Last updated on March 31st, 2022
Ceiling panelling cost guide
Ceiling panelling can be a striking decorative feature in your home or business, whether you go for a period look or a contemporary style. In this guide, we’ll look at the average ceiling panelling cost, so that you can start planning your project.

Ceiling panelling can be a striking decorative feature in your home or business, whether you go for a period look or a contemporary style.
Panelling can also hide a multitude of sins on your ceilings. For example, damaged plaster, coving, and even light fittings. It can even act as insulation for your home.
In this guide, we’ll look at the average ceiling panelling cost, so that you can start planning your project.
Cost of ceiling wood panelling
Low cost | High cost | Average cost | |
---|---|---|---|
Ceiling panelling cost (per m2) | £13 | £400 | £212 |
Pine ceiling panelling cost (per m2) | £17 | £18.50 | £17.75 |
Oak ceiling panelling cost (per m2) | £300 | £400 | £350 |
Bespoke ceiling panelling cost (per m2) | £105 | £212 | £159 |
Installation - carpenter (per hour) | £20 | £25 | £22.50 |
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
The total cost of ceiling wood panelling will depend on the surface area to be covered. After all, panelling one ceiling will be much cheaper than covering the whole house. It also depends on the panelling material you choose. Your options include wood, for example a pine panelling ceiling, composite, tile, metal and even fabric (on a wood panel).
On average, you can expect to pay between £13 and £400 per square metre, depending on whether you choose a budget or high-end panel.
You can also have a bespoke ceiling panel design created just for you. For example, a reproduction ceiling panel in an ornate period style. This can be pricier though at around £159 a square metre, before installation costs.
Oak ceiling panelling cost
Oak is one of the most beautiful materials you can choose for panelling. However, it comes at an extra cost.
Compared to budget options, oak ceiling panelling costs can be a lot costlier, at between £300 and £400 per square metre. But the end result can be well worth it.
Pine panelling ceiling cost
Pine is a cheaper alternative to panelling and the cost of a pine panelling ceiling is between £17 and £18.50 per square metre.
Wall and ceiling panelling installation cost
To get the very best finish, it’s recommended to use an experienced carpenter to install your ceiling panels. Depending on what kind of ceiling you’re going for, it may be a good idea to hire a carpenter who has experience in how to panel a ceiling with tongue and groove panelling. You can also call in a carpenter to make and fit bespoke ceiling panels.
There isn’t much difference in cost between wall and ceiling panelling materials. The amount of time it can take to fit your panels can vary and it normally takes longer to fit ceiling panels, but a carpenter’s time usually costs between £20 to £25 an hour.
If you’re interested in having wall panelling installed in your home, take a look at our handy cost guide.
FAQs
How long does it take to install ceiling panels?
The time it takes to fit ceiling panels depends on how much ceiling area needs to be covered. It also depends on the type of panel you’ve chosen. For example, tongue and groove panels can be clicked together in minutes, while other panels may take a carpenter several hours to install. And don’t forget to factor in time for prep work, such as preparing the ceilings ready for the panelling to be installed.
Can I install ceiling wood panelling myself?
It’s highly recommended to use an experienced carpenter for this kind of project. It’s a job requiring a great deal of skill and accuracy, as well as specialist tools and equipment. Get it wrong and the finish could potentially be terrible. You could end up with misaligned panels, visible fittings or even damage to the panels themselves, all of which will cost you a lot more to fix.
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