Blog>Cost Guides>Painting and decorating: Cost Breakdown 2025
Last updated: 27 June 2025
Painting and decorating: Cost Breakdown 2025
There's nothing quite like a freshly decorated room - especially when you haven't had to spend days doing it yourself! Read on to discover the average painter and decorator prices in the UK.
Painting and decorating is one of the easiest ways to update your home and give it a fresh new look. It can also add value to your property if you're looking to sell.
Here, you'll find a range of painter and decorator costs to help budget for your project, from room sizes to painter day rates, project types to exterior work.
Fast Facts
The average cost to paint a medium-sized room (18m²) is £450
The average cost of exterior painting for a 3-bed semi-detached property is £1,300
A painter and decorator typically charges £325 per day
How much does painting and decorating cost in 2025?
In the UK, the cost to paint a room averages around £450. Meanwhile, painting a 5-bed house could cost in the region of £6,000.
A painter and decorator's day rate tends to sit around £325 per day.
The prices in this guide include the cost of regular trade paint. If you're planning to use more premium paint brands, such as Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, or COAT, bear this in mind when planning your budget.
Average cost to paint a room
The average cost to paint a room will depend on the size of the room you’re looking to decorate.
Small room (8m²): £350
Medium-sized room (18m²): £450
Large room (30m²): £1,000
Remember, these costs include standard trade paint and labour. Premium paints and extensive labour may increase the price you're quoted.
Cost to paint a room: Job estimator tool
Use our job estimator tool to calculate the price of painting a room your painting and decorating job.
Need help working out cost? Our job estimate tool calculates the costs for you.
Painter and decorator day rate UK
The average painter and decorator day rate in the UK is £325 (plus the cost of paint). However, this can vary depending on the decorator's experience, and where you live in the UK.
| Painter and decorator prices | Unit | Price range - Low | Price range - High | Average UK cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Painter and decorator | Per day | £250 | £400 | £325 |
| Painting a house | Per m2 (floor space) | £40 | £60 | £50 |
| Painting a house (internally) | Per m2 (wall area) | £10 | £20 | £15 |
| Painting a medium-sized room | Per room | - | - | £450 |
| Painting a 2-bed flat | Per flat | £1,500 | £2,500 | £2,000 |
| Painting a 5-bed house | Ea | £5,500 | £7,500 | £6,000 |
| Painting hallways, landing and stairs | Ea | £1,450 | £1,750 | £1,600 |
| Painting ceilings | Per m2 | £10 | £20 | £15 |
| Exterior painting | Per m2 | £15 | £25 | £20 |
| Exterior painting a 3-bed semi | Ea | £1,100 | £1,500 | £1,300 |
| Exterior painting a 4-bed detached | Ea | £1,750 | £2,500 | £2,000 |
| Wallpapering (labour only) | Per m2 | £12 | £16 | £14 |
| Wallpapering a room (labour only) | Per room | £350 | £500 | £450 |
| Painting a door (both sides) | Per door | £80 | £100 | £90 |
| Painting woodwork | Per m2 | £10 | £20 | £15 |
| Painting radiator | Ea | £10 | £20 | £15 |
| Last updated: February 2025 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
How much do painters and decorators charge in the UK?
Painters and decorators are skilled tradespeople who can help with many decorating tasks around the home. So, prices will often vary depending on the scope and complexity of your project. Here are some of the typical prices you can expect.
Cost of internal house painting
Painting and finishing is an interior decorator’s bread and butter.
Costs can vary depending on what type of internal house painting you need, as well as the size of the area. That said, here are some ballpark figures:
Painting walls: £15 per m²
Painting ceilings: £15 per m²
Painting hallways, landing and stairs: £1,600
Painting doors: £90 per door (for both sides)
Painting woodwork: £15 per m²
Painting radiators: £15 per radiator
From choosing the perfect paint colour, to trends and inspiration, how-to guides, and expert advice, take a look at our painting hub for help with all your decorating decisions.
Cost of plastering a room
Plastering isn’t a job that most painters and decorators will offer.
However, many house painters do offer smaller, more basic plastering tasks – like patching small holes or cracks. To give you an idea, repairing small, water-damaged areas of plaster will typically cost between £50 - £100.
Cost of wallpapering a room
Wallpapering can be messy and time-consuming, and mistakes can be costly. So, how much do the professionals charge to ensure that expert finish?
Wallpapering averages around £14 per m²
Wallpapering a room (4.4m x 3.3m) will typically cost around £450
Bear in mind that these costs are average figures for labour only. They do not include the cost of the wallpaper itself.
Cost of exterior painting
Keeping on top of your property’s exterior paintwork will not only maintain its kerb appeal, but it’ll help to ensure the structural integrity of your home.
What’s more, this type of maintenance can help to ensure cracks or weather damage are tackled before they develop into bigger, more costly repairs.
For quality exterior house painting services, expect to pay on average £1,300 per m².
This works out at roughly:
£1,300 for painting the exterior of a 3-bedroom, semi-detached property
£2,000 for painting the exterior of a 4-bedroom, detached home
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Factors affecting painting and decorating costs
There are lots of factors that can affect the cost of a painting and decorating project. Here are some of the main ones.
Room size and shape
Larger rooms require more materials. They also take longer to complete, increasing labour costs. High ceilings, intricate woodwork, or detailed areas such as staircase spindles can also increase costs.
Number of rooms to decorate
The more rooms you want to get decorated, the higher your overall costs will climb. However, it’s also worth noting that, if you want to decorate several rooms, it will often be more cost-effective to complete them all in one go. This is because your painter and decorator will already be on site.
