Checkatrade's cited 2026 guide publishes a plasterer estimate of £300 per day or £37.50 per hour. Unlike several other trades in the source, these are single guide figures rather than ranges.
Why one headline number needs context
A single estimate can make plastering look more uniform than it is. Skimming a sound, prepared wall is a different scope from repairing loose backgrounds, bonding deep areas, working around many openings or plastering ceilings. Protection, access and drying sequence also affect productive time.
Use the published figure as a reference point. The written quote should describe preparation, finish, materials and exclusions clearly enough that both sides are comparing the same result.
Ways plastering work can be priced
| Basis | Published figure | Can suit | Main risk to control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly | £37.50 | Small, clearly scoped remedial work. | Minimum booking and uncertain background condition. |
| Day | £300 | A defined sequence of preparation and plastering. | What counts as a day and what happens if drying delays progress. |
| Fixed price | Quote required | A room, ceiling or measured package with stated preparation. | Hidden defects, extra repairs and changes after work starts. |
| Per board | Not stated in source | Boarding packages with a clear board count and specification. | Board type, cutting, height, fixings, waste and finishing. |
Illustrative calculation
2 days × £300 = £600
This is labour-only arithmetic using the cited guide estimate. It is not a quote and does not include preparation materials, plaster, bead, protection, waste, travel or VAT where applicable.
Regional considerations without unsupported prices
This page does not contain a numeric regional plasterer dataset. The following table identifies questions that can matter locally without assigning invented premiums or discounts.
| Area | Potential cost pressure | Useful check |
|---|---|---|
| London | Parking, carrying materials, restricted access and occupied flats can affect time. | Confirm access, protection and parking arrangements. |
| South East | Travel and local demand vary between dense towns and rural areas. | Compare detailed local scopes. |
| Midlands | Property type and travel pattern can matter more than the regional heading. | Provide photos and substrate details before quotation. |
| North | Availability, access and the existing wall condition remain job-specific. | Ask what preparation is included. |
| Wales | Longer journeys and materials collection can affect productive time. | Confirm travel and delivery arrangements. |
| Scotland | Distance, property type and local availability can vary widely. | Use current postcode-specific quotes. |
What moves a plastering quote
- Soundness, suction and flatness of the existing background.
- Whether bonding, mesh, bead or extensive repair is required.
- Wall height, ceilings, stairwells and awkward angles.
- Protection needed in an occupied or finished property.
- Boarding, fixing specification and board type.
- Waste, access, parking and material handling.
Day rate and take-home income are not equivalent
A quoted plasterer day rate may need to cover vehicle costs, tools, insurance, material collection, estimating, administration, unproductive drying gaps, warranty work and days without billable site work. It is not the amount retained as personal income.
Source and methodology
The headline estimates come from Checkatrade's 2026 tradespeople cost guide. Price The Job has not converted them into a range or attributed them to its own survey.
The calculation is illustrative. The regional table is qualitative and contains no regional rate claim.