Professional Painting & Decorating Services UK ⚡ 2026 Prices Per Room & Job
Planning redecorating? Compare 2026 painting costs per room, decorating prices and professional preparation work across UK towns. Find insured decorators with quality guarantees and premium finish standards.
Quick Navigation: Painting & Decorating Guide
Why Hire Professional Painting & Decorating Services?
From achieving flawless paint finishes to saving time on complex preparation work, professional decorators bring expertise that transforms rooms beyond DIY capabilities. Whether you need complete room makeovers, specialist finishes, or property redecorating for rental, qualified painters ensure quality results that last years longer than amateur attempts.
This comprehensive guide covers 2026 painting and decorating costs per room and per job, different service levels, preparation standards, and how to choose certified decorators who deliver premium finishes across UK towns and cities.
Professional Decorating Services & Specialisations
Qualified decorators offer various service levels from basic painting to complete room transformations.
Standard Painting Services
- Walls and ceiling painting with emulsion
- Woodwork painting (doors, skirting, architraves)
- Radiator painting with heat-resistant finishes
- Feature wall creation with different techniques
- Complete room redecorating including preparation
Specialist Finishes & Techniques
- Wallpaper hanging including complex patterns
- Textured coatings and specialist plasters
- Spray painting services for smooth finishes
- Colour washing and rag rolling effects
- Stencilling and decorative art
- Faux finishes (wood grain, marble effects)
Commercial & Property Services
- Landlord redecoration between tenancies
- Office and commercial painting
- HMO property maintenance
- New build snagging and finishing
- Exterior painting and maintenance
Painting & Decorating Prices in the UK 2026
Costs vary by room size, ceiling height, preparation required, and finish quality. Most decorators quote per room or per day rates.
Daily & Hourly Rate Pricing
- Standard Daily Rate: £180 – £280 per day (8 hours)
- Experienced Decorator Rate: £220 – £350 per day
- Hourly Rate: £25 – £45 per hour
- Apprentice/Assistant Rate: £120 – £180 per day
- Two-Person Team: £320 – £500 per day
Fixed Price Per Room (Labour Only)
- Small Bedroom (10m²): £300 – £500
- Medium Bedroom (15m²): £450 – £700
- Large Bedroom (20m²+): £600 – £900
- Living Room (Average): £500 – £850
- Kitchen (Walls only): £350 – £600
- Bathroom (Walls only): £300 – £550
- Hallway & Stairs: £400 – £750
Additional Services & Costs
- Wallpapering (per roll): £25 – £45 labour per roll
- Ceiling only: £150 – £300 depending on size
- Woodwork only (per room): £200 – £400
- Preparation work (per day): £150 – £250
- Moving furniture: £50 – £100 per room
- Paint supply service: 10-20% markup on retail prices
Detailed Room-by-Room Cost Breakdown
What's Included in Standard Room Pricing
- Moving and covering furniture
- Filling cracks and holes
- Sanding woodwork and walls
- 2 coats emulsion on walls and ceiling
- 2 coats on woodwork (undercoat + gloss)
- Cleaning and tidying after completion
Average Room Completion Times
- Small bedroom: 1.5 - 2.5 days
- Medium bedroom: 2 - 3 days
- Living room: 2.5 - 4 days
- Kitchen (walls only): 1 - 2 days
- Hallway and stairs: 2 - 3.5 days
- Complete 3-bed house: 10 - 18 days
UK Painting & Decorating Price Snapshot (2026)
Prices are labour only. Materials (paint, wallpaper) are additional unless specified.
