Painter and Decorator Cost: Ultimate UK Cost Guide [2025]
Thinking about giving your home a fresh look? As someone who’s recently gone through the process of hiring a painter and decorator, I know how important it is to understand the costs involved. In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about painter and decorator costs in the UK and of course: how to save money!
Key Takeaways
- Average painter and decorator costs range from £200 to £400 per day
- If painters charge per per m², the prices range from £10 to £20 per m²
- A typical room (10-20m²) costs between £250 and £750 to paint
- Most painting jobs take 1-2 days for an average-sized room
- Factors affecting cost include room size, wall condition, paint quality, and location
- Expect to pay more in London and the South East
What Affects Painter and Decorator Costs?
From what I’ve seen while getting my own rooms painted, a bunch of things can really affect how much you’ll end up paying:
- Room size: Larger rooms naturally require more time and materials.
- Wall condition: If your walls need significant preparation or repair, this will add to the cost.
- Paint quality: Higher quality paints cost more but often provide better coverage and longevity.
- Accessibility: Hard-to-reach areas or rooms requiring scaffolding will increase the price.
- Location: Prices in London and the South East are typically higher than in other parts of the UK.
- Complexity of the job: Intricate designs or multiple colours will take more time and skill.
- Time of year: You might find better rates during slower periods, typically winter months.
🫰 Breakdown: How Much do Painter and Decorator Cost in the UK?
Based on my research and personal experience, here’s what you can expect to pay on average:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Daily rate | £200 – £400 |
| Rate per m² | £10 – £20 |
| Painting a room (walls only) | £250 – £450 |
| Painting a room (including ceiling and woodwork) | £350 – £650 |
| Wallpapering a room | £300 – £800 |
| Hallway | £400 – £700 |
Room Size and Painting Costs
I’ve found that the size of your room significantly impacts the overall cost of painting. Here’s a breakdown of average costs for different room sizes, considering painting walls only and then including ceilings and woodwork.
| Room Size | Walls Only | Walls, Ceiling & Woodwork |
|---|---|---|
| 10 sqm | £200 – £350 | £300 – £500 |
| 20 sqm | £350 – £550 | £500 – £750 |
| 30 sqm | £500 – £750 | £700 – £1,000 |
| 40 sqm | £650 – £900 | £850 – £1,200 |
These prices include labour and materials for a standard paint job. Keep in mind that factors like paint quality, wall condition, and location can influence the final cost.
Cost Example: Painting a 20m² Living Room
Here’s a more detailed example for for a 20m² living room incl. ceiling, woodwork and one door in the Greater London area. I want to give you a realistic picture, including some additional expenses that often catch people off guard:
| Overview | 1m² | 20m² |
|---|---|---|
| Painting labor | £15 | £300 |
| Prep work | £6 | £120 |
| Paint one door | - | £100 |
| Paint and materials | £12 | £240 |
| Total | £38 | £760 |
This example is based on my recent experience with a local decorator. Your actual costs may vary depending on your specific circumstances. This example assumes standard wall conditions and mid-range paint quality.
Complex jobs or premium paints could increase costs. The slight decrease in cost per m² for the larger room reflects the economy of scale in larger projects.
Paint Costs and Quality Considerations
Paint quality can significantly impact both your initial costs and long-term satisfaction. Here’s a rough guide to paint costs:
| Paint Type | Cost per Litre |
|---|---|
| Budget | £10 – £20 |
| Mid-range | £20 – £35 |
| Premium | £35 – £60 |
While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, I’ve found that higher quality paints often provide better coverage and durability. This can save money in the long run by requiring fewer coats and lasting longer before needing a repaint.
Labor Costs for Painters and Decorators
In the UK, painters and decorators typically charge between £200 and £400 per day. Some may offer a per-room or per-square-metre rate instead. Here’s a general idea of labor costs:
- Day rate: £200 – £400
- Per room: £350 – £600
- Per square metre: £10 – £20
These rates often include basic materials like brushes and rollers, but not paint. Always clarify what’s included when getting quotes.
Painter and Decorator Cost Differences by Region
As mentioned earlier, your location can also impact the painter costs. To give your a better understanding, here is an overview for different regions across the UK:
| Region | Difference |
|---|---|
| London | +25-35% |
| South East | +15-25% |
| South West | +5-15% |
| Midlands | Base rate |
| North England | -5-15% |
| Scotland | -5-15% |
| Wales | -10-20% |
Keep in mind these are just estimates and that prices can also vary within regions, particularly between urban and rural areas. Furthermore, the experience of the painter also affects the price.
DIY vs Professional Painting: A Cost Comparison
While DIY painting can save money, it’s important to consider the hidden costs and potential drawbacks:
DIY Costs:
- Paint and materials: £100 – £250
- Your time: 2-4 days for an average room
- Potential for mistakes requiring professional correction
Professional Costs:
- All-inclusive service: £350 – £600 for an average room
- Time saved: 1-2 days for an average room
- Professional finish and guaranteed results
In my experience, the extra cost for a professional job is often worth it for the time saved and the superior finish achieved.
