How Much Does It Cost To Plaster A Room?

How Much Does It Cost To Plaster A Room?

Some plasterer’s like to base their prices on predicted room sizes and on average, it can cost between £400 to £500 to plaster a medium-sized room. For larger rooms, the cost can be as much as £1,000 or more. However, for smaller rooms, such as a bathroom, it can cost as little as £150 to £250 to plaster. Alternatively, you may be charge a day rate and depending upon your location, this can be anywhere from £100 to £250 per day.

Why Is Plastering A Ceiling More Expensive Than Walls?

Plastering a ceiling is more expensive than plastering a wall because it requires more skill, time and effort to cover the entire surface of a ceiling. The height of the ceiling must be taken into consideration and it is more difficult to reach the higher areas.

As a general guide, the cost of plastering a ceiling in a room is usually 25% more than a regular wall of the same size. This is primarily due to the complexity and expertise required to plaster a ceiling to a professional standard.

How To Reduce The Cost Of Plastering

In some cases, it may be possible to reduce the cost of plastering a room by doing some of the preparation work yourself. This can involve removing old wallpaper or repairing any damaged surfaces. As well as doing some of the work yourself, it’s also worth getting quotes from multiple plasterers to ensure you are getting the best price for the work too.

What Factors Determine The Plastering Cost?

When calculating the cost of plastering a room, the size of the room is the most important factor to consider. Smaller rooms, such as bathrooms and kitchens will generally take less time and require less material than larger rooms like living rooms and bedrooms. Therefore, this is why the plastering costs vary so much because plastering an average-sized bathroom (for example) would cost approximately £400-£500 while a large bedroom could cost up to £1,200.

The type of plaster used also affects the cost of plastering a room. For example, traditional gypsum plaster is the most common type of plaster used in the UK and that alone can cost between £4 and £7 per square metre. If a different type of plaster is required, such as lime plaster or a specialist finish, the cost of materials can increase quite significantly.

The complexity of the job also affects the cost of plastering a room. For example, if the plastering job requires intricate detailing or difficult angles, it’ll take longer to complete and it will also cost more. Additionally, if the walls need to be prepared for plastering, such as removing old wallpaper or filling cracks and holes, this’ll increase the cost of the job.

Finally, the experience of the plasterer can affect the cost of plastering a room. As with any trade, more experienced plasterers will generally have higher rates than less experienced plasterers. Therefore, it’s important to take your time and research plasterers in your area and get quotes from a few different companies to ensure you are getting the best price for the job.

How Long Does It Take To Plaster A Room?

It typically takes one to two days to plaster a room and this’ll include preparing the walls, applying the plaster and allowing the plaster to dry. Preparing the walls involves filling in any holes or cracks with a filler and then sanding them down.

Applying the plaster involves mixing the plaster with water and then spreading it evenly onto the walls in thin coats (as discussed below). Finally, the plaster must dry for at least 24 hours before it can be painted or wallpapered.

What Are The Pros and Cons of Plastering?

Pros

1. Provides a smooth and even finish to walls and ceilings thus making them look more attractive and aesthetically pleasing.
2. It’s a durable material, meaning it’ll last for many years and stand up to wear and tear.
3. Plaster can be applied quickly and easily, making it a cost-effective solution for interior and exterior walls.
4. Provides great soundproofing and can help keep out unwanted noise.
5. It’s fire-resistant, making it a safe option for areas with a greater fire risk.

Cons

1. It’s a messy job and requires special tools and equipment to apply.
2. It’s not water-resistant, so it shouldn’t be used in areas with a high risk of water damage.
3. Plastering can be expensive and the cost of materials and labour can add up quickly.
4. Prone to cracking and may need to be replaced more often than other wall materials.

How To Plaster A Wall or Ceiling

As a guide on how to apply plaster to a wall or ceiling, below are some brief details:

1. Gather a trowel, hawk, plasterer’s sponge, plaster and a bucket.
2. Prepare the wall by brushing away any dust and debris.
3. Mix the plaster according to the manufacturer’s instructions and pour it into a bucket.
4. Apply the plaster to the wall with a trowel, starting at the top and working your way down.
5. Smooth out the plaster with a hawk and a plasterer’s sponge.
6. Allow the plaster to dry completely before applying a second layer.
7. Repeat the process until you have achieved the desired look.
8. Finally, sand the plaster down to achieve a smooth finish.

How Long Does Plaster Take To Dry

The drying time of plaster depends on several factors, including the type of plaster used, the ambient temperature and the humidity of the room.

In general, plaster takes 24 to 72 hours to dry completely.

Can You Cut Costs & Plaster The Walls Yourself?

There is nothing stopping you plastering a room yourself but it’s important to note that it’s a difficult and time consuming job. If you are inexperienced or not confident in your ability to plaster a wall or ceiling, it is best to hire a professional.

Conclusion

No matter how you approach it, plastering a room requires time and money. Although you can get a quote from many professionals in your local area, it may be worth asking to see examples of the quality of their work. For example, I would much prefer to pay more for a higher quality finish because its quite rare that you’ll have to plaster the same wall or ceiling again. The last thing you would want to happen is for the quality to be poor and having to pay another plasterer to rectify the quality issues.