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myCost of Plasterboard Installation
At a Glance
- The average cost of installing plasterboard is around £730.
- The job will take approximately 2 to 3 days to complete.
- A complete pricing breakdown which includes things you need to consider, along with what such a task usually involves.
- How long the job should approximately take and a general overview of what types of services can be performed.
- How to find and hire a drywall installer on MyJobQuote.
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Want to find out how much drywalling (or plasterboard) costs?
The average cost for installing drywall will be anywhere between £540 and £920.
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This guide covers everything you need to know about the cost of drywalling a house.
£730
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost To Fit Drywall?
The average cost to plasterboard a room can vary between £540 and £920 (materials and labour included), depending on the plasterboard type and the finish required.
The concept of drywalling or plasterboarding your home, rather than having a more traditional method of wet plaster applied to each room, has become increasingly popular in the UK.
Drywall is also known as plasterboard (sometimes referred to as wallboard or gypsum board), a panel made of calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum) encased between two outer layers of paper, used in the construction of interior walls and ceilings.
It's recommended to get up to 3 quotes to get the best price for drywalling your home. MyJobQuote has plenty of plasterers or renderers that can help with a variety of similar jobs in your home.
We are about to embark on a kitchen remodel on our new house, and stripped back the lovely paper that was on the walls and ceiling (!) to find chipped and cracked concrete with some plaster where the tiles were. Is it possible to plaster this, or would it be better to drywall? Thanks!
"Hi, yes it would be better to drywall or you cannot Guarantee the cracks would not reappear and it is not best to plaster over concrete hope this helps and would be happy to give you a quote for this. Thanks Dean"
Drywall Prices
The total plasterboard cost (drywall) will depend on how many rooms you are doing at once, the size of each space and the finish you choose, but the examples below give a good guide for common project types.
These typical prices include both materials and labour for supply and installation.
| Project | Typical total cost | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Small bedroom | £500-£800 | 1 day |
| Average double bedroom | £540-£920 | 1 day |
| Living room | £800-£1,400 | 1-2 days |
| Small flat | £1,400-£2,300 | 1-2 days |
| Average 3-bed house | £4,500-£7,500 | 2-3 days |
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Plasterboard Prices per m²
Many plasterboard installers price work based on the surface area, so understanding typical plasterboard installation cost per m² makes it much easier to estimate your total budget.
The typical cost below covers supply and fit, including all labour and materials.
| Type of work | Typical cost per m² |
|---|---|
| Standard plasterboard walls | £10-£18 |
| Plasterboard ceilings | £22-£31 |
| Dry lining / dot and dab | £12-£22 |
| Moisture or fire-rated plasterboard (upgrade on standard boards) | +£3-£6 per m² |
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Drywall Labour Costs and Timescales
On most jobs, the drywall labour cost is charged either as a day rate or as a labour cost for drywall per m², with the final price depending on how many boards are needed, access, room shape and the finish you choose.
- Typical labour rate per m² — For standard plasterboard walls, expect to pay around £8 to £14 per m² for labour, rising to about £15 to £19 per m² for ceilings and more detailed work, including taping and jointing.
- Typical day rate for a plasterboard installer — A plasterboard or drywall fitter will usually charge in the region of £180 to £250 per day, with larger projects often priced as a fixed quote based on the estimated m² and number of days on site.
- Time to plasterboard a single room — A typical bedroom or similar sized room normally takes around 1 day for an experienced installer or small team to fix plasterboard, finish joints and tidy up.
- Time to plasterboard multiple rooms — Two or three average rooms are often completed in 1 to 2 days, depending on access, ceiling height and how much cutting is needed around windows, doors and services.
- Time to drywall a whole home — An average family home generally takes about 2 to 3 days for a team to plasterboard the main surfaces, with extra time added for awkward spaces, bathrooms with moisture boards or feature details.
- What affects labour cost and time — Rates can be higher if old finishes need stripping, if there are lots of curves or alcoves, or if you want a very high level of finish, so quotes often include phrases such as "depending on company, conditions and finish required."
Factors Affecting Drywalling Costs
Plasterboard (drywall) installation quotes can vary a lot from one home to another. The list below highlights the main factors that affect plasterboard installation cost and explains why two similar sized rooms can sit at different points within the typical £540 to £920 range for a standard room.
- Room size and layout — Larger rooms with more wall and ceiling area simply need more boards and labour, so a small bedroom might cost around £500 to £800 while a bigger living room could be £800 to £1,400 or more. Awkward layouts with high ceilings, sloping ceilings, alcoves or lots of cutting around windows and doors can easily add 10% to 20% to the overall plasterboard cost for that room.
- Type of plasterboard — Standard boards sit at the lower end of typical plasterboard installation cost per m², often around £10 to £18 per m² including labour, while moisture‑resistant, fire‑rated or acoustic plasterboard usually adds around £3 to £6 per m² on top. On a 20 m² bathroom or partition wall, upgrading to moisture‑resistant or fire‑rated boards could therefore add roughly £60 to £120 to the total price.
