Painting & Decorating Cost in Woking 2026 | Interior & Exterior Paint Job Prices

2026 price guide for professional painting and decorating services in Woking, East Sussex. Covering interior room painting, exterior work, wallpapering, and specialist finishes. Includes local decorator day rates, cost per room, and how to find skilled, reliable tradespeople for your home improvement project in Woking.

Day Rate (Skilled Decorator)

£180–£280

Labour only, 8-hour day

Medium Bedroom (Walls & Ceiling)

£300–£600

Prep, 2 coats, materials extra

Exterior Window/Door Refresh

£80–£160 per item

Prep, undercoat, gloss

Wallpapering (Feature Wall)

£150–£300

Supply & hang standard paper

2026 Painting & Decorating Price Breakdown

Service in Woking	Cost	Local Notes
Skilled Decorator Day Rate	£180–£280	Labour only. Experienced pros at higher end. Minimum 2-3 day bookings common.
Small Room (e.g., Box Room, 3x3m)	£250–£450	Walls & ceiling, emulsion. Empty room, basic prep. Coving adds complexity.
Medium/Large Lounge (5x5m+)	£450–£900+	Walls, ceiling, woodwork (skirting, door). Moving furniture, extensive prep.
Kitchen (Walls & Units)	£400–£800+	Complex due to units, tiles, degreasing. Cabinet spraying is specialist, higher cost.
Staircase & Hallway (Including Spindles)	£500–£1000+	Labour-intensive, awkward access. Sanding & painting many spindles adds significant time.
Exterior Window Frame (per window)	£80–£160	Proper sanding, filling, undercoat & topcoat. uPVC spray painting is a different service.
Exterior Front Door (Single)	£150–£300	Stripping old paint, filling, multiple coats for durability. Key to curb appeal.
Wallpaper Hanging (per roll, labour)	£20–£40	Plus cost of paper. Complex papers (silk, textured, mural) cost more to hang.
Ceiling Artex Overboarding/Skimming	£300–£600 per room	Common in Woking's older homes to remove textured ceilings before painting.
Full Interior & Exterior Paint Package (3-bed semi)	£3,500 – £7,000+	Major project including all rooms, woodwork, and exterior windows/doors/fascia.

Popular Decorating Packages

Home Refresh Package (3 Rooms)

£1,000 – £2,200

Emulsion walls & ceilings in lounge, bedroom, hallway. Light prep, client supplies paint.

Exterior Curb Appeal Package

£800 – £1,800

Paint front door, all window frames, fascia & soffit (if accessible from ladder), gate.

Rental Property Make-Ready Package

£1,500 – £3,000

Full redecoration of 2-bed flat: walls, ceilings, all woodwork in neutral colours, deep clean.

What Affects Painting & Decorating Costs in Woking?

Preparation Required: Pristine walls vs. filling cracks, stripping wallpaper, washing mould/grime.
Room Size & Complexity: High ceilings, stairwells, coving, numerous doors/windows.
Quality of Materials: Trade vs. premium retail paint; standard vs. luxury wallpaper.
Access & Furniture: Need to move/protect furniture, work around fitted units, loft access.
Number of Coats & Finishes: Dark to light colour change, specialist finishes (eggshell, gloss).
Time of Year: Exterior work is weather-dependent and may be cheaper in winter.

Property-Specific Considerations in Woking

Older & Period Properties

Dealing with lime plaster, uneven walls
Restoration of original features (cornices, panelling)
Breathable paint systems for solid walls

20th Century Suburban Homes

Artex ceiling overboarding or smoothing
Refreshing woodchip wallpaper (common removal job)
Repainting 1980s/90s stained woodwork

New Builds & Modern Estates

Touch-ups after snagging period
Feature walls & contemporary finishes
Painting MDF architrave & skirting

How to Choose a Painter & Decorator in Woking

Review Past Work & Ask for References

Look for a portfolio of completed projects similar to yours (e.g., period home, modern flat). Ask for 2-3 recent references you can contact. A good decorator will have plenty of repeat local business.

Get a Detailed, Written Specification & Quote

The quote should be a specification, not just a price. It must detail: prep work, number of coats, brand/type of paint, areas included/excluded, and a clear schedule. Avoid vague "per day" estimates for larger projects.

Assess Professionalism & Site Management

Professional decorators will protect your floors and furniture meticulously, keep the site tidy, and dispose of waste properly. They should be punctual, communicate clearly, and be willing to discuss your preferences.

Local Woking, East Sussex Insight

Woking's diverse architecture means decorators need varied skills. For older, solid-wall properties, knowledge of breathable paints (like clay or mineral-based) is important to prevent damp. Many homes have textured Artex ceilings containing asbestos; a good decorator will advise on overboarding rather than sanding. The town's commuter demographic often requires efficient project completion. For exterior work, consider the local weather – south-facing walls fade faster, and damp north walls may need fungicidal wash. Using quality, durable paint is wise given the variable climate. Always clarify who supplies materials – a pro's trade discount can sometimes offset a higher labour rate.

FAQs

Should I supply the paint or let the decorator buy it?

Letting the decorator supply is often better. They get trade discounts, know which products perform best, and can guarantee the finish. If you supply, they may not warranty the work against paint failure. Agree on brand/type beforehand.

How long does it take to paint an average room?

A professional team can typically complete a medium bedroom (walls, ceiling, woodwork) in 2-3 days, including drying time between coats. Rushing leads to poor results. Prep (filling, sanding) is 50% of the job.

What's the difference between a cheap and an expensive paint job?

Preparation and attention to detail. A cheap job may skip proper washing, filling, sanding, and use fewer coats. An expensive job invests time in prep, uses superior materials, and delivers crisp lines and a flawless finish that lasts years longer.

Do I need to move all my furniture out?

Not necessarily. Professional decorators will move furniture to the centre of the room and cover it. However, for a full redecoration (including floors), emptying the room allows for a better, quicker job.

Conclusion

Painting and decorating in Woking costs £180–£280 per day for labour, with a medium bedroom costing £300–£600. The key to a quality, lasting job is in the preparation. Choose a decorator with local experience, a detailed specification, and excellent references. Investing in good workmanship and materials protects your property and enhances its value.

Tip:

Decide on colours and finishes before work starts. Buy a small test pot and paint a large sample on the wall to see it in different lights. For exterior work, check the long-range weather forecast with your decorator to schedule dry, mild days.