Coved and corniced ceilings are making a comeback. But who can install coving for you? And how can you find someone to do the job to a high standard?
Here, we’ll explore everything to do with hiring coving installers near you – from where to find them to how much coving installation typically costs.
Want to get started on finding a coving specialist near you?
Finding a coving installer near you is quick and easy on Checkatrade. Just choose one of the two following options.
- Request a quote. Tell us about your coving needs and we’ll reach out to coving specialists near you on your behalf. Our members will then contact you directly.
- Search your postcode. Just enter your postcode into our search feature to browse a selection of the best coving installers in your area.
Your questions answered about coving installers near you
What is coving?
Coving, also known as ceiling moulding, is a decorative strip of material that’s used to cover the join between your walls and ceiling. It comes in many different profiles, from c-shaped which can be a great addition to modern homes, to more intricate styles typical of period properties.
What are the different types of coving?
Coving usually comes in one of three materials:
- Plaster. This is the most traditional material for coving and the most durable
- Duropolymer. This is lighter-weight than plaster and easier to install
- Polystyrene. This is the cheapest kind of coving but the least durable
Who can install coving?
The best tradesperson to install your coving will depend on what kind of coving you’re after.
If you’re looking for bespoke plaster coving supplied and fitted, a plasterer who specialises in fibrous plastering will do the best job. They’ll usually make the coving in their workshop before coming to your home to fit it.
However, if you’re planning on buying off-the-shelf polystyrene coving, some painters and decorators will be happy to install and paint it for you.
What do coving specialists do?
Coving specialists are experts at fitting coving. Depending on their area of expertise, they may be able to make bespoke coving for your property before fitting it, or they may simply supply standard coving before installing it for you.
As well as installing coving, some coving specialists will be able to provide coving restoration services. For example, if your home boasts original Victorian coving, you may want to restore it instead of replacing it to retain some of the property’s original charm and character.
What’s the difference between coving and cornice?
The words coving and cornice are often used interchangeably, so it can be confusing if you’re trying to understand the difference between them. Generally speaking, coving is more simple than cornice, which tends to be much more complex and intricate in design.
Coving comes in various sizes, but it will typically have a uniform profile that projects out across the ceiling the same distance as it drops down the wall. On the other hand, a cornice is usually very ornate and its profile can vary across its length. Cornices are often seen in Victorian, Edwardian, and Georgian homes.
How hard is it to install coving?
That depends on the type of coving you’ve chosen, how ornate it is, and how much of it you need to install. Installing plaster coving is a two-person job and can be very messy. If your coving is particularly ornate, it will also be more fiddly to join and fill.
On the other hand, fitting simple polystyrene coving is relatively easy to achieve as a DIY job. Just bear in mind that polystyrene requires several coats of paint to get a good finish, so it will require some time input.
Why hire coving installers near me?
Hiring a coving specialist to supply and install your coving has a huge range of benefits.
- Save time. An experienced coving specialist will be able to install your coving quickly and easily, saving you time and energy
- Expertise. Coving installers near you will have all the tools and knowledge they need to complete your job to a professional standard
- Benefit from bespoke coving. A fibrous plasterer will be able to create and install coving tailored to the needs of your home to give it extra wow-factor
- Quality. An experienced coving installer will ensure a high-quality finish that you can be proud of and that will stand the test of time
- Value. By hiring a professional, you can avoid making costly mistakes and make sure that you don’t need to replace your coving any time soon
How much do coving installers near me cost?
The cost of coving installation will vary depending on a range of factors. These include:
- The design of your coving
- What material it’s made from
- How many rooms you want it installed in
- The size of the rooms
- Whether you choose bespoke or off-the-shelf coving
- If any old coving needs to be removed
- Your location
To get a coving specialist to supply and fit off-the-shelf, standard coving, you can expect to pay around £335 per room. On the other hand, to have bespoke coving made and fitted, you’re looking at a rough average of £850 per room. Our guide to coving costs goes into more detail.
How do I find a reputable coving specialist near me?
Ready to find a reputable coving installer near you? To make sure you choose someone fit for the job, make sure to heed these simple tips.
- Read reviews. See what other people say about coving specialists in your area before hiring them
- Look at pictures of previous work. Ask if you can see pictures of their previous work so that you can get a better understanding of what kind of finish you can expect
- Ask when they take payment. Reputable coving installers won’t ask for full payment upfront
- Use Checkatrade! Our members have to pass up to 12 rigorous checks and are regularly rated on things like reliability, courtesy, and punctuality