Cost to Plaster a Ceiling

Wondering how much it costs to plaster a ceiling?

In this guide, we look at the ceiling plasterer prices, plasterboarding a ceiling cost, and skimming and plastering ceilings of different sizes.

But keep in mind: getting quotes early will give you a better idea of what's realistic. You don't need to be ready to start work before having a chat with a local plasterer!

Get free quotes from plasterers near you on MyJobQuote. It's quick, easy, and there's no obligation to go ahead.

Scroll down to find our full guide to plastering ceiling costs!

How Much to Plaster a Ceiling?

How much does it cost to plaster a ceiling in the UK?

Plastering prices may vary depending on the size of your ceiling. For instance, a small ceiling typically costs £240 to £390 in wet plaster, between £320 to £490 for a medium-sized ceiling, and £550 to £750 for a large ceiling.

These prices are based on wet plaster installation, a method where a wet gypsum mix is applied to create a smooth and durable finish.

However, if you would prefer plasterboard, then you should expect to pay between £460 to £580 for a small ceiling, £680 to £800 for an average-sized ceiling, and £900 to £1,050 for a large ceiling.

But, how do you know if you need to re-plaster your ceiling?

If the plaster on your ceiling is cracked and falling down, you know it's time to re-plaster - although it isn't always that obvious.

If your ceilings look a bit tired and painting never makes much difference, then it's time to consider having the plaster renewed to provide a fresh and smooth new canvas on which to base your decorating efforts.

Plastering Ceiling Prices

Here is a breakdown of typical plastering costs for different-sized ceilings with plasterboard and wet plaster.

These prices may vary depending on how long the job takes and how high your ceilings are, as the steeper the ceiling, the harder it will be to plaster.

Supply Cost to Plaster a Ceiling

If you wish to know how much of your budget is being spent on the plaster, in other words not including labour fees, below are some cost estimates to help give you an idea. As a general rule, materials account for around 30–40% of the overall cost, with the balance split between labour fees and additional overheads such as travel expenses.

Find Tradespeople, compare up to 3 quotes!

It's FREE and there are no obligations

Get started

Additional Costs of Plastering a Ceiling

To calculate the full cost of plastering, you should look at additional jobs that may need to be performed alongside skimming plasterboard and ceiling plastering.

Painting and Decorating

You can decorate your room once your ceiling has been plastered, although as to how long you should wait for plaster to dry out depends on the condition, but normally 3 to 5 days should be sufficient. You can then choose to paint the room yourself, or hire a professional to do it for you.

The average cost of painting your walls is around £440, however, if you need to have any old wallpaper removed, you could end up paying £540 or more.

Installing a Light Fitting

After your ceiling has been plastered and painted, you can install any light fixtures to brighten the room.

Again, you can fix a ceiling light yourself or call a professional electrician to install and wire your lighting. Installing a new light fitting costs anywhere from £150 for a single lightweight pendant, to £950 for a 6-lamp lighting grid.

Plastering a Wall

You may also want to consider plastering your walls along with your ceiling, which will completely rejuvenate your living space.

The cost of plastering a wall is generally around £250 for a single wall, or for plastering repairs, you can expect to pay £170 to £400.

When hiring someone, make sure you employ someone who knows how to plaster a wall while providing a high-quality finish.

Labour Cost to Plaster a Ceiling & Timescales

The average labour cost for a plaster is typically around £170 per day for general plastering and repairs jobs. However, they may charge up to £230 to plaster a ceiling, as it tends to be a more difficult task. Labour fees are also usually higher in London and the South East compared to the UK average.

The timescale of plastering a ceiling will depend on the size of the room and the type of plaster used. Below is an approximate guide:

Please note, these timescales are approximate and can vary depending on ceiling height, room access, and the complexity of the job.

Ask a Trade

Got a question that only a tradesperson can answer? We have thousands of trades ready to answer any question you may have.

Ask your question

Factors That Impact Ceiling Plastering Costs

To determine how much to plaster a ceiling, you will need to consider the following factors:

Type of Plaster

The type of plaster used is one of the most important factors, as different types of plaster have varying costs.

For instance, plasterboard is the most expensive as it costs anywhere from £10 to £55 per board.

There are also varying prices for wet plaster options, with cheap choices including multi-finish plaster, which costs £0.35 to £0.50 per kg.

Undercoat plaster is normally priced at £0.50 to £1.20 per kg, and finishing plaster costs £0.80 to £0.95 per kg.

Location of Property

Where you live is also a considerable factor, as tradespeople tend to change their rates depending on how far they travel, so if you live in a rural area, you should expect to pay more.

