Painting & Decorating Quotes
A fresh coat done properly lasts for years. Compare quotes from painters and decorators for a single room, the whole house or the outside.
Good decorating is mostly preparation. Filling, sanding, sealing stains and masking take up much of the time on a professional job, and they are what separate a finish that looks good for years from one that starts to crack and peel after the first winter.
When you request quotes, tell us which rooms or areas need doing, whether ceilings and woodwork are included, and roughly what condition the surfaces are in. Photos help decorators price accurately without a visit.
Decorating work covered
Interior painting
Walls, ceilings, woodwork and doors, with proper preparation and a durable finish.
Hallways, stairs and landings
Often the trickiest area in the house because of the height over the stairwell.
Wallpapering
Lining paper, feature walls and patterned papers that need careful matching.
Exterior painting
Masonry, render, fascias, soffits, windows and doors, timed around the weather.
Woodwork and fences
Skirting, architraves, doors, sash windows and garden fence treatment.
Specialist finishes
Limewash, eggshell for kitchen cabinets, and spraying for a smooth factory-style finish.
Getting the timing right
Interior decorating can be done at any time of year, but it is best left until after other trades have finished. There is no point painting a room before the electrician has chased in new cables.
Exterior work in the UK is best done from late spring to early autumn, when surfaces are dry and temperatures are high enough for paint to cure properly. Most decorators book outside jobs well in advance.
Safety points decorators should mention
- Houses built before the 1960s may have lead paint on woodwork. Dry sanding it is hazardous, so a good decorator will test and use safe removal methods.
- Higher exterior work may need scaffolding or a tower. If scaffolding is required on the pavement, the scaffolder will usually need a licence from the council.
- Artex ceilings applied before 2000 can contain asbestos. Do not sand or scrape it – have it tested first.
Typical decorating prices
Indicative UK prices, including labour and trade-quality paint for standard colours. Prices vary with ceiling height, surface condition and access.
| Job | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| Decorator's day rate | £180–£280 per day |
| Bedroom (walls, ceiling and woodwork) | £350–£750 |
| Hallway, stairs and landing | £800–£1,900 |
| Hanging wallpaper (per roll, labour) | £30–£55 |
| Exterior of a semi-detached house (excluding scaffolding) | £1,500–£3,500 |
Prices are indicative only and include VAT where the tradesperson is VAT-registered. Always get written quotes for your specific job.
What affects the price
- Surface condition
- Cracked plaster, flaking paint and stains need more preparation – and preparation is where the time goes.
- Colour changes
- Going from a dark colour to a light one can mean an extra coat or two.
- Height and access
- Tall ceilings, stairwells and exterior walls often need towers, platforms or scaffolding.
- Furniture and occupancy
- Empty rooms are quicker to work in than rooms full of furniture.
Getting the most from a decorator's quote
- Confirm what is included: walls, ceilings, woodwork, radiators, doors
- Ask how many coats are allowed for and which paint brand is being used
- Check who is moving furniture and protecting floors
- Ask about lead paint and Artex if you live in an older house
- Get a start date and a realistic finish date in writing
Request painting and decorating quotes
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Areas we cover
You can request painting and decorating quotes anywhere in the UK. Our local guides focus on fencing, and include advice on other trades in each area.
Related services
Painting & Decorating: frequently asked questions
How long does it take to decorate a room?
An average bedroom typically takes two to three days including preparation, a mist coat or primer where needed, and two finish coats.
Do decorators supply the paint?
Most do and will use trade paints, which are generally better value and more durable. You can choose the colours and they will match them in a trade range.
When is the best time to paint the outside of a house?
From late spring to early autumn, on dry days when the temperature is comfortably above freezing overnight. Paint applied in cold, damp conditions does not cure properly.
Can decorators paint or stain fences?
Many can. Timber fences benefit from a fresh coat of preserver every few years, especially after they have weathered for the first season.
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