Professional Preparation & Finish Standards
Essential Preparation Work
- Wall washing to remove grease and dirt
- Crack filling with appropriate fillers
- Sanding to create smooth surfaces
- Stripping old wallpaper and adhesive removal
- Priming bare surfaces for proper adhesion
- Masking and protection of non-painted areas
Quality Finish Expectations
- Sharp paint lines between colours and surfaces
- Even coverage with no streaks or misses
- Consistent sheen across all surfaces
- Smooth woodwork free from brush marks
- Clean edges around fixtures and fittings
- Proper drying times between coats
Common Preparation Times
- Basic preparation: 20-30% of total job time
- Medium preparation: 30-50% of total job time
- Extensive preparation: 50-70% of total job time
- New build finishing: 10-20% preparation time
Paint & Material Quality Considerations
Paint Quality Levels
- Economy Paint: £10-£20 per 2.5L, requires more coats
- Trade Paint: £15-£30 per 2.5L, better coverage
- Premium Paint: £25-£50 per 2.5L, one-coat coverage
- Designer Brands: £40-£80 per 2.5L, specialist finishes
Material Coverage Estimates
- Walls (per 2.5L): 30-40m² per coat (trade quality)
- Woodwork (per 2.5L): 40-50m² per coat
- Ceilings (per 2.5L): 35-45m² per coat
- Primer (per 2.5L): 40-50m² coverage
Cost of Materials for Average Rooms
- Small bedroom: £80-£150 for trade quality
- Living room: £120-£220 for trade quality
- Complete house (3-bed): £500-£1,200 depending on quality
How to Choose a Qualified Decorator
Selecting the right decorator ensures quality results and protects your property.
- Check PDA Membership: Painting & Decorating Association accreditation
- Verify Insurance: Public liability insurance (minimum £2 million)
- Ask About Experience: Minimum 3-5 years professional experience
- Request Portfolio: Examples of recent similar work
- Get Detailed Quotes: Compare 2-3 itemised quotes
- Check References: Speak to previous clients about work quality
- Discuss Preparation Standards: Clear explanation of preparation work
- Ask About Guarantees: Workmanship warranties and touch-up policies
Decorating Service Red Flags & Warning Signs
Avoid decorators who display these concerning behaviours:
- No Insurance Proof: Cannot provide public liability insurance
- Cash-Only Payments: Refusal to provide proper invoices
- Unrealistically Low Quotes: Prices significantly below market rates
- Vague Quotes: No breakdown of labour vs materials
- Pressure for Upfront Payment: Demanding large deposits
- No Written Contract: Verbal agreements only
- Poor Communication: Difficult to contact, unprofessional
- No Portfolio: Unable to show examples of previous work
- Rushing Preparation: Suggesting skipping essential prep work
How to Reduce Decorating Costs
Smart planning can significantly reduce your painting and decorating expenses:
- Combine Rooms: Book multiple rooms for better day rates
- DIY Preparation: Handle basic prep work yourself
- Supply Your Own Materials: Purchase paint during sales
- Off-Peak Booking: Schedule during quieter winter months
- Clear Access: Move furniture and clear rooms before they start
- Choose Trade Paint: Better coverage than retail, often cheaper
- Plan Colours Carefully: Avoid multiple colour changes mid-job
- Regular Maintenance: Touch up rather than complete redecorate
Frequently Asked Questions (UK Painting & Decorating)
- How long does it take to paint an average bedroom?
- Most standard bedrooms take 1.5-2.5 days including preparation, depending on room size, ceiling height, and amount of woodwork.
- Should I supply the paint or let the decorator?
- Professional decorators often get trade discounts, but supplying your own paint gives colour control. Discuss markup rates (typically 10-20%) if they supply.
- What's the difference between trade and retail paint?
- Trade paint has higher pigment levels, better coverage, and is designed for professional use. It often provides better results with fewer coats.
- How much does it cost to paint a 3-bedroom house?
- Complete redecoration of a 3-bedroom house typically costs £2,500-£5,000 including materials, depending on size, preparation needed, and paint quality.
- Do decorators move furniture?
- Most include light furniture moving in their quotes, but heavy items like wardrobes or pianos may incur extra charges. Always confirm what's included.
- How long should decorating work last?
- Professional decorating with quality materials should last 5-7 years in living areas and 3-5 years in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
- What preparation should I do before the decorator arrives?
- Remove wall hangings, clear surfaces, move small items, and discuss any specific requirements. The more you prepare, the less time they spend on non-painting tasks.
Summary
Professional painting and decorating services deliver quality finishes that last years longer than DIY attempts. Understanding 2026 pricing structures for daily rates (£180-£280), room costs (£300-£500 for small bedrooms), and preparation work helps you budget effectively for redecorating projects. Always choose insured, experienced decorators with proper accreditation and clear quotes. Remember that quality preparation represents 30-50% of professional work time but ensures lasting results. Whether refreshing a single room or complete property redecoration, investing in professional services protects your property value and delivers finish quality that amateur efforts rarely achieve.