Wall surface type
Some surfaces will take longer to paint than others. In particular, the condition of the existing surface will have a big impact. For instance, if old wallpaper needs to be removed, walls need to be plastered or skimmed, or woodwork replaced, expect to pay more.
Regional differences
Painter day rates in London and other major cities tend to be higher than in other areas of the country. Enter your postcode into the search box below to find checked painters and decorators covering your local area.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Hidden costs to watch out for
Planning your painting and decorating budget? Consider these hidden costs to make sure you’ve left no stone unturned.
Paint type and finish
In this guide, we’ve included the cost of standard trade paint. However, choosing high-end paint brands such as Farrow & Ball can double or triple your paint costs. Similarly, gloss paint will typically cost more than matte paint.
Project complexity
More complex projects will often take longer and may need specialist equipment. With that in mind, you may need to budget extra if your project affects hard-to-reach areas or you’re planning to paint a light colour over a dark one.
Wallpaper removal
Removing wallpaper can add significant time to your project – especially if it’s stubborn to remove. Painters and decorators will usually be happy to remove wallpaper. However, you could also save money by doing it yourself.
Wall preparation and repairs
If your walls aren’t in good condition, you can expect preparation and repairs to add significant time to your project. Professional house painters will be experienced at preparing your walls, for instance through filling and sanding. And many will also be able to carry out small patch repairs to plasterwork.
However, for larger plastering jobs, it’s best to hire a local plasterer. Plasterer day rates are typically in the region of £300.
Room painting cost calculator
Generate an estimated overall cost for your painting and decorating project with our interactive cost calculator.
Enter the overall size of your project (m2):
Add item (choose one)
Item | Avg Unit Cost | Your Cost |
|---|---|---|
£15.00 per m² | ||
£15.00 per m² | ||
£20.00 per m² | ||
£15.00 per m² |
Add items (specify quantity of each)
Item | Avg Unit Cost | Your Cost |
|---|---|---|
Painting radiator | £15.00 each | |
Painting interior door | £60.00 each | |
Painting exterior door | £225.00 each | |
Gloss painting skirting boards (hourly rate) | £27.50 each |
Estimated overall cost:
£0.00
Working with professional estimators, we collate cost estimates for the common home improvement and repair jobs in the UK. All the costs are estimates only and for accurate costs for your particular requirements, you are encouraged to reach out to professional tradespeople to receive a quote for your job. Read our disclaimer for more information.
Cost of hiring a painter and decorator vs DIY
DIY is certainly cheaper than hiring a painter and decorator. However, a professional decorator will offer better results, with greater efficiency, and avoid costly mistakes.
Hiring an interior decorator to paint a medium-sized room costs around £450 (including trade paint)
DIY painting a medium-sized room costs around £50 - £100 (assuming you only need to purchase paint)
DIY painting costs could be higher if you need to purchase equipment such as paint brushes, rollers and drop cloths.
Although hiring a painter and decorator does come with an additional cost, bear in mind that they’ll be sure to get the job done right first time around. Plus, they’ll be insured against accidents – so, you won’t have to worry if the worst happens and there’s a paint spillage on your favourite rug! On the other hand, as a DIY painter, you risk making costly mistakes that could put you out of pocket in the long run.
Benefits of hiring a painter and decorator
Expert preparation for long-lasting results
Fully equipped with tools and equipment for precision and safety
Speed and efficiency, saving you time and energy
Specialist skills and knowledge for a quality finish
Fully insured against any accidents
Includes clean-up, ensuring your home is ready to enjoy as soon as the job is complete
For a quality finish first time around, enter your postcode to find quality tradespeople in your area.
Find a painter and decorator covering your area
Hiring a checked house painter will ensure a top-quality, long-lasting finish every time.
Plus, you won’t need to get your hands dirty (or wash paint flecks out of your hair!). Hire a painter and decorator who’s rated and reviewed in your area using our leading directory. Simply enter your postcode below to get started.
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Painting and decorating cost FAQs
How much does it cost to paint a small room in the UK?
The price to paint a small room in the UK (measuring 8m²) averages around £350.
What is the average hourly rate for a painter and decorator?
Painter and decorator day rates tend to sit around £325 with hourly rates around £32. However, this does depend on their experience and your location.
Do painters charge per room or per hour?
It depends on the job. Some painters charge per hour, while others quote per room or per project.
How do I estimate painting costs for my house?
To estimate painting costs, you'll need to consider room size, the type of surfaces to be painted, and the quality of the materials you choose for decoration. Use our cost calculator above to generate an estimate for your project.
How can I save money on painting and decorating?
To save money on painting and decorating projects, you can:
Clean surfaces, fill cracks, sand, and tape edges to minimise labour time
Move furniture, remove wall and ceiling fixtures, and cover floors before your decorator arrives
Opt for one colour (of standard trade paint) to reduce labour time
Avoid intricate or complex designs
Commit to regular maintenance to extend your paintwork’s lifespan
Is it cheaper to paint a room yourself or hire a professional?
DIY can be a cheaper option, but a professional decorator will offer better results, with greater efficiency, and avoid costly mistakes.
What factors affect the cost of painting a house?
Factors affecting the cost of painting a house include:
Room size
Surface condition
The complexity of the job
The quality of materials
Regional labour rates
How long does it take to paint a room UK?
Painting a small to medium-sized room, including prep work and clean-up, normally takes around 1-2 days.
What is included in a decorator's day rate?
Labour, materials, prep work, and clean-up are normally all included in a decorator's quote. But it's always best to confirm with your chosen tradesperson.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
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