Cumbria
Drylining & plastering	Had ceiling dry lined and skimmed then all walls skimmed as well. 6x6m room.	£550	Total price	East Midlands

Wet plastering (traditional method) 

Wet plastering involves applying several coats of plaster directly onto brick or blockwork. It has been used for centuries and remains the preferred choice for solid, long-lasting walls. 

Because it requires several layers and precise technique, wet plastering is labour-intensive and time-consuming, which is reflected in the higher cost. 

Average cost (materials and labour): 

• £15 to £25 per m² 

• £400 to £800 per medium-sized room 

Advantages 

• Creates a strong, durable finish 

• Excellent sound and heat insulation 

• Provides a seamless, elegant appearance 

Disadvantages 

• More expensive than dry lining 

• Takes longer to dry (often several days) 

• Requires a skilled plasterer for best results 

If you want to attempt plastering yourself, short training courses are available for around £180 to £290. These can help with small repair jobs, though most homeowners find that hiring a professional ensures a superior and longer-lasting finish. 

Dry lining (plasterboard method) 

Dry lining uses large plasterboard sheets that are fixed to the wall using screws, nails, or adhesive (dot and dab). Once fitted, the joints are taped and filled or finished with a skim coat for a smooth result. 

It is a faster, cleaner, and often cheaper alternative to traditional plastering, making it ideal for modern homes or quick renovations. 

Average cost (materials and labour): 

• £12 to £20 per m² 

• £400 to £700 per room 

Advantages 

• Faster installation and minimal mess 

• Suitable for uneven or damaged walls 

• Requires less drying time before decorating 

Disadvantages 

• Slightly less solid than wet plaster 

• Joints can become visible over time 

• Can be damaged more easily by impact 

Material costs 

Plasterboard type	Average price per board	Cost per m²
Standard (1200×2400×12.5mm)	£12	£4.16
Moisture-resistant (bathrooms, kitchens)	£25	£8.68

Plaster skimming and finishing 

Whether you choose wet plastering or dry lining, most walls are completed with a final skim coat. This is a thin 2 to 3mm layer of finishing plaster that produces a smooth, durable surface suitable for decorating. 

Average skimming costs: 

• £8 to £15 per m² 

• £300 to £600 per room 

Skimming requires careful timing and technique. The plaster is first applied evenly, then partially dried for 20 to 40 minutes before being lightly misted with water and polished with a trowel or sponge to create a flawless surface. 

Typical plastering prices

Job type	Average cost	Price per m²	Notes
Skimming existing walls	£30 to £600	£8 to £15	Refreshed finish on old plaster
Dry lining (with skim)	£400 to £700	£12 to £20	Includes materials and finishing
Full replaster	£500 to £900	£15 to £25	Best for damaged or old walls
Ceiling plastering	£250 to £500	£8 to £15	Often higher in period homes
Minor plaster repairs	£150 to £300	–	Patching or small areas only

Plasterer rates: 

• Day rate: £250 to £400 

• Hourly rate: £50 per hour on average 

Prices are generally higher in London and the Southeast, where labour rates can be 10 to 20% above the national average. 

DIY plastering versus hiring a professional 

Option	Benefits	Drawbacks
DIY plastering	Low material cost if you already have tools; good for minor repairs	Requires practice; mistakes are difficult to fix; time-consuming
Professional plasterer	Expert finish, fast turnaround, long-lasting results	Higher upfront cost but often better long-term value

Plastering is one of the few home improvement jobs where experience makes a dramatic difference. Unless you are confident in your skills, hiring a qualified plasterer usually saves time, money, and frustration. 

Factors that affect plastering costs 

Several factors influence the total price of a plastering project: 

1. Room size and wall condition. Larger rooms or walls in poor condition require more preparation and materials. 

2. Type of plaster or board. Standard plaster is cheaper than waterproof or specialist finishes. 

3. Accessibility. High ceilings or awkward corners increase labour time. 

4. Preparation work. Removing wallpaper, old plaster, or damp damage adds cost. 

5. Location. Prices vary by region, with the North of England and Wales generally cheaper than London and the Southeast. 

How to save money on plastering 

• Get multiple quotes. Always compare at least three local plasterers. 

• Book during quieter seasons. Winter months can bring better rates. 

• Prepare the room yourself. Remove furniture, wallpaper, and debris before work starts. 

• Combine jobs. Plastering several rooms at once can reduce the per-m² rate. 

• Choose the right method. Use dry lining where appropriate for faster, more economical results. 

On average professional plastering costs range from £10 to £25 per square metre, depending on the method and finish. A skilled plasterer can transform uneven or dated walls into smooth, durable surfaces ready for decorating, significantly improving your home’s appearance and value. 

While it is possible to handle small patch repairs yourself, investing in professional plastering usually offers better long-term results and fewer headaches. 

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