How much does plastering cost in Nottingham? (2026)
4 min read
Whether you're skimming over tired walls before decorating or re-plastering a whole room back to bare brick, plastering is one of those jobs where a good finish is worth paying for — a poor skim shows through every coat of paint. Here's what it typically costs in Nottingham in 2026.
Typical plastering costs
Re-skimming an average room (walls and ceiling, over existing sound plaster) usually costs around £400–£700 in Nottingham, and is often a one-day job. Skimming a single ceiling is roughly £150–£300, and a single wall £120–£250.
If walls need taking back to brick and fully re-plastering — two coats rather than a skim — budget more like £600–£1,000 for an average room, as it's more labour and materials and needs longer to dry.
Plasterers often price by the day (roughly £180–£250 locally) for smaller or awkward jobs, so very small patches can feel expensive per square metre — bundling rooms together is usually better value.
What affects the price
The state of the existing walls — sound plaster can be skimmed, but blown, damp or crumbling plaster needs hacking off and rebuilding first, which adds cost.
Room size and height, the number of corners, windows and reveals, and whether ceilings are included (ceilings are slower and harder work).
Extras like bonding coats on bare brick, plasterboarding (dot-and-dab or stud), and making good after damp or removed fittings.
Getting an accurate quote
A good plasterer will want to see the walls before quoting — photos of a tired room don't always reveal what's underneath. Ask whether the price includes skimming only or full re-plastering, and how long it needs to dry before you paint (fresh plaster usually needs several days).
Get a couple of quotes for the same rooms so you're comparing like for like. On Rank My Builder you can reach verified local plasterers and builders and check reviews from previous customers before you book.
FAQs
How long before I can paint fresh plaster?
Fresh plaster usually needs several days to dry fully — often a week or more in cooler months — and goes a lighter, even pink before it's ready. It then needs a watered-down mist coat first, not full-strength paint straight on.
Can I just skim over old plaster?
If the existing plaster is sound and well-stuck, a skim over the top is fine and the cheapest option. If it's blown, damp or hollow-sounding, it needs hacking off and re-plastering, or the new skim will fail too.
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