Scotland regional pricing

How Much Does a Plasterer Cost in Edinburgh?

Updated prices for . Edinburgh prices are typically 14% above the national average.

14 services priced
Scotland region
Updated

Price summary

Edinburgh Price Summary

Service Low Average High
Plaster a Room (Walls) £455 £740 £1,140
Plaster a Ceiling £285 £455 £740
Skim Coat (Over Existing Plaster) £345 £540 £740

Prices include labour and materials. VAT may apply. Based on Scotland regional pricing.

Full pricing

All Plasterer Prices in Edinburgh

With a population of 527,620, Edinburgh is in City of Edinburgh and plasterer costs here are 14% above the national average. Prices are based on real regional wage data from the Office for National Statistics.

All prices include materials and labour unless stated otherwise. Prices verified 2026

Plaster a Room (Walls)

Low

£455

Average

£740

High

£1,140

1-2 days

More details

Completely replastering all the walls in a room. The old plaster is removed, then a base layer and smooth finishing layer are applied. The result is perfectly smooth walls ready for painting or wallpapering.

~78% labour, ~22% materials

What affects the price

  • Room size and number of walls
  • Condition of existing walls
  • Whether old plaster needs removing first
  • Ceiling height and access difficulty

Plaster a Ceiling

Low

£285

Average

£455

High

£740

4-8 hours

More details

Replastering a ceiling in a standard room. Includes preparing the surface, applying plaster and finishing smooth. More difficult than walls due to overhead working.

~80% labour, ~20% materials

What affects the price

  • Ceiling size and room layout
  • Whether old plaster or Artex needs removing
  • Access (scaffolding in high-ceilinged rooms)
  • Condition of the lath or plasterboard above

Skim Coat (Over Existing Plaster)

Low

£345

Average

£540

High

£740

4-8 hours

More details

Applying a thin smooth layer of plaster over your existing walls or new plasterboard. This creates a fresh, smooth surface for painting without needing to strip the old plaster off completely. Cheaper and quicker than a full replaster.

~88% labour, ~12% materials

What affects the price

  • Room size and wall area
  • Condition of existing plaster underneath
  • Whether PVA or bonding agent is needed
  • Number of coats required

Render an Exterior Wall

Low

£1,370

Average

£2,855

High

£5,140

3-5 days

More details

Applying a fresh render finish to the outside walls of a typical semi-detached house. Render is the smooth or textured coating that protects the brickwork underneath. Includes preparation, two layers of render, and painting.

~68% labour, ~32% materials

What affects the price

  • Wall area and property size
  • Render type (sand/cement, monocouche, silicone)
  • Scaffolding requirements
  • Whether old render needs removing first

Artex Removal and Replaster

Low

£455

Average

£800

High

£1,370

1-2 days

More details

Removing the textured (Artex) finish from a ceiling or walls and replastering it smooth. Important: in homes built before 2000, the texture may contain asbestos and needs professional testing first. If asbestos is found, specialist removal costs significantly more.

~85% labour, ~15% materials

What affects the price

  • Area size (ceiling, walls or both)
  • Whether asbestos testing is needed
  • Thickness and stubbornness of the Artex
  • Whether steaming or scraping is used

Dot and Dab Plasterboard

Low

£455

Average

£800

High

£1,255

1-2 days

More details

Sticking plasterboard sheets directly to the walls using blobs of adhesive, then plastering over them to a smooth finish. This is a quick way to cover uneven or damaged walls, or to add an insulation layer. Price per average room.

~71% labour, ~29% materials

What affects the price

  • Room size and number of walls
  • Wall condition and how uneven they are
  • Whether insulation board is used behind
  • Skim finish included or plasterboard only

Coving Installation

Low

£230

Average

£400

High

£630

3-5 hours

More details

Fitting decorative moulding where the walls meet the ceiling. Includes cutting neat angles at the corners and fixing with adhesive. Gives rooms a more finished, traditional look. Price per average room.

~71% labour, ~29% materials

What affects the price

  • Room size and number of corners
  • Coving size and profile (plain, ornate, Victorian)
  • Material (plaster, polyurethane, polystyrene)
  • Ceiling height and access

Screeding a Floor

Low

£345

Average

£630

High

£1,030

1 day

More details

Laying a smooth, level layer of cement over a concrete floor to create a flat surface for tiles or other flooring. This is needed when the bare floor underneath is too rough or uneven. Price is for an average room of around 15-20 square metres.

~64% labour, ~36% materials

What affects the price

  • Floor area and screed depth
  • Screed type (sand/cement, liquid, self-levelling)
  • Whether underfloor heating pipes are being covered
  • Drying time requirements

Damp Proof Plastering

Low

£570

Average

£1,030

High

£1,715

1-2 days

More details

Replastering damp-affected walls using special waterproof plaster that stops moisture and salt deposits from coming through. Used after rising damp or water getting in through walls has been fixed. Price per average room.

