How much does a painter and decorator cost?

Painter and decorator cost guide

This guide has what you need to know on painting and decorating costs across the UK, from different types of jobs to cost per room type. With everything from painter and decorator day rates, to tips to save money without skimping on quality.

In this cost guide we will talk about:

1. Average cost of a painter and decorator
2. Painter decorator hourly and day rates
3. Painter and decorator cost cost by room
4. How much does wallpapering cost
5. Avoid these extra painter decorator costs
6. How to save on painting and decorating costs
7. Find verified painters and decorators with MyBuilder
8. FAQ: Common questions about how much painters and decorators charge

Average cost of a painter and decorator

Whether you're refreshing a single room or tackling a full home makeover, understanding daily and hourly painting and decorating rates helps you budget smartly.

Here's a clear look at what to expect across the UK:

• The average cost of a painter and decorator sits around £150 - £250 per day.
• Painter decorator hourly rates of £20 - £40 depending on experience. But urban areas like London push rates higher due to demand.

MyBuilder Tip: If you’re interested in painting the exterior of your house too, visit our cost to paint a house price guide.

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Painter decorator hourly and day rates

Hiring a professional painter and decorator ensures results, saving you time and hassle while helping to improve your home's look and value.

Typical rates:

Hourly: £16 - £38, based on experience and location.

Daily: £127 - £271, covering a full day's labour.

Rates vary by region (higher in London) and job scope, so nail your budget by measuring the space accurately, then get quotes from multiple different painting and decorating professionals near you on MyBuilder. This will help you compare and know what the right price is for you.

Painter and decorator cost cost by room

Understanding the cost variations for different rooms is crucial when budgeting for a painting and decorating project. Each room type comes with its unique challenges, influencing the overall cost.

Here is a simple breakdown of what you might expect in terms of painting and decorating prices for various room types:

Room Type	Average Cost
Small Room (e.g., bathroom)	£350
Medium Room (e.g., bedroom)	£450
Large Room (e.g., living room)	£1,000

Note: These average costs include standard trade paint and labour but can rise significantly with the use of premium paints or more detailed designs.

How much does wallpapering cost

Wallpaper can add texture, pattern and personality to a space, but installation costs vary based on material, wall condition and design complexity.

• Basic wallpaper installation costs around £15-£40 per m², depending on the material and pattern complexity.
• Removing old wallpaper adds an extra £100-£300 per room, especially if multiple layers exist.
• Feature walls are a popular choice, typically costing £150-£400 depending on the wallpaper type and wall size.

MyBuilder Tip: Unsure how to decorate your room? Get help from an interior designer. For all costs associated with hiring an interior designer, visit our price guide.

Avoid these extra painter decorator costs

Painters often offer a range of extra services beyond standard painting and decorating. These services cater to specific needs and can elevate the quality and finish of your project.

Here's a list of common extras, along with their potential costs:

• Wall preparation: This includes filling in holes and cracks, which increases labour time. Costs range from £50-£100, depending on the extent of the damage.

• Special paints: Using premium or eco-friendly paints can directly impact the total cost. Expect to pay an additional £20-£50 per tin.

• Decorative finishes: Techniques like stencilling or sponging create unique looks but require experienced labour. Costs range from £120-£200.

• Furniture removal: Moving furniture to access walls or floors might also be offered, with costs that start from £20 per hour.

• Skirting board and trim painting: Finishing touches to elements like skirting boards can complete a room’s appearance. Costs start at £20 per room.

MyBuilder Tip: Always discuss any additional services with your painter and decorator beforehand. Sometimes, bundling services like including ceiling painting costs can help you to save overall.

Note: Thinking of upgrading your carpets as part of your room revamp? Check out our price guide for all carpet fitting costs

How to save on painting and decorating costs

Save on painting and decorating without cutting corners. Smart planning keeps your project affordable and stress-free.

Here are some of our top cost-saving tips:

• Plan ahead: Avoid rush jobs that hike prices.

• Use trade paint: Standard colours cost less and get included in quotes.

• Prep yourself: Move furniture and cover floors to cut pro labour time.

• Bundle rooms: Paint more than one at once for discounts.

• Get quotes: Shop around 3 - 5 local painters on MyBuilder for the best deal.

• Go local: Nearby professionals often charge less than city rates.

Find verified painters and decorators with MyBuilder

With MyBuilder, finding verified painters and decorators near you is quick and easy. Just describe what you’re looking for and painters and decorators near you will be ready to help. You can also view their profiles, read customer reviews and see images of their past work.

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FAQ: Common questions about how much painters and decorators charge

How does the painting cost per square metre compare for different types of surfaces?

The cost of painting per square metre varies significantly depending on the type of surface. For standard interior walls, prices can range from £8 to £25 per square metre. Textured surfaces like exterior walls or ceilings can cost more, typically between £10 and £45 per square metre.

What are the benefits of hiring a painting and decorating professional?

Hiring a painting and decorating professional helps ensure a good-quality finish that might be difficult to achieve with a DIY approach. Professionals bring practical knowledge and experience, resulting in work that is generally quicker and of good quality.

How do I calculate painting costs for my house?

Measure walls and ceilings in m² (tape measure or app), multiply by £8 - £25/m² with the information you’ve got from local quotes. Then add a little extra for prep, paint (£10–£30/litre), and VAT.

How long does painting an entire house take?

Painting a house interior typically takes 1 - 2 weeks for a 3-bedroom home with a professional team. This covers prep, priming, two coats on walls/ceilings, and woodwork. Single rooms take 1 - 2 days.

What is the typical painter and decorator day rate in the UK?

The painter and decorator day rate (or daily rate painter and decorator) usually falls between £150 - £300, depending on location, experience, and job complexity. In cities like London, expect the higher end due to demand, while rural areas stay closer to £150 - £200.