The Painting and Decorating Process: Step by Step
To help you understand what’s involved in a professional paint job, here is an overview of the typical steps:
- Assessment: Space evaluation and colour discussion
- Preparation: Covering surfaces and filling wall imperfections
- Priming: Applying primer if needed
- Painting: Cutting in edges, then rolling larger areas
- Woodwork: Painting skirting boards and window frames
- Touch-ups: Final coat and addressing any issues
- Clean-up: Removing coverings and final inspection
While the specific details may vary, these are the typical steps of most painting projects I’ve been involved with. Btw, if you’re interested in getting your walls plastered before painting, check out my plastering cost guide.
Choosing the Right Painter and Decorator
Finding a reliable painter and decorator is crucial for a successful project. Here’s how I approach it:
- Check credentials: Look for membership in trade associations like the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA).
- Read reviews: I always check online reviews and ask for references from previous clients.
- Ask about experience: Enquire about their history with projects similar to yours.
- Verify insurance: Ensure they have proper liability insurance to protect you and your property.
- Clear communication: They should be able to explain their process and answer your questions clearly.
- Get detailed quotes: Insist on written quotes that break down all costs to avoid surprises.
I’ve found that taking the time to find the right professional can make all the difference in the final result.
🕒 How Long Does Painting Take?
Based on my experience with professional painters, here’s a quick overview of typical painting timeframes:
- Single room (walls only): 4-8 hours
- Single room (including ceiling and woodwork): 1-2 days
- Entire house interior (3-bedroom): 3-5 days
Specific tasks:
- Wall preparation: 2-4 hours per room
- Priming walls: 1-2 hours per room
- Painting walls (2 coats): 3-4 hours per room
- Painting ceilings: 1-2 hours per room
- Painting woodwork: 2-3 hours per room
I always add an extra day to the timeline for unexpected issues or drying time. It’s better to plan for extra time than to feel rushed if the job takes longer than expected.
💷 5 Tips to Reduce Your Painting and Decorating Costs
Here are some ways I’ve found to keep costs down without compromising on quality:
- Prepare the room yourself: Clear furniture and do basic cleaning before the decorator arrives.
- Buy your own paint: Some decorators mark up paint prices, so buying it yourself can save money.
- Consider off-peak times: Winter months are often quieter for decorators, potentially leading to better rates.
- Bundle jobs together: If you have multiple rooms to paint, doing them all at once can often result in a discount.
- Get multiple quotes: I always aim for at least three quotes to ensure I’m getting a fair price.
🌿 Environmental Considerations and Costs
Eco-friendly painting options are becoming increasingly popular. While they may have higher upfront costs, they often provide long-term benefits:
- Low-VOC paints: These emit fewer harmful chemicals but can cost 10-20% more than standard paints.
- Natural paints: Made from plant-based ingredients, these can be 50-100% more expensive but are better for the environment and indoor air quality.
- Recycled paints: These are often cheaper than new paints and help reduce waste.
FAQs
Q: How much does painting and decorating cost on average in the UK? A: On average, painting and decorating costs in the UK range from £200 to £400 per day for labour. For a typical room, you might expect to pay between £350 and £600, including materials.
Q: What’s included in a painter’s day rate? A: From my experience, a standard painter’s day rate includes:
- Labor (6-8 hours)
- Basic materials (brushes, tape, covers)
- Standard preparation work
- Moving small furniture
- Clean-up and waste removal
Paint costs are usually charged separately, and you might need to pay extra for extensive repairs.
Q: How long does it take to paint an average-sized room? A: For a professional, it typically takes 1-2 days to paint an average-sized room, including preparation and clean-up.
Q: Do I need to move furniture before the painter arrives? A: It’s best to move furniture to the centre of the room or out entirely if possible. Most decorators will help with light furniture moving, but it’s usually quicker if you do it beforehand.
Q: How often should I repaint my home’s interior? A: On average, interior walls should be repainted every 3-5 years, but high-traffic areas may need more frequent attention.
Q: Can painters work in cold weather? A: Interior painting can be done year-round, but temperatures below 10°C can affect paint drying and finish quality.
Q: Can painters work while I’m at home? A: Yes, most painters are used to working in occupied homes. However, you may want to plan to be out during certain stages for comfort and to allow faster drying.
Q: How much paint do I need for a room? A: A general rule is one litre per 6-8m² for two coats. Always check the coverage details on your chosen paint.
Conclusion
Hiring a painter and decorator can transform your home, but it’s important to understand the costs involved. By considering factors like room size, paint quality, and location, you can budget effectively for your project.
From my experience, the cheapest option isn’t always the best value. Consider long-term durability, the time involved, and the impact on your daily life when making your choice. With careful planning and the right approach, you can achieve a beautiful new look for your home without overspending.