~75% labour, ~25% materials

What affects the price

  • Area affected by damp
  • Severity and type of damp (rising, penetrating)
  • Whether a damp proof course is needed first
  • Number of coats and drying time between them

Plaster Repair (Patch)

Low

£90

Average

£170

High

£285

1-3 hours

More details

Repairing a damaged patch of plaster — such as a crack, hole, or a section that has come away from the wall. The damaged area is cut out, filled, and finished smooth to match the rest of the wall.

~83% labour, ~17% materials

What affects the price

  • Size of the damaged area
  • Whether plasterboard backing is needed
  • Matching existing wall texture
  • Access and location of the damage

External Pebbledash

Low

£1,715

Average

£3,425

High

£5,710

3-5 days

More details

Applying a pebbledash finish to exterior walls. Involves rendering the wall and throwing small stones into the wet render. Price is for a typical semi-detached house front elevation.

~72% labour, ~28% materials

What affects the price

  • Wall area and property size
  • Stone type and colour choice
  • Scaffolding requirements
  • Whether old render needs removing first

K-Rend Exterior Finish

Low

£2,855

Average

£5,140

High

£7,995

4-7 days

More details

Applying a premium silicone render finish (such as K-Rend) to the outside walls of your home. The colour is mixed into the render itself, so it never needs painting. It also repels water and resists dirt. Price for a typical semi-detached house.

~69% labour, ~31% materials

What affects the price

  • Wall area and property size
  • K-Rend product chosen (silicone, acrylic, TC)
  • Scaffolding and access requirements
  • Whether insulation boards are included (EWI system)

Plasterboard Partition Wall

Low

£570

Average

£970

High

£1,600

1-2 days

More details

Building a new internal wall to split a room in two. A frame is built from timber or metal, covered with plasterboard on both sides, then finished smooth with plaster, ready for painting. Price includes a doorway.

~72% labour, ~28% materials

What affects the price

  • Wall length and height
  • Whether a doorway is included
  • Soundproofing or fire rating requirements
  • Skim finish or tape and joint finish

Plaster a Hallway and Stairs

Low

£685

Average

£1,140

High

£1,825

2-3 days

More details

Replastering the walls of a hallway, landing and stairwell. More expensive than a standard room due to height, awkward angles and the need for scaffold towers or stair platforms.

~80% labour, ~20% materials

What affects the price

  • Hallway length and stairwell height
  • Number of floors and landings
  • Access difficulty and scaffold tower hire
  • Condition of existing plaster

Step by step

What's Involved in Hiring a Plastering

Plastering is one of those trades where the skill of the tradesperson makes all the difference — a good plasterer leaves walls perfectly smooth and ready for painting with minimal sanding.

1

Assess your walls or ceilings

Work out what needs doing — is the existing plaster crumbling, bulging, or just tired-looking? Tap the walls to check for hollow spots where plaster has come away from the brick. If it is just cosmetic, a skim coat may be enough. If the plaster is failing, a full replaster is needed.

2

Get quotes from plasterers

Invite two or three plasterers to look at the job. A good plasterer will tell you honestly whether you need a full replaster or just a skim. Ask for a fixed price per room rather than a daily rate. Check reviews and ask to see photos of previous work — the quality difference between plasterers is huge.

3

Prepare the room

Move all furniture to the centre of the room or out completely. The plasterer will cover everything with dust sheets, but plaster dust gets everywhere. Remove curtains, blinds, and anything hanging on the walls. The plasterer needs clear access to every wall and a water supply nearby.

4

Old plaster is removed if needed

For a full replaster, the old plaster is hacked off back to bare brick or block. This is the messiest stage and generates a lot of rubble. For a skim coat, the existing surface is prepared with PVA or a bonding agent to help the new plaster stick.

5

New plaster is applied

The plasterer applies the plaster in thin layers, building up to a smooth finish. A full replaster involves a scratch coat, then a finishing coat. A skim is typically two thin coats applied wet-on-wet. The plasterer works quickly as plaster sets fast — this is where experience really counts.

6

Drying and aftercare

Fresh plaster needs 2-6 weeks to fully dry before painting, depending on ventilation and temperature. Do not use a heater to speed this up as it causes cracking. The first coat of paint must always be a mist coat (watered-down emulsion) to seal the new plaster properly.

Regional comparison

How Edinburgh Compares

Average cost of plaster a room (walls) across regions.

Edinburgh
+14% £740
National Average
baseline £650
London
+24% £810

Local insights

What Affects Plasterer Costs in Edinburgh?

Scotland's housing stock includes distinctive tenement flats, Victorian and Georgian terraces, post-war council builds and modern developments. Edinburgh has a wide mix of Victorian terraces, modern flats, high-rise apartments and new-build estates, with many properties featuring older infrastructure, particularly in tenement buildings. With a population of 527,620, Edinburgh is a major city where plasterer costs are above average. These older properties often present challenges for plasterer work — for example, plaster a ceiling here averages around £455.

Scotland sits below the national average for most trade costs. Labour rates in Edinburgh are around 14% above the UK average. As a major city with a population of 527,620, demand for plasterer services is consistently high. The larger population means more tradespeople operate in the area, which generally keeps pricing competitive. More remote areas may have fewer options and longer wait times. Prices still vary by 30-50% between different tradespeople, making multiple quotes essential.

