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Cracks, peeling paint, old Artex or water damage can all leave a ceiling looking tired. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint is enough to improve its appearance. Other times, replastering is the only way to achieve a smooth, long-lasting finish.

The good news is that ceiling plastering is often more affordable than you might expect, particularly if the existing ceiling is still in reasonable condition.

This guide explains how much it costs to plaster a ceiling, skim a ceiling or plasterboard a damaged ceiling, along with the factors that can affect the final price.

How much does it cost to plaster a ceiling?

As a rough guide, most homeowners spend around £360 to skim a medium-sized ceiling (15m²).

In many cases, ceiling size is the biggest factor affecting cost. However, repairs, water damage and the condition of the existing ceiling can also influence the final price.

If your ceiling is cracked, uneven or showing signs of previous water damage, additional repair work or plasterboarding may be needed before plastering can begin.

Get a quote for ceiling plastering near you

From ground level, two ceilings can look very similar. But once a plasterer takes a closer look, one might need a simple skim while the other could require repairs or plasterboarding first.

A written quote should set out the scope of the work and clearly explain:

• Surface preparation

• Material and labour costs

• Ceiling repairs, if required

• Waste removal

• VAT, where applicable

Comparing itemised quotes can help you understand exactly what's included before work starts.

Find checked plasterers working in your area and request a quote.

Ceiling plastering costs at a glance

• Small ceiling skim (9m²): £275

• Medium ceiling skim (15m²): £360

• Large ceiling skim (25m²): £575

• Plasterboard and plaster ceiling: £700–£1,000

• Lath and plaster ceiling repairs: £24 per m²

Ceiling plastering costs by type of work

The type of work needed will have a big impact on the overall cost you're quoted. While some ceilings simply need skimming, others may require repairs or new plasterboard before plastering can take place.

Cost of skimming a ceiling

Skimming is the most common type of ceiling plastering. It involves applying a thin finishing coat of plaster over an existing ceiling to create a smooth surface ready for decorating.

If you're wondering how much to skim a ceiling, average prices typically range from £275–£575, depending on the size of the room.

Skimming is often suitable where the existing plaster is generally sound but has minor imperfections, hairline cracks or an uneven finish.

Cost to plaster a ceiling

In practice, when people talk about plastering a ceiling, they're often referring to skimming. That's because many ceilings already have a plaster surface and simply need a fresh finishing coat to create a smooth finish ready for decorating.

However, if additional preparation work or repairs are required before plastering can begin, costs may be higher than a straightforward skim.

The average cost of plastering a ceiling ranges from around £200 to £725, depending on the size and condition of the ceiling.

Cost to plasterboard a ceiling

If the existing ceiling is badly damaged, uneven or suffering from extensive cracking, a plasterer may recommend installing new plasterboard before applying a fresh plaster finish.

The average plasterboard ceiling price, including plastering, ranges from around £700–£1,000.

It costs more than skimming, but many homeowners prefer it because it creates a completely fresh surface and can solve multiple issues in one go.

Cost to repair a lath and plaster ceiling

Older properties often contain traditional lath and plaster ceilings that need specialist repairs.

The average cost of repairing a lath and plaster ceiling is around £24 per m², although costs will vary depending on the extent of the damage.

How much does it cost to plasterboard a ceiling?

If you're researching how much to plasterboard a ceiling, it's usually because the existing ceiling is too damaged for skimming alone.

Rather than removing the old ceiling completely, plasterers will often fix new plasterboard over the existing surface before applying a plaster skim coat. This is commonly known as overboarding.

The average cost of plasterboarding and plastering a ceiling is around £700–£1,000, depending on the room size and the amount of preparation work required.

What affects the cost of plastering a ceiling?