- Finish level — A simple tape and joint finish is usually the cheapest, but asking for a full skim coat or a very high Level finish can push labour up, often adding another £4 to £8 per m². That could move a straightforward bedroom from the lower end of the £540 to £920 range towards the higher end if you want perfectly smooth, paint‑ready walls and ceilings.
- Access and site conditions — Working in an empty, easy‑to‑access room is quicker and cheaper than plasterboarding in a fully furnished space, a top‑floor flat with no lift or a property with limited parking or difficult staircases. Extra time for bringing boards in, protecting floors and moving furniture can add a half day or more to the job, which may mean an extra £100 to £250 on the total labour cost.
- Location and local labour rates — Labour costs for drywall and plasterboard are generally higher in major cities and high‑cost areas than in smaller towns and rural locations. A plasterboard installer’s day rate that might be around £180 to £250 in many areas can sit towards the top of that band or slightly higher in city centres, pushing up the total cost of a full house from roughly £4,500 to £7,500 towards the upper end of that range.
- Preparation work and extras — Removing old plaster or damaged boards, fixing framing, adding insulation behind the boards or installing fire‑stopping and access panels will all increase the price. As a rough guide, stripping back and preparing a tired room can easily add £150 to £400 to the quote, or an extra £3 to £8 per m² where significant preparation or upgrades are needed.
Things to Consider When Drywalling a House
Once you have an idea of typical plasterboard costs, it is worth thinking about the practical details that can affect both price and the quality of the finish.
- Decide which rooms need special boards — Bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms may need moisture‑resistant plasterboard, while some walls and ceilings will require fire‑rated or acoustic boards to meet Building Regulations, which can add a few pounds per m² compared to standard boards.
- Confirm the finish you want — Ask your installer whether the quote includes basic tape and joint, a full skim coat or a higher Level 5 finish, as higher finishes take longer and can move a room towards the top end of the typical £540 to £920 range.
- Plan for preparation and access — Let the contractor know if old plaster needs to be removed, if furniture must be moved or protected, or if access and parking are difficult, as this can add extra labour time and cost.
- Check what is included in the quote — A detailed plasterboard quote should list the board types and thicknesses, taping and jointing, any skimming, waste removal and making good, so you can compare prices like‑for‑like between companies.
- Coordinate with other trades — It is usually best to complete first‑fix electrics and plumbing before plasterboarding, and to book painters after the boards have been taped and sanded, to avoid extra visits and delays.
Plasterboard vs Traditional Plaster
The cost to plaster a room and the plasterboard cost for the same space are often similar, and most homeowners find that plastering costs vary depending on room size and plaster type.
For a small room, standard plastering typically costs £450 to £650, rising to £850 to £1,150 for a living room, while a skim plastering finish costs from £15 to £25 per square metre.
The cost to plasterboard a room typically runs from £540 to £920 for an average double bedroom, making plasterboard cost broadly comparable to a plastering job of similar size.
Plasterboard has several advantages over traditional wet plaster that most homeowners find make it worth considering as an alternative plaster type:
- It is much quicker to install, which generally makes it a cost-effective option and helps you budget accurately from the start.
- It can help to reduce noise when combined with materials that provide additional insulation.
- Plasterboard offers a durable finish with no drying time.
- It offers some fire-resistant properties due to the water naturally present in the gypsum crystals.
- You can paint the walls as soon as they've been installed, rather than having to wait for the plaster to dry out first, saving money on follow-on work.
- Specialist finishes, such as Venetian plaster or decorative finishes, can also be applied over plasterboard for a premium result.
For these reasons, plasterboard installation is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to the traditional method of plastering an indoor wall.
Building Regulations and Planning Permission
Most internal plasterboard and drywall projects do not need planning permission, but building regulations will usually apply if you are building new internal walls, removing walls or changing how spaces are used.
Planning Permission for Internal Walls
Re-boarding existing walls and ceilings or adding simple stud partitions inside a home is normally classed as internal alteration and does not require planning permission. However, you may need consent if your home is listed or in a conservation area. It is always worth checking with your local planning authority or the Planning Portal guidance on internal walls before starting work.
When Building Regulations Apply
Building regulations approval is generally needed if you build a new internal wall, remove an existing wall or create a new opening, especially where the wall is load bearing or forms part of a fire escape route or sound insulating partition between rooms or dwellings.
In England and Wales this work is typically checked against the Building Regulations 2010, including Approved Document A (Structure), Approved Document B (Fire safety) and Approved Document E (Resistance to sound).
In particular, you may need:
- Fire-resistant plasterboard — Certain walls and ceilings, such as those between an attached garage and the house or on escape routes like stairwells, often need to achieve a specific period of fire resistance, which is usually met with fire‑rated plasterboard systems. Using fire‑resistant boards and extra layers can add a few pounds per m² to your plasterboard installation cost but is important for safety and compliance.
- Acoustic and moisture-resistant boards — Bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms commonly use moisture‑resistant plasterboard, while party walls, separating walls and some bedroom or living room partitions may need acoustic plasterboard or additional layers to meet sound insulation guidance. These performance boards typically cost more than standard plasterboard, so they can push a project towards the higher end of the price ranges shown earlier.
