How Much Does It Cost to Skim a Ceiling?
£150 – £500
per ceiling
Skimming a ceiling costs between £150 and £500 depending on the room size and the condition of the existing ceiling surface. A straightforward skim over a sound plasterboard ceiling is quick; repairing significant damage, removing Artex, or skimming a lathe and plaster ceiling requires more preparation and time.
Average cost
£150 – £500
per ceiling
Prices vary by region, property type and tradesperson. Always get at least two quotes.
What affects the price?
Room size - a small bedroom ceiling costs £150-£250; a large living room ceiling costs £300-£500
Existing ceiling condition - a sound plasterboard ceiling is quick to skim; a damaged, cracked, or Artex-covered ceiling requires more prep
Artex removal - if Artex contains asbestos (common in homes built pre-1985), specialist removal is required before skimming
Access - high ceilings in Victorian properties require a taller work platform and take longer to complete
Labour vs materials
A plasterer can typically skim a standard bedroom ceiling in three to four hours. Labour accounts for the majority of the cost; plaster and PVA add £20-£50 per ceiling.
Repair or replace?
If ceiling damage is localised to a small area, patching with bonding coat and skim is far cheaper than a full ceiling skim. However, if the damage is widespread or the plaster is generally in poor condition, a full skim gives a more consistent finish.
Questions to ask your tradesperson
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