Painting & Decorating Costs in Cranleigh 2026 | Interior & Exterior Prices

Comprehensive 2026 price guide for professional painting and decorating services in Cranleigh, Surrey, covering interior room painting, exterior wall treatments, period property restoration, and commercial decorating. This detailed analysis includes verified local decorator rates, material cost comparisons, and essential advice for finding qualified, insured professionals who understand Cranleigh's specific requirements—from Victorian coach house restoration to modern development work in Surrey's largest village.

Standard Room Painting (Walls & Ceiling)

Typical price: £350–£800

Includes: Preparation, 2 coats, basic materials

Exterior Wall Painting (Detached house)

Typical price: £1,500–£3,500

Examples: Preparation, masonry paint, access

Ceiling Painting (Per room)

Typical price: £180–£420

Note: Includes filling, mist coat, 2 finish coats

Period Property Specialist Work

Typical price: £500–£1,200+ per room

Common in Cranleigh: Traditional techniques, heritage colours

Cranleigh Painting & Decorating Prices 2026: Complete Breakdown

Painting & Decorating Service in Cranleigh	Average Cost	Cranleigh-Specific Notes & Considerations
ServiceStandard Room Painting (4m x 5m, walls & ceiling)	Typical cost£350–£800	NotesIncludes preparation, mist coat on new plaster, 2 finish coats. Standard reception rooms in Cranleigh homes. Higher than national average due to area's affluence and quality expectations.
ServiceLiving Room/Dining Room Painting	Typical cost£450–£1,100	NotesLarger spaces, more detailed preparation, often higher finish standards. Common in Cranleigh's family homes and period properties with generous proportions.
ServiceKitchen Painting (Walls only, around units)	Typical cost£300–£700	NotesWashable kitchen paint, careful cutting in around fittings. Many Cranleigh homes have high-spec kitchens requiring precise work. May need multiple visits around appliance schedules.
ServiceBathroom Painting (Mould-resistant)	Typical cost£250–£600	NotesSpecialist bathroom paint, thorough preparation for damp environment. Essential in Cranleigh's older properties where ventilation may be inadequate.
ServiceBedroom Painting (Standard, per room)	Typical cost£320–£780	NotesTypically includes ceiling, walls, woodwork. Cranleigh's family homes often have larger bedrooms requiring more materials and time.
ServiceHall, Stairs & Landing Painting	Typical cost£550–£1,300	NotesComplex area with multiple surfaces, stair spindles, doors. Common in Cranleigh's Victorian and Edwardian houses. High traffic area requiring durable finishes.
ServiceCeiling Painting (Per room, standard)	Typical cost£180–£420	NotesFilling cracks, mist coat, 2 finish coats. Cranleigh's older properties often have cracked ceiling plaster requiring extensive preparation, especially in period homes.
ServiceSkirting Boards & Architraves (Per room)	Typical cost£120–£300	NotesSanding, filling, undercoat, gloss/satin finish. Period properties in Cranleigh often have detailed original woodwork requiring careful restoration.
ServiceInternal Door Painting (Per door, both sides)	Typical cost£50–£120	NotesRemoval of furniture, sanding, knotting, primer, undercoat, top coat. Many Cranleigh period homes have 8+ internal doors. Panelled doors cost more than flat.
ServiceExternal Front Door Painting	Typical cost£150–£350	NotesThorough preparation, quality undercoat, weather-resistant topcoat. Important for Cranleigh's period properties with original doors and for kerb appeal in affluent areas.
ServiceWindow Frames Painting (Internal, per window)	Typical cost£60–£150	NotesCareful preparation, sealing, durable finish. Period properties in Cranleigh often have original sash windows needing special care. uPVC frames may only need cleaning.
ServiceWindow Frames Painting (External, per window)	Typical cost£100–£220	NotesWeather-resistant systems, thorough preparation. South-facing windows in Cranleigh suffer most from UV damage. Conservation areas may restrict colours.
ServiceRadiator Painting (Per radiator)	Typical cost£50–£110	NotesHeat-resistant paint, careful preparation. Common request in Cranleigh's period property updates and rental property refreshes between tenancies.
ServiceExterior Wall Painting (Detached house)	Typical cost£1,500–£3,500	NotesScaffolding if over single storey, pressure washing, filling, quality masonry paint. Important maintenance for Cranleigh's brick and rendered properties.
ServiceExterior Wall Painting (Semi-detached)	Typical cost£1,200–£2,800	NotesScaffolding typically needed, preparation, quality masonry paint. Common in Cranleigh's village centre properties and 1930s developments.
ServiceFence Painting/Treating (Per panel)	Typical cost£25–£55	NotesPressure washing, wood treatment/preservative, stain or paint. Popular in Cranleigh's garden-focused properties. Often done with garden shed painting.
ServiceGarden Shed Painting (6x4 shed)	Typical cost£180–£420	NotesPreparation, wood treatment, undercoat, topcoat. Cranleigh's climate requires shed treatments every 3-4 years. Often booked with fence treatment.
ServiceWallpaper Stripping (Per room)	Typical cost£180–£420	NotesSteam stripping, paste removal, wall preparation for painting. Many Cranleigh period properties have multiple layers of historic wallpaper.
ServiceWallpaper Hanging (Per roll, labour only)	Typical cost£25–£50 per roll	NotesIncludes paste, hanging, trimming. Feature walls popular in Cranleigh's modernised period homes. Complex patterns cost more. Paper extra.
ServiceArtex Ceiling Overboarding/Skimming	Typical cost£500–£1,200 per room	NotesCovering or removing textured ceilings. Common in Cranleigh's 1970s-80s properties being modernised for sale. May contain asbestos - testing recommended.