Properties in Edinburgh present some specific challenges for plasterer work. Scottish tenement flats often have communal arrangements that complicate access. Older stone-built properties have thick walls that make certain work more difficult. A common job like plaster a room (walls) costs around £740 in Edinburgh, while k-rend exterior finish ranges from £2,855 to £7,995. As a major city that is above average, Edinburgh is fairly typical for Scottish plasterer pricing. The Scottish climate can also affect timing and approach for certain jobs.

When getting quotes in Edinburgh, aim for at least three from different qualified professionals. Ask each one to visit and assess the work rather than quoting over the phone. A good plasterer will check existing conditions, identify potential complications, and provide a clear cost breakdown. The larger population means more tradespeople operate in the area, which generally keeps pricing competitive. Be wary of quotes that seem significantly cheaper — they may be cutting corners on materials or quality. Always check qualifications, insurance and recent reviews.

Depending on the work involved, you may also need painting & decorating (£230–£740), builder (£34,260–£91,360), or damp proofing (£285–£1,140) in Edinburgh.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about plasterer costs in Edinburgh.

What is the difference between plastering and skimming?
Plastering typically refers to applying a full coat of plaster (undercoat and finish coat) to bare brickwork or new plasterboard. Skimming is applying just a thin finish coat over existing plasterboard or old plaster to create a smooth surface. Skimming is quicker and cheaper since only one coat is needed.
How long does plaster take to dry before I can paint?
New plaster typically takes 2-6 weeks to fully dry depending on room ventilation, temperature and humidity. You can tell it is ready when it turns a uniform light pink or white colour with no dark patches. Painting too soon traps moisture and causes the paint to peel. The first coat should always be a mist coat (diluted emulsion).
Should I replaster or use plasterboard?
Dot-and-dab plasterboard is quicker, cheaper and ideal for covering rough or uneven walls. Re-plastering gives a thinner, more traditional finish and does not reduce room size. For very uneven walls, plasterboard is usually the better option. For small patch repairs, re-plastering the affected area is more practical.
What is rendering and how is it different from plastering?
Rendering is the external equivalent of plastering — it is a cement-based coat applied to outside walls for protection and appearance. Interior plastering uses gypsum-based plaster which is not waterproof. Render can be smooth, textured, or coloured, and modern monocouche (through-colour) renders do not need painting.
How much does a plasterer charge per room?
A skim coat on a standard room costs £300-£650. A full replaster (stripping old plaster and applying new) costs £400-£1,000 per room. Ceilings are quoted separately and cost £250-£650 each. Prices vary by region — London and the South East are typically 20-30% higher than the Midlands or North.
Can I plaster over old wallpaper?
No. Wallpaper must always be stripped before plastering. Plaster will not bond properly to wallpaper and will crack and fall off. The walls need to be stripped back to a clean, stable surface. If the plaster underneath the wallpaper is in good condition, a skim coat over the top is sufficient.
How do I know if my plaster needs replacing?
Signs that plaster needs replacing include large cracks that keep reappearing after filling, hollow-sounding patches when you tap the wall, damp staining or salt deposits coming through, and plaster that crumbles when touched. Small cracks and minor damage can usually be patched without replastering the whole wall.
What is K-Rend and is it worth the extra cost?
K-Rend is a brand of silicone render that comes in a range of colours mixed into the product itself, so it never needs painting. It is breathable, water-repellent, and low-maintenance. It costs more than traditional sand and cement render, but you save on repainting every 5-10 years. For a typical semi-detached house, K-Rend costs £4,500-£7,000 compared to £2,500-£4,500 for traditional render.
How messy is plastering?
Very. Plastering is one of the messiest trades. Expect plaster dust on every surface in the room, splashes on floors, and dust spreading into adjacent rooms through doorways. A good plasterer will lay dust sheets and cover furniture, but you should remove anything valuable or delicate from the room. Plaster washes off hard floors easily but is harder to remove from carpets.
How much does a plasterer cost in Edinburgh in 2026?
Plaster a Room (Walls) in Edinburgh typically costs between £455 and £1,140, with the average being around £740. Prices vary depending on the scope of work, materials used, and the specific requirements of your property.
Are plasterer prices cheaper in Edinburgh than London?
Edinburgh prices are 14% above the national average, though still £70 cheaper than London for plaster a room (walls).
How do I find a good plasterer in Edinburgh?
Get at least three quotes from different tradespeople, check recent reviews, and ask whether the quote includes VAT and everything you need. A detailed written quote that breaks down all costs is a good sign. Always check qualifications, insurance and recent reviews before hiring.
What affects plasterer prices in Edinburgh?
The main factors are the scope and complexity of what you need, the options and products chosen, and local market rates. Edinburgh rates are 14% above the national average. Getting multiple quotes is the best way to ensure a fair price.
Do plasterer prices include materials in Edinburgh?
The prices shown on this page include all typical costs. However, when getting real quotes, always confirm what is and isn't included. Some tradespeople break out costs separately, while others give an all-in price. Ask for a detailed breakdown before agreeing to any work.