Describe your job, enter your postcode and receive up to 3 quotes from vetted local plasterers. No obligation, no spam.
A plasterer handles the application and finishing of internal and external wall surfaces, taking on jobs ranging from full room re-skimming after a damp repair to plasterboarding new stud walls and fitting decorative coving. Homeowners also hire plasterers to remove textured Artex ceilings and apply a smooth overskim, carry out patch repairs around newly installed windows or doors, and render external walls with sand-and-cement or polymer coatings. Dry lining with taped and jointed plasterboard is another common request, particularly in older properties being modernised or insulated.
Plastering costs vary considerably depending on the area to be covered, the number of coats required, and whether the underlying surface needs significant preparation such as bonding agent application or the removal of old render. Materials like multifinish plaster, bonding coat, and beading add up quickly on larger jobs, and external rendering with insulated systems costs significantly more than basic internal skimming. Because plastering quality is visible in every finished room, and because day rates and material markups differ widely between tradespeople, comparing multiple quotes helps you identify realistic pricing rather than accepting the first figure offered.
Plasterers in the Trade Quote Network offer services covering internal skimming, dry lining, external rendering, coving installation, Artex removal, and patch repairs across all property types.
A trustworthy plasterer will typically hold an NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Plastering or Wall and Floor Tiling and Rendering, demonstrating formal trade training rather than self-taught experience alone. Membership of the Guild of Master Craftsmen or registration with TrustMark provides an additional layer of vetting, as both schemes require tradespeople to meet quality and customer service standards. Checking that the plasterer carries adequate public liability insurance is equally important, particularly for larger jobs involving ceiling work or external scaffolding.
Before a plasterer visits, clear the room of furniture or be prepared to move it to the centre and cover it with dust sheets, as plastering generates a significant amount of mess and wet splatter. Make sure the walls are free from loose paint, wallpaper, or previous plaster that is blowing, as the plasterer will need to assess the suction of the surface before quoting accurately. If you are having external rendering done, check whether scaffolding is included in the quote or costed separately, as this is a common source of unexpected additional expense.
Once the work is complete, allow fresh plaster the full drying time before painting — typically four to six weeks for a full skim, depending on ventilation and room temperature — as decorating over damp plaster causes flaking and staining. A reputable plasterer should be willing to return within a reasonable period to fill any hairline shrinkage cracks that appear as the plaster dries, which is a normal part of the curing process rather than a sign of poor workmanship. Ask for a written receipt and a brief aftercare guide, and keep any product data sheets for specialist coatings such as external renders or bonding compounds in case future patch repairs are needed.
“Really easy process. Described what I needed, got contacted by two local tradespeople the same day. Job done quickly and professionally.”
“Used this to compare quotes before committing. Really glad I did — the range of prices was eye-opening and I chose the right tradesperson.”
“Completely free to use and saved me real money. Tradesperson was punctual, professional and gave a clear guarantee on the work.”