Popular Painting & Decorating Packages in Cranleigh

Many Cranleigh decorators offer package deals for common refurbishment projects:

Whole House Refresh Package

Typical Price: £3,500–£8,000

Includes: All rooms ceiling/walls/woodwork, hall/stairs/landing, front door, thorough preparation, premium paints throughout, 2-year workmanship guarantee

Best For: Complete home updates, pre-sale preparations, major refurbishments in Cranleigh

Period Property Sympathetic Update

Typical Price: £4,000–£10,000+

Includes: Traditional lime plaster repair, heritage colour matching, detailed woodwork restoration, cornice/coving refurbishment, appropriate period finishes, conservation advice

Best For: Victorian/Edwardian homes, conservation area properties, listed building sympathetic updates in Cranleigh

Exterior Maintenance & Refresh Package

Typical Price: £2,500–£6,000

Includes: External walls, windows/doors, fascia/soffits, fencing/shed treatment, thorough preparation, premium weatherproof products, 3-year exterior guarantee

Best For: Kerb appeal improvement, weather protection, pre-winter maintenance in Cranleigh

Rental Property Turnaround Package

Typical Price: £1,800–£4,000

Includes: Scuff mark repair throughout, feature wall refresh, bathroom/kitchen touch-ups, external front door/entrance refresh, durable washable finishes, quick turnaround

Best For: Landlords between tenancies, letting agent requirements, Cranleigh's active rental market

10 Factors Affecting Painting & Decorating Costs in Cranleigh

Surface Condition & Preparation Needed: New plaster vs multiple old paint layers, cracking in period properties, damp issues in older Cranleigh homes.
Room Size & Complexity: Standard room vs hallway with stairs, high ceilings in period properties, multiple angles and features common in Cranleigh homes.
Property Type & Age: Period vs modern construction, conservation area restrictions, listed building considerations common in Cranleigh village centre.
Paint Quality & Type: Basic contract matt vs premium washable, specialist bathroom/kitchen paints, heritage colours for period homes.
Access Requirements: Bungalow easy access vs 3-storey townhouse needing scaffolding, furniture moving/protection in furnished homes.
Decorative Details: Cornicing, picture rails, sash windows, detailed architraves common in Cranleigh's older properties.
Time of Year & Scheduling: Summer premium for exterior work, longer drying times in damp winter, fitting around Cranleigh's commuter schedules.
Scope of Work: Full room including ceiling/woodwork vs walls only, number of coats needed for colour changes.
Materials & Techniques: Traditional lime paints vs modern emulsions, specialist application methods for period features.
Location & Parking: Central Cranleigh vs rural outskirts, parking restrictions in village centre, conservation area working restrictions.

Cranleigh Painting & Decorating Services: Area Coverage & Common Requirements

Different areas of Cranleigh present distinct decorating challenges and requirements:

Village Centre & Conservation Areas
(GU6 7, GU6 8)

Common Requirements: Period property restoration, heritage colour schemes, traditional technique expertise, conservation area compliance
Typical Timescale: 3-7 days for standard room, 15-30 days for full property interior
Specialist Needs: Conservation area experience, period feature restoration, traditional material knowledge, listed building awareness
Access Challenges: Parking restrictions, narrow streets, delicate period property access, often occupied during work

Suburban Family & Commuter Areas
(Knowle Park, Weybourne)

Common Requirements: Family home updates, durable washable finishes, modern colour schemes, efficient working for busy households
Typical Timescale: 7-15 days for full house interior, 5-10 days for exterior
Specialist Needs: Modern paint system knowledge, family-friendly scheduling, efficient working methods, fitting around work schedules
Access Challenges: Driveway parking generally good, some newer estates with restricted access, working around school runs