You will also receive higher quotes from plasterers in London who typically charge £230 per day, while tradespeople in the north-west normally have a set daily rate of £170.

Ease of Access

Another key element that is considered when evaluating a plastering job is the level of access to the ceiling, as lower ceilings tend to be much easier to work with.

If you have a high ceiling, this will be much harder to plaster, so whoever you hire may charge extra, as it will be more time-consuming and challenging.

Size of Ceiling

Before giving you a price, a plasterer may ask for measurements or take a look at the space to assess the size of the ceiling, as the larger your ceiling is, the more you will pay.

For example, a small bedroom ceiling may only cost £250 to £580, while a large living room ceiling is typically priced at £550 to £1,050.

Quality of Finish

The plaster finish you choose will also determine the price, as some are harder to achieve than others. If you have a low budget, consider plain cement plaster, one of the most popular finishes.

Another common choice is sand face plaster, which is made by mixing one part cement with four parts sand, although this is more for exterior plastering or walls that are prone to damp and less-common in domestic circumstances. This finish gives the surface a distinctive sandy texture and appearance. However, it is generally more expensive because the process takes longer and requires precision when applying.

What's Involved in Plastering a Ceiling?

Being able to plaster a ceiling requires skill, precision, and the right tools to ensure a smooth, long-lasting finish. It can often prove harder than plastering a wall, and mistakes can be costly and difficult to fix.

As this isn’t a DIY-friendly job, most homeowners choose to hire a professional plasterer to have the work carried out to a high standard. This enables it to be done safely and efficiently, whereas trying to do so yourself can also prove to be a time-consuming exercise.

It’s also perfectly normal (and in fact, widely recommended) to receive quotes from at least three separate plasterers. With the help of MyJobQuote you can receive quotes from plasterers near you, to ensure you’re getting a fair price and a tradesperson you can trust, without any further obligations.

If you're unsure of what's involved in the plastering process, here's how to plaster a ceiling.

Before Plastering

• Measuring the Ceiling — The tradesman should measure the ceiling (and floor space for non-sloping ceilings) to ensure the correct amount of material is prepared. Accurate measurements help prevent shortages or unnecessary waste.
• Preparing the Room — Furniture and flooring should be removed or carefully covered to avoid damage during the plastering process.
• Ceiling Preparation — Any uneven patches should be sanded down, dust and dirt removed, and a degreaser applied if needed to ensure the plaster adheres correctly.

During Plastering

• Applying Wet Plaster — Plaster is mixed with equal parts water and plaster, then applied in thin layers using a skimming technique. The first layer should be left for 48 hours before a second layer is added to build a smooth surface.
• Installing Plasterboards — Boards are lined up in the corners of the room and supported with noggins between the joists. Perforated plaster tape is applied over the joints to strengthen the seams.
• Filling Joints — Joint filler is mixed to a smooth, stiff paste and applied to the exposed joints with a trowel. This should then be left for at least 24 hours to set properly.

After Plastering

• Sanding and Cleaning — Once the joint filler has set, the ceiling is sanded with 120-grit paper to create a smooth surface. All dust is cleared away to leave the room clean and ready for decoration.

Can I Plaster a Ceiling Myself?

Plastering may look easy, but don't be tempted to try and do it yourself just because you have seen a plasterer do it and it looked easy. Plastering is one of the trades where getting a professional to do the work for you pays off every time.

This is because it is a highly-skilled trade with its own tools and techniques, which some never really get the knack for, no matter how much they practice.

The main thing that catches out most DIY enthusiasts is just how quickly skim plaster goes hard. Skimming is as much about timing as anything else, as going for a polished finish too late, or too quickly, can result in a mess.

Once skim has gone hard, you cannot work with it anymore. The only option is to smooth it by sanding, which will take a long time and is incredibly tiring, especially when you're working with your arms overhead.

But, it is the mixing of the skim plaster where it all goes wrong for many new to plastering. The plaster has to be mixed to a thick, sloppy consistency with no lumps. Always add dry plaster to water and mix, never add water to the powder.

However, if you know how to skim a wall, doing your skim plastering can save you a fortune. But, very few do have the skills to achieve a professional-looking finish, plus when you get it wrong, it can cost even more to put it right (the plasterer will likely have to strip off the mess you have made, and start again).

If you are a particularly handy person and think you can do it, it may be worth buying a sheet of plasterboard and practising for a few hours.

Check out our how-to guide on plastering:

• How to plasterboard a ceiling
• How to skim a wall
• How to Artex a wall or ceiling

Types of Ceiling Plaster

Different types of ceiling plaster may vary in cost due to broader construction trends.

