Skimming a 15m² ceiling costs £280-£440 plus VAT in Checkatrade’s June 2026 UK table, with £360 plus VAT as the average. At 20% VAT that average works out at £432. The figure assumes a ceiling suitable for skimming. An older textured coating needs assessing before the plasterer can confirm that scope. See Checkatrade’s ceiling prices.

What if the ceiling needs boarding?

The same guide gives £700-£1,000 for boarding and plastering a damaged ceiling, depending on size and condition. It gives no specific room size or VAT basis for that range. Ask for a total for your measured ceiling, including the treatment around coving, light fittings and the wall junctions.

A dry, secure ceiling and one with a damp stain or sagging section need different investigations. Tell the plasterer when the stain appeared and whether the leak has been repaired. If an upstairs bathroom caused the leak, settle the repair and drying arrangements before commissioning a fresh surface below.

What belongs in the quotation?

Ask which preparation method the price assumes. Drilling through an existing coating to fix new boards can also disturb it. Where testing, specialist work or disposal is needed, request separate figures and agree the sequence before the plasterer starts. HSE explains who can work