Rural Outskirts & Country Properties
(Ewhurst, Shamley Green, Alfold)

Common Requirements: Larger property painting, exterior maintenance, traditional building care, sympathetic updates to country homes
Typical Timescale: 10-25 days for larger properties, travel time may be factored
Specialist Needs: Rural property experience, traditional building knowledge, larger project management
Access Challenges: Country lane access, larger properties needing more equipment, travel considerations, often older buildings with unique issues

Newer Developments & Executive Homes
(Recent estates, larger new builds)

Common Requirements: High-spec finishes, feature walls, modern colour palettes, seamless repairs to existing work
Typical Timescale: 8-18 days for larger properties, meticulous attention to detail expected
Specialist Needs: Experience with modern construction, colour consultation services, premium product knowledge
Access Challenges: Often larger properties needing more equipment, higher expectations for minimal disruption, estate management rules

Getting an Accurate Decorating Quote in Cranleigh: 12 Essential Details

Room Dimensions & Features: Floor area, ceiling height, number of windows/doors, architectural features, built-in furniture.
Surface Conditions: Current wall/ceiling condition, cracks/damp, previous paint layers, plaster quality, any wallpaper to remove.
Preparation Requirements: Wallpaper stripping needed, filling/sanding extent, washing/cleaning required, mould treatment.
Paint Specifications: Quality level desired, specific brands/products, low-VOC requirements, special finishes, heritage colours if applicable.
Property Type & Age: Period vs modern construction, conservation area status, listed building considerations, approximate age.
Access & Furniture: Furniture moving requirements, floor protection needs, access restrictions, parking availability.
Timing Requirements: Preferred start date, completion deadline, seasonal considerations, working around occupancy.
External Work Details: Wall surfaces (render/brick/pebbledash), woodwork condition, scaffolding needs, conservation restrictions.
Special Requirements: Conservation area restrictions, heritage colour matching, traditional techniques needed, child/pet safe products.
Electrical/Plumbing Considerations: Radiator removal/replacement, light fitting removal, socket/switch preparation, working around fixtures.
Previous Problems: Known damp issues, condensation problems, mould history requiring specialist treatment, previous poor workmanship.
Budget Constraints: Quality vs economy priorities, phased work options, material supply preferences, payment schedule expectations.

Cranleigh Painting & Decorating: Essential Questions Answered

What's the average cost to paint a room in Cranleigh?

A standard 4m x 5m room (walls & ceiling) typically costs £350–£800 including preparation and basic materials. Living rooms average £450–£1,100, bedrooms £320–£780, and bathrooms £250–£600 with mould-resistant paint. Exterior wall painting for a detached house ranges from £1,500–£3,500. Period property work commands a 25-50% premium due to additional preparation and specialist techniques required in Cranleigh's older homes.

How often should exterior paint be refreshed in Cranleigh?

With Cranleigh's climate, exterior walls need repainting every 5-8 years. Woodwork (windows, doors, fascias) may need refreshing every 4-6 years. South-facing elevations and exposed rural locations require more frequent maintenance. Quality paint and proper preparation extend these timeframes. In conservation areas, specific colours and materials may be required - check with Waverley Borough Council first. Regular maintenance prevents expensive substrate damage in Cranleigh's varied weather.

Are special paints needed for period properties in Cranleigh?

Yes, period properties often benefit from: Breathable lime-based paints for solid walls, appropriate heritage colours for conservation areas, traditional oil-based paints for woodwork, and sometimes specialist distemper for historic interiors. Always consult a decorator experienced with period properties, especially in Cranleigh's conservation areas like the village centre. Using modern non-breathable paints on old walls can trap moisture and cause damage.

What's the best time of year for exterior painting in Cranleigh?

Late spring to early autumn (May-September) offers the best conditions. Avoid painting when temperatures drop below 5°C or during prolonged damp periods common in Cranleigh's winter. Ideal conditions are mild, dry weather with little wind. For large exterior projects, late summer scheduling is ideal but books up quickly with local decorators. Consider phasing work over two seasons if necessary for larger Cranleigh properties.

Should I use oil-based or water-based paints in Cranleigh?

Modern water-based paints are generally recommended for their flexibility, breathability, and quicker drying times. However, for external woodwork on period properties, high-quality oil-based systems still offer superior durability despite longer drying times. For internal woodwork, water-based satin/eggshell provides good results with easier cleanup. Always follow conservation area guidelines if applicable in Cranleigh. Many decorators now use hybrid paints offering benefits of both types.