Our Construction Statistics page gives up-to-date insight on the latest trends in construction.

There are various types of plaster that can be used on a ceiling, including:

Ceiling Plasterboard Cost

Plasterboard is a board made of two sheets of paper bonded together with plaster.

The average cost of plasterboard is normally around £10 to £55 per board.

Pros

• ✔ Easy to install compared to wet plastering
• ✔ Lower risk of cracking
• ✔ More DIY-friendly than wet plastering

Cons

• ✖ Not suitable for all ceilings, especially those that slope or have awkward angles
• ✖ Soundproofing properties are not as good as wet plaster

Ceiling Wet Plaster Cost

Wet plastering is a traditional method that involves mixing water with lime, gypsum, or cement to create a smooth and durable finish.

Plaster tends to range between £0.35 per kg for to £1.20 per kg for undercoat, multi-finish, and finishing wet plaster.

Pros

• ✔ Flexible application, suitable for awkward angles, high surfaces, and different sizes and shapes
• ✔ Clean, smooth finish with a high-quality seal
• ✔ More airtight than plasterboards

Cons

• ✖ Less suitable for DIY enthusiasts
• ✖ Long drying times
• ✖ Higher labour costs as wet plaster often needs repeat visits to add extra layers

Does My Ceiling Need Plastering?

Assuming the original work has been carried out to a professional standard, plastering can last well over 10 years - providing it hasn't become damaged.

However, you should consider having your ceiling replastered if you have had any roof leaks, or notice any damp stains. If plastering has become moist, over time it can start to peel, rot or lose its adhesive qualities over time.

So, how can you tell if a wall needs plastering?

Plaster sets to a hard finish to create a solid surface, however, the top layer is usually only around 5mm thick. Over time, this layer can weaken and start to crack.

Here are some signs your wall may need replastering:

• Cracks appearing on the surface.
• Especially if they're deep or start to spread.
• Hollow sound when you tap or knock on the ceiling.
• Flaking, peeling, or crumbling plaster.
• Damp patches, stains, or discolouration on the surface.
• Uneven areas can indicate plaster has started to detach.

Benefits of Plastering a Ceiling

Having your ceiling plastered offers a wide range of benefits, including:

• Smoother Appearance – One of the biggest advantages of having your ceiling plastered is that it provides a smooth finish, which is much more attractive. This will enhance the look of your property and potentially help increase its value.
• Easy to Paint Over – Plastering your ceiling will make it a lot easier to paint over, as it provides a smooth and durable surface which will make the painting process quicker, and will also enable it to last longer.
• No More Cracks – Having your ceiling plastered will also repair any cracks in the sealing and make it a lot safer, while also helping to prevent leaks. Before the plastering begins, the tradesman will patch up any cracks and sand over them to ensure they do not reopen.
• Improved Insulation – Plastering can help with thermal and sound insulation, keeping rooms warmer and quieter. It also adds an extra layer that helps maintain a more consistent temperature and reduces noise from other rooms or outside, making your home more comfortable overall.

Ceiling Plaster Repair and Maintenance Cost

To ensure your plaster remains in good condition, you may need to hire a professional to perform the following repairs and maintenance.

Ceiling Skimming Cost

Skimming is the process of applying a thin layer of plaster over existing plaster to make the surface smoother.

You can hire a professional to skim your ceiling, which will cost anywhere from £180 to £240 for a full day's work.

Ceiling Crack Filling Cost

If you have any cracks in your ceiling, you can hire a plasterer to repair them for you, which typically costs around £50.

Checklist: Hiring a Plasterer Near You With MyJobQuote

Before hiring someone, you should take a look at the following checklist to ensure you choose the right person for the job:

• Have they inspected your ceiling in person? A plasterer should always check the condition of your ceiling before giving a quote to provide an accurate estimate.
• Do they hold recognised plastering qualifications? Ask whether they have formal training, such as a Level 2 Technical Certificate in Plastering or a Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Plastering.
• Do they have employer’s liability and public liability insurance? These insurances protect both you and the plasterer if an accident or damage occurs during the job.
• Did they provide an itemised breakdown of costs? Ask for a detailed breakdown so you can see exactly what’s included in the fee and avoid hidden costs later.
• Have you checked their previous work and reviews? Look at examples of past projects and read reviews on MyJobQuote to confirm they’re trustworthy, reliable, and produce quality results.
• Have you compared quotes? Getting at least three quotes from different plasterers helps ensure you’re getting a fair and competitive price, MyJobQuote can help you find plasterers local to your area.

FAQs