September 2026 edition · downloadable CSV
UK plastering and rendering cost benchmark.
Nine dated market observations, normalised into one inspectable table. Use it to choose the right comparison for a project—not to turn unlike scopes into a false national average.
Download the benchmark (.csv) ↓Measured surface area; suitable background assumed.
Approximately 3m × 3m in the cited observation.
The system, preparation and access decide the relevant band.
How to use it
Compare like with like.
This table does not calculate an average by blending incompatible projects. It preserves the scope and pricing basis reported by each source so a reader can tell whether a number describes a complete project, a measured area, a service visit or one component.
Use the benchmark to set an initial planning range and identify questions. Then measure the real project, confirm local requirements and compare written quotes against one consistent scope.
Open cost table
Every observation and its source.
Ranges are reproduced as planning observations, not combined or adjusted into a proprietary average.
| Category | Scope | Observed range | Basis | Context | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internal plastering | Finish skim | £15–£30 | per m² | Background suitable for skimming; minimum attendance can dominate a small job. | MyBuilder plastering cost guideAugust 2026 |
| Internal plastering | Medium-room re-skim | £430–£550 | per room | Approximately 3m × 3m; confirm whether the ceiling is included. | Checkatrade room-skimming guideJune 2026 |
| Internal plastering | Medium room from scratch | £575–£920 | per room | Wider preparation and coat scope than a finish skim. | Checkatrade room-skimming guideJune 2026 |
| Ceilings | Ceiling skim | £200–£725 | 9–25m² examples | Small through large ceiling observations; boarding and difficult access are separate checks. | Checkatrade room-skimming guideJune 2026 |
| Labour context | Plasterer day rate | about £300 | per day | Planning observation rather than a fixed labour-only quotation. | Checkatrade room-skimming guideJune 2026 |
| Traditional work | Lime plaster | £50–£100 | per m² | Coat build-up and compatibility with the existing fabric must be specified. | Homebuilding types of plasterreviewed September 2026 |
| External rendering | House rendering | £30–£80 | per m² | Facing-wall observation across render types; access and scaffolding remain visible. | Checkatrade house-rendering guideJune 2026 |
| External rendering | Named render systems | £40–£100 | per m² | Span from sand-and-cement to silicone in the cited guide; EWI is separate. | MyBuilder rendering cost guideAugust 2026 |
| Access | Rendering scaffold example | £500–£2,500 | per project allowance | Illustrates why access should not be hidden inside the finish rate. | MyBuilder rendering cost guideAugust 2026 |
Method and limits
What this benchmark cannot tell you.
- The rows are dated publisher observations, not first-party completed-job prices or a promise of local availability.
- Per-square-metre figures and complete-room figures are different bases and must not be added together.
- Preparation, minimum attendance, protection, access, scaffolding, waste, VAT and decoration may sit inside or outside a quote.
- A physical inspection can reveal loose backgrounds, incompatible materials, asbestos risk or repair work that a web table cannot diagnose.
The compilation may be cited with attribution and a link to this page. Rights in the underlying source material remain with the original publishers.
Source register
Inspect the originals.
- MyBuilder plastering cost guideAugust 2026
- Checkatrade room-skimming guideJune 2026
- Homebuilding types of plasterreviewed September 2026
- Checkatrade house-rendering guideJune 2026
- MyBuilder rendering cost guideAugust 2026
Make it specific