Wall Plastering Cost London
Understanding the cost of wall plastering helps you budget accurately for any renovation project. This guide covers the cost to skim a wall, plasterboard a wall, and render external walls — with per-square-metre pricing that makes comparing quotes straightforward.
How much does wall plastering cost in London?
Wall plastering in London costs £8–£15 per m² to skim over existing plaster, £20–£35 per m² to plasterboard and skim, and £40–£70 per m² to render external walls. A single standard wall costs £100–£200 to skim; most plasterers have an £80–£100 minimum charge. London Plastering Service covers all 32 boroughs and quotes within 60 minutes.
- Skimming £8–£15 per m²
- Plasterboard + skim £20–£35/m²
- Rendering £40–£70/m²
- Single wall £100–£200
- £80–£100 minimum charge
- All 32 London boroughs covered
How Much Does Wall Plastering Cost?
Wall plastering costs in London depend on the type of plastering required, the condition of the existing wall, and the size of the area. The most common types are skimming (applying a thin coat over existing plaster), plasterboarding (fixing new boards to the wall then skimming), and rendering (external plastering).
Below is a complete breakdown of wall plastering costs per square metre, with realistic London pricing for 2026.
Wall Plastering Prices Per Square Metre
| Wall Plastering Type | Cost Per m² | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Skimming over existing plaster | £8–£15 | Labour + multi-finish plaster |
| Skimming over artex/textured surface | £12–£20 | Bonding agent + skim coat |
| Plasterboarding (dot & dab) + skim | £18–£30 | Boards, adhesive, skim coat |
| Plasterboarding (screw fix) + skim | £20–£35 | Boards, screws, studs, skim |
| Bonding coat + skim (bare brick) | £15–£25 | Bonding, skim, labour |
| External rendering | £40–£70 | Render, labour, scaffolding |
| Lime plastering (period) | £35–£60 | Lime putty, specialist labour |
Cost to Skim a Wall — By Room Size
Skimming is the most common wall plastering job. The cost depends on the wall area — below are typical costs for skimming walls in different room sizes across London.
Small Room (8–10 m² wall area)
- Single wall skim£80–£120
- All walls skimmed£250–£400
- Walls + ceiling£350–£550
e.g. small bedroom, box room, WC
Medium Room (15–20 m² wall area)
- Single wall skim£120–£200
- All walls skimmed£400–£600
- Walls + ceiling£550–£800
e.g. standard bedroom, living room
Large Room (25–35 m² wall area)
- Single wall skim£200–£350
- All walls skimmed£600–£900
- Walls + ceiling£800–£1,200
e.g. large living room, open-plan
Feature Wall (single large wall)
- 5m × 2.4m (12 m²)£100–£180
- 6m × 2.7m (16 m²)£130–£240
- 8m × 3m (24 m²)£200–£360
e.g. chimney breast, lounge wall
When Wall Plastering Is Needed
Different situations call for different types of wall plastering. Understanding which you need helps you budget correctly and avoid unnecessary work.
After wallpaper removal: Stripping wallpaper often damages the plaster beneath, especially if the wallpaper was applied directly to bare plaster. Skimming restores a smooth, paint-ready surface. Cost: £8–£15/m2.
After electrical or plumbing work: Chasing walls for new wiring or pipework leaves trenches that need filling and skimming. These are typically charged as patch repairs (£80–£200 per area) rather than per square metre. See our plastering after electrical work page.
Damaged or cracked walls: Cracks, holes, and areas of loose plaster need repairing before redecoration. Small patches cost £80–£150; larger areas may require full re-skimming. If cracks are structural (recurring), the cause should be investigated before plastering.
Artex or textured coatings: Textured ceilings and walls can be smoothed by skimming over them. Cost: £12–£20/m2. If the texture contains asbestos (common in Artex pre-2000), specialist removal may be needed first. See our Artex covering page.
New partitions and extensions: New stud walls require plasterboarding and skimming. Cost: £20–£35/m2. This includes fixing boards, taping joints, and applying a skim coat. See our dot and dab walls guide for the adhesive method.
Damp damaged walls: Walls affected by damp need the cause remedied first, then the damaged plaster removed and replaced. Damp-proof plaster (containing renovating plaster) costs £15–£25/m2. Never skim over damp — it will fail.
Factors That Affect Wall Plastering Cost
Wall Condition
Walls in good condition just need a light skim (£8–£12/m2). Walls with loose plaster, deep cracks, or multiple layers of paint need more preparation — bonding agents, filling, or even plasterboarding — pushing the cost to £15–£35/m2.
Wall Height and Access
Standard wall height (2.4m) is straightforward. High walls (3m+) or walls over staircases require towers or scaffolding, adding £50–£150 to the job. Restricted access (tight spaces, furniture) slows the work and may increase the price.
Wall Material
Plaster over existing plaster is cheapest. Plaster over bare brick needs a bonding coat first (£15–£25/m2). Plaster over plasterboard (dry lining) requires boards and fixings (£20–£35/m2). Plaster over tile or glass requires special primers.
Number of Walls
A single wall carries a minimum charge (£80–£100). Multiple walls in the same room are more cost-effective per square metre because the plasterer is already set up. Whole-house re-skims offer the best per-m2 rates.
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