Finding a Plasterer in London
Plastering in London spans a wide range of skills — from skim-coating newly boarded walls in a flat refurbishment to restoring damaged lime plasterwork in a Victorian townhouse. Heritage properties across the capital often require a plasterer with specialist knowledge of traditional lime mortars and hair-reinforced plasters, which behave very differently from modern gypsum systems. For newer properties or straightforward room replasters, the market is well-served with competent tradespeople across all London boroughs.
What to Expect on Price
Skim plastering a standard double bedroom in London costs approximately £400–£700 in labour, depending on the condition of the existing surface. A full replaster (removing old plaster and applying a scratch coat plus skim) runs £600–£1,000 per room. Coving installation is charged per linear metre at roughly £25–£50 per metre fitted. Heritage lime plasterwork repairs are priced on survey and can cost three to four times the equivalent gypsum job due to material costs and specialist skill requirements.
Tips for Hiring
Always ask a plasterer to view the walls before quoting — accurate pricing for replastering requires assessing suction, dampness, and the type of existing substrate. Confirm that the quote specifies the number of coats and the drying time allowed between them, as rushing this process is a common cause of cracking and delamination. For lime work or heritage repairs, ask specifically about experience with traditional materials and request references from comparable projects. A good plasterer will recommend addressing any underlying dampness before plastering begins rather than simply overboarding.