How to Choose a Reliable Painter & Decorator in Cranleigh, Surrey

Verify Qualifications & Specialised Experience

Check for Painting & Decorating Association (PDA) membership or City & Guilds qualifications. For Cranleigh, ensure they have specific experience with period property techniques if relevant, conservation area requirements in village centre areas, and modern vs traditional methods. Ask for examples of similar local property work, especially if you have a period home or specific conservation considerations unique to Cranleigh properties.

Assess Preparation Standards & Material Knowledge

90% of a good paint job is preparation. Ensure they detail specific preparation steps in quotes: washing, filling, sanding, priming. Check their knowledge of appropriate materials for different surfaces and Cranleigh's specific conditions (older properties, conservation requirements). Ask about their supplier relationships for quality products and whether they offer colour consultation services important in Cranleigh's design-conscious community.

Check Insurance, Safety & Property Protection

Verify public liability insurance (minimum £2 million) and employer's liability insurance if they have employees. Check their property protection approach: dust sheets, floor protection, careful furniture moving, clean work areas. For exterior work, ensure they have proper safety equipment and scaffolding certification if needed. Ask about their clean-up procedures at end of each day - particularly important in occupied Cranleigh homes.

Review Communication & Project Management

Professional decorators should provide detailed written quotes breaking down labour/materials, clear timelines with start/completion dates, and regular progress updates. They should communicate about disruption levels, drying times between coats, and access requirements. Good project management is especially important for period property work and for fitting around Cranleigh's commuter and family schedules.

Evaluate Aftercare & Guarantees

Reputable decorators provide written guarantees on workmanship (typically 2-5 years), product warranties where applicable, and touch-up paint supplies. They should offer advice on maintenance specific to Cranleigh's climate and property types, and be available for post-completion touch-ups if needed. For exterior work, they should provide weather-related guarantees against early failure - important in Cranleigh's variable weather.

📍 Local Cranleigh Painting & Decorating Insight

Choosing a painter and decorator in Cranleigh requires understanding the area's unique mix of period properties, conservation areas, and affluent modern homes. Cranleigh's village centre conservation areas have strict rules about colours and materials - always check with Waverley Borough Council before starting work. The area's many period properties often need breathable paints to prevent damp issues in solid walls - modern vinyl emulsions can trap moisture. Cranleigh's affluent households often have high expectations for finish quality - look for decorators used to working to premium standards. For exterior work, consider Cranleigh's microclimates - properties in open countryside get different weathering to sheltered village locations. When updating properties for sale, neutral, light colour schemes generally yield best returns in Cranleigh's property market. Consider scheduling major interior work for spring/summer when drying times are faster and windows can be open. Always get multiple detailed quotes, but beware of those significantly lower - they often skip essential preparation steps. Finally, building a relationship with a local decorator experienced with your property type ensures appropriate techniques and materials for long-lasting results in Cranleigh's varied housing stock.

Finding Reliable Painting & Decorating Services in Cranleigh: 2026 Guide

Painting and decorating costs in Cranleigh reflect the area's property diversity and quality expectations. Interior room painting ranges from £350–£800 for standard rooms to £450–£1,100 for living rooms and £250–£600 for bathrooms with specialist paints. Exterior work costs £1,500–£3,500 for detached houses and £1,200–£2,800 for semi-detached. Ceiling painting averages £180–£420 per room, while woodwork refresh starts at £120–£300 per room. Always prioritise decorators with appropriate local experience, particularly for period properties where specialised knowledge is essential. For conservation areas, ensure compliance with local guidelines before starting work. Regular exterior maintenance, particularly on south-facing elevations, prevents expensive substrate damage. Given Cranleigh's mix of architectural styles and quality expectations, establishing a relationship with a decorator who understands your property's specific requirements and the area's standards ensures appropriate solutions for long-lasting, quality results that enhance your home's value and appearance.

Local Decorating Insight:

For best results in Cranleigh, schedule exterior painting for late spring through summer when conditions are driest. For period properties, consider breathable paint systems to prevent damp trapped behind modern coatings. Keep a record of paint colours and brands used for future touch-ups - note the specific product codes and sheen levels. Test paint colours on large sample boards before committing - north-facing rooms need different considerations than south-facing in Cranleigh's varied properties. When preparing surfaces, address underlying issues first (damp, cracks, loose plaster) rather than just painting over them. Invest in good quality brushes and rollers - they give better finish and last longer. Keep leftover paint properly sealed for touch-ups - label tins with room and date. Consider accent walls rather than full room colour changes for easier future updates. For busy households, plan work during school terms if possible to minimise disruption. Finally, communicate clearly with your decorator about expectations and provide constructive feedback - this helps them understand your preferences and deliver results you'll be happy with for years to come in your Cranleigh home.