Estimated Costs for Internal Plastering Work: Factors Considered in Your Budget Planning
Planning a home renovation, new build, or repair job? Plastering is essential for creating smooth, durable walls and ceilings that are perfect for painting or wallpapering. However, the cost of internal plastering can significantly vary based on factors like location, project type, labor costs, and chosen finish.
To make informed decisions for your project, let's break down the major costs involved in internal plastering:
Factors affecting internal plastering costs
1. Renovation vs new build
Older homes may require more preparation, such as fixing cracks in ceilings, repairing old lath and plaster, or addressing dampness issues. New builds, on the other hand, typically feature clean, smooth surfaces that are easier and quicker to plaster.
2. Project size
Small room plastering
Larger rooms might require more materials and labor, but because plasterers can cover larger areas more efficiently, the cost per square meter could decrease for larger projects. Small, confined spaces, such as box rooms or bathrooms, may cost more per square meter due to work accessibility issues.
£400/£700
3. Project complexity
3x3m (9m2 walls)
Complex plastering jobs, such as ceilings or very high walls, require additional labor, time, and expertise. Expert plastering techniques, like those required for original lath and plaster walls, curved surfaces, or decorative details, also increase costs.
1-2 days
4. Accessibility
Working in confined areas, around exposed beams, or in loft conversions can make the job more challenging and costly for the plasterer.
Large room plastering
5. Condition of existing walls and ceilings
£700/£1500
If the current plaster is in poor condition, additional repair work is necessary before new plaster can be applied. This can add to labor costs.
5x4m (20m2 walls)
6. Plasterboard type
2-4 days
The choice of plasterboard can impact costs. Standard plasterboard is the cheapest and can be used for most internal walls and ceilings, but moisture-resistant, fire-resistant, or acoustic plasterboard is more expensive but provides better performance in specific situations. Insulated plasterboard, which offers improved thermal performance, is the most expensive option.
7. Finish
Small room skimming
The chosen plaster finish will also determine the cost. Skimming, which involves applying a thin layer of plaster over plasterboard or existing plaster, is typically the most budget-friendly. Two-coat plastering, a tougher and longer-lasting finish, consists of a base and finishing coat and is more costly than skimming. Decorative or Venetian plaster requires specialist skills and is more expensive.
£300/£500
8. Location
3x3m (9m2 walls)
Labor costs can vary based on factors such as task complexity, level of skill, and geographical location. Generally, labor prices are higher in London and the South East than in rural areas or the North.
1-2 days
9. Additional costs
Depending on your project, you may need to factor in costs for scaffolding, skip hire, rubbish removal, and extended project schedules due to plaster drying times (particularly in colder months).
Large room skimming
Costs for different plastering techniques
£500/£900
The sort of plastering you choose will impact both the overall cost and project duration. Here are some of the most common plastering techniques and their average costs:
5x4m (20m2 walls)
1. Gypsum plastering
2-3 days
- Widely used, cost-effective, and quick-drying.
- Drying time: 3-5 days before decorating.
- Cost: £25-£40 per square meter.
2. Wet plastering
Repairing cracks in plaster
- Traditional method used for masonry walls, featuring a two-coat system (base and finishing coat).
- Drying time: 5-7 days before decorating.
- Cost: £30-£50 per square meter.
£100/£250
3. Dry lining
Small cracks across a wall
- Uses plasterboard sheets adhered to walls with a 'dot and dab' technique or attached to metal or timber studwork.
- Drying time: 1 day; decorating can begin once jointing compound has dried.
- Cost: £20-£40 per square meter (plus skimming if necessary).
2-5 hours
4. Lime plastering
- Used for eco-friendly renovations or older homes, this flexible and porous plaster controls moisture and is less likely to crack.
- Drying time: 1-2 weeks before decorating.
- Cost: £70-£100 per square meter.
Plastering over or repairing a large hole
5. Polished plaster or Venetian plaster
£150/£400
- Decorative plaster made of lime and marble dust, providing a luxurious marble-like finish.
- Requires specialist application skills, which makes it more expensive than normal plastering.
- Drying time: 24-48 hours between coats (several coats will be required).
- Cost: £100-£150 per square meter.
0.5-2 m2 area
6. Waterproof lime plaster or tadelakt
3-6 hours
- A Moroccan waterproof lime-based plaster, sealed with olive soap to produce a durable, water-resistant and smooth finish.
- Substituted for tiles in wet areas like showers and baths.
- Drying time: 7-10 days, before final sealing and application.
- Cost: £120-£180 per square meter.
In planning a home renovation, new build, or repair job, consider the costs associated with internal plastering. Older homes require more preparation like fixing cracks, repairing old lath and plaster, or addressing dampness issues, which can increase costs.
For a small room plastering, the cost per square meter may range from £400 to £700, while larger rooms might decrease in cost per square meter due to the plasterer's ability to cover larger areas more efficiently. However, confined spaces such as box rooms or bathrooms may cost more per square meter due to work accessibility issues.
Complex plastering jobs, like ceilings or very high walls, require additional labor, time, and expertise, and increase costs. Working in confined areas, around exposed beams, or in loft conversions can also add to the cost.
If the current plaster is in poor condition, additional repair work is necessary before new plaster can be applied, adding to the labor costs.
The choice of plasterboard can impact costs. While standard plasterboard is the cheapest, moisture-resistant, fire-resistant, or acoustic plasterboard is more expensive but provides better performance in specific situations.
The chosen plaster finish will also determine the cost. Skimming, which involves applying a thin layer of plaster over plasterboard or existing plaster, is the most budget-friendly. Two-coat plastering, a tougher and longer-lasting finish, is more costly. Decorative or Venetian plaster requires specialist skills and is more expensive.
Location can affect labor costs, with higher labor prices typically found in London and the South East compared to rural areas or the North.
Depending on your project, you may need to factor in costs for scaffolding, skip hire, rubbish removal, and extended project schedules due to plaster drying times, particularly in colder months.
When choosing a plastering technique, consider its impact on overall cost and project duration. For example, gypsum plastering is quick-drying and cost-effective, while polished plaster or Venetian plaster offers a luxurious finish but requires specialist application skills and is more expensive.