Several factors can affect the final price you're quoted for ceiling plastering, including:

• Ceiling size: Larger ceilings require more materials and labour, which increases costs

• Ceiling condition: A ceiling in good condition is usually cheaper to skim than one that needs repairs first

• Existing Artex: Artex ceilings often need additional preparation before plastering can begin

• Access and ceiling height: High ceilings or awkward access can increase labour time and may require specialist equipment

• Repairs required: Cracks, water damage or loose plaster may need repairing before plastering can take place

• Property location: Labour costs vary across the UK, particularly between London, the South East and other regions

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Additional costs to budget for

The plastering itself is often only part of the job. Depending on the condition of the ceiling, there may be a few additional costs to factor into your budget.

Additional expenses to be aware of include:

• Ceiling repairs

• Plasterboarding

• Artex preparation

• Access equipment

• Waste disposal

• Decorating after plastering

• Asbestos surveys for older properties

What should be included in a ceiling plastering quote?

A detailed quote should clearly explain:

• Surface preparation and any minor repairs needed

• Material and labour costs

• Protection for floors and furniture

• Waste removal

• VAT, where applicable

How long does it take to plaster a ceiling?

Most small to medium-sized ceilings can usually be plastered in around 4–6 hours.

Larger ceilings, ceilings requiring repairs or ceilings that need plasterboarding first may take longer.

Although the plastering itself can often be completed within a day, you'll also need to allow time for the plaster to dry before decorating.

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Ceiling plastering cost calculator

Our ceiling plastering cost calculator can be a handy starting point if you want a rough idea of costs before arranging quotes.

You'll need to factor in the size of the ceiling, whether skimming or plasterboarding is needed, the condition of the existing surface, any repairs required and your location.

Job Estimate Calculator

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This calculator provides a guide price only, not a quote. Always arrange for a checked local plasterer to assess the ceiling and provide a written quote before you go ahead.

Hiring a plasterer vs DIY ceiling plastering

Ceiling plastering is one of those jobs that often looks easier than it is.

Working overhead is tiring, messy and unforgiving. Once plaster starts to set, there's not much time to correct mistakes.

Many people find that hiring an experienced plasterer is ultimately cheaper than fixing a poor finish later.

Ceiling plastering cost checklist

• Measure the size of your ceiling

• Check for cracks, sagging or water damage

• Decide whether skimming is sufficient

• Budget for repairs if needed

• Ask whether waste removal is included

• Compare itemised quotes

• Allow time for drying before decorating

When should you speak to a plasterer?

It's worth speaking to a plasterer if your ceiling is cracked or sagging, paint keeps peeling or flaking, you're removing old Artex, renovating a room or if water damage has affected the ceiling.

Getting advice early can help you understand whether the ceiling simply needs skimming or whether more extensive work is required.

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Find a plasterer near you

A freshly plastered ceiling can completely transform a room, but the quality of the finish will depend on the preparation work and the skill of the plasterer.

Find checked plasterers working in your area, compare quotes, and get your project underway.

FAQs

How much does it cost to plaster a ceiling?

Most ceiling plastering jobs cost somewhere between £200 and £725, depending on the size of the ceiling and the work required.

How much does it cost to skim a ceiling?

The average cost to skim a ceiling ranges from around £275–£575, depending on the size of the room.

How much does it cost to plasterboard a ceiling?

The average cost to plasterboard and plaster a ceiling is around £700–£1,000, depending on the room size and the condition of the existing ceiling.

Is it cheaper to skim or plasterboard a ceiling?

Skimming is usually cheaper than plasterboarding, provided the existing ceiling is still in good condition. Plasterboarding is typically recommended where ceilings are badly damaged, uneven or heavily cracked.

How long does it take to plaster a ceiling?

Most small to medium ceilings can be plastered in around 4–6 hours, although larger or more complex jobs may take longer.

Can I plaster a ceiling myself?

It's possible to plaster a ceiling yourself, but it's physically demanding and requires skill to achieve a smooth finish. Most homeowners choose to hire a professional plasterer.

Will plastering cover cracks in a ceiling?

In many cases, yes. Hairline cracks can often be repaired and skimmed over. Larger cracks or recurring movement may need further investigation before plastering takes place.

Can you plaster over Artex ceilings?

Many Artex ceilings can be skimmed or plasterboarded, depending on their condition and the finish you're looking to achieve.

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