A qualified plasterboard or drywall installer can advise which board types and wall or ceiling constructions are suitable for your project and what approvals are required. This helps you avoid failed inspections or costly remedial work if the wrong products or build‑ups are used.
What's Involved in Plasterboarding a Room?
Installing drywall is very heavy work, and if you don't hang the drywall correctly, a neat and smooth surface will never be achieved.
As a result, most homeowners choose to hire a professional drywall fitter for the job rather than attempt it themselves.
With MyJobQuote, you can request several quotes from local drywall fitters. It's fast, free, and there is no obligation to go ahead.
Here is a quick look at the process of how a professional will plasterboard a room:
Before the Job Starts
- Wall Condition Check — Before work begins, the installer will check for any existing plaster, damp, or uneven surfaces that need to be addressed first, as these can affect how the installation is carried out.
- Measuring Up — The room will be measured carefully so the correct number of plasterboard sheets can be ordered, taking into account room size and ceiling height.
- Trade Coordination — First-fix electrics and plumbing should be complete before work begins, so the installer will confirm this is in place before installing drywall.
During the Job
- Fixing Plasterboard — An average plasterboard panel measures 2.4m x 1.2m and can weigh around 25 to 30kg, making this physically demanding work requiring the right equipment, such as a drywall hoist to safely position sheets.
- Jointing and Finishing — This is a skilled job that sees up to three layers of jointing compound applied to seams and corners to cover all joints and fasteners. Rushing this stage will prevent a smooth surface from being achieved.
After the Job
- Sanding and Checking — Once the jointing compound is dry, the surface is sanded back to achieve a seamless finish and checked carefully before decoration begins.
- Ready to Decorate — Once installed and finished, you can apply primer and paint directly onto the surface, or request a skim coat from a professional plasterer for an even smoother result.
Checklist: Hiring a Drywall Specialist
Consider these key points before hiring a drywall professional:
- Are they insured for their work? While not a legal requirement, having public liability insurance covers against any accidental damage or injury. Likewise, with any tradesmen you should check the drywalling comes with a guarantee in the event of any unforeseen issues.
- Have you gathered at least three quotes? Find a professional company via MyJobQuote and remember to follow the golden rule of getting a minimum of three quotes before choosing the tradesmen you wish to hire.
- What’s included in the quote? Before deciding, double check exactly what the price includes, if unsure ask for the quote to be broken down into separate lines. It should then be clear whether the likes of taping, delivery of materials, and waste removal are all included.
- Do they have examples of similar work? Look for before and after photos of previous drywall jobs, check their MyJobQuote profile or ask friends and family for recommendations so you can gauge the quality of their work before agreeing to give them the go ahead.
- Do they have positive reviews? Check feedback from other homeowners on MyJobQuote to see if previous clients were satisfied with the workmanship and professionalism of your chosen drywall specialist.
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FAQs
Do I Need to Plaster Over Drywall Before Painting?
No, the great thing about drywalling is once they're installed, providing the surface is smooth, you can add your primer and then paint over them once it's dried. Just make sure you've taped over any areas you don't want to get paint, such as borders or light switches.
Do I Need Different Types of Plasterboard in Different Rooms?
Yes, plasterboards are often designed for different environments. For example, moisture-resistant boards are ideal for areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, whereas acoustic boards can help reduce noise between rooms. You can also purchase boards with a higher fire-rating, adding an extra level of protection.
Can Drywall Be Installed Over Existing Walls or Ceilings?
Yes, rather than removing old walls and ceilings, drywall can often be installed directly over existing surfaces. This can save time on demolition and reduce labour fees, however, potential concerns such as damp or structural issues will still need addressing first.
Do I Need to Insulate Drywalling?
Although you don't have to, it is recommended to add insulation - especially in rooms where temperatures may fluctuate or as a way of helping noise reduction. Installing insulation can also help with energy efficiency, potentially reducing energy bills.
Can Plasterboard Improve Soundproofing and Insulation?
Standard plasterboard gives basic sound and heat performance, but using acoustic boards and adding insulation behind the lining can significantly reduce noise and heat loss while increasing the overall cost per m².
Can You Drywall an Exterior Wall?
Yes, drywalling an exterior wall is possible, however you need to ensure it is carried out properly. As well as insulation, you will also need to consider vapour barriers and adding moisture control layers, as a drywall should not be applied directly to a cold or damp surface.
Can I Plasterboard a Room Myself?
Drywall is a fairly easy material to use, and plasterboard sheets are relatively inexpensive to purchase, but installing drywall incorrectly can lead to additional costs.
A drywall specialist will already have the tools and machinery required, and the ability to work efficiently. Whether it is a standard plastering job, dry plastering or a skim plastering finish over existing plaster, getting the right professional makes a real difference to the result.
A drywall specialist will already have the tools and machinery required, and the ability to work efficiently. Whether it is a standard plastering job, dry plastering or a skim plastering finish over existing plaster, getting the right professional makes a real difference to the result.
