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. Costs vary depending on ceiling size, method, and location.

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.

The average cost of plastering a ceiling per m² is between £20–£35. Skimming sits at the lower end of this range, whereas full wet plastering falls at the mid-higher end.

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.

Plastering Ceiling Cost Calculator

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 will depend on the size of the room and the type of plaster used. Below is an approximate guide. Small ceilings are generally up to 10m², medium around 15m², and large around 25m².

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

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Supply Cost to Plaster a Ceiling

In most cases, a plasterer will include the cost of materials in their quote, so the prices in the tables above should be treated as all-in figures. The supply costs below are most useful if you're planning a DIY project and want to budget for materials separately, or if you want to understand what proportion of a quote is going on materials. As a general rule, materials account for around 30–40% of the total cost.

Cost to Skim a Ceiling

Skimming involves applying a thin finishing coat of plaster over an existing surface to create a smooth, paintable result. It's the most common ceiling plastering job and is generally quicker and less expensive than full replastering, as no base coats are needed.

It's suitable when the existing ceiling is structurally sound but the surface is tired, slightly uneven, or has minor cracking. If the ceiling is sagging, heavily damaged, or water-stained, a full replaster or overboarding is likely needed instead.

For skimming over Artex, additional coats are needed to achieve a smooth finish, which makes it more time-consuming than a standard skim.

Ceiling Plaster Repair and Maintenance Costs

Not every ceiling issue requires a full replaster. Below are the most common repair jobs and their typical costs.

For minor surface cracks, filler may be sufficient. However, skimming the full ceiling will give a more consistent finish overall and is worth considering if the plaster is more widely uneven or tired.

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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.

Plastering Over or Removing Artex

If your ceiling has an Artex finish, the cost will depend on whether it needs to be plastered over or fully removed. See our Artex removal cost guide for a full breakdown.

Note: Artex applied before the mid-1980s may contain asbestos. Always have it tested before any work begins. Asbestos removal costs vary depending on the extent of the removal needed.

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.

Factors That Impact Ceiling Plastering Costs

A number of variables can affect the price you're quoted. The main ones to be aware of are:

• Type of plaster — Plasterboard is the most expensive option at £10 to £55 per board. Wet plaster options range from £0.35 per kg for multi-finish up to £1.20 per kg for undercoat plaster.
• Ceiling size — The larger the area, the more materials and time are required.
• Location — Plasterers in London typically charge more per day than those in the North West or Wales. Travel costs may also apply in rural areas.
• Ceiling height and access — Higher ceilings are slower to work on. Scaffolding or specialist access equipment may be needed, adding to the overall cost.
• Condition of the existing ceiling — Heavily cracked, sagging, or water-damaged ceilings may need overboarding before skimming, which adds both material and labour costs.
• Artex finish — Plastering over Artex takes longer than a standard skim due to the additional coats required.
• Quality of finish — A standard smooth finish is the most affordable. Specialist or decorative finishes will cost more.
• Number of coats — Traditional wet plastering often requires multiple visits to apply additional layers, which increases labour costs compared to dry lining.

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.

What's Involved in Plastering a Ceiling?

Ceiling plastering is a skilled job and generally not suited to DIY. Most homeowners hire a professional to ensure a clean, long-lasting finish. It's worth getting quotes from at least 3 plasterers — MyJobQuote can help you find plasterers near you.

Here's a brief overview of what the job typically involves.

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?

Ceiling plastering is one of the harder plastering jobs to attempt without experience. The main difficulty is timing — skim plaster hardens quickly, and working overhead makes it physically tiring. If the skim goes wrong, a plasterer will likely need to strip it back and start again, adding to the overall cost.

For most homeowners, hiring a professional is the more cost-effective option. If you'd like to try it yourself, our guides below cover the key steps.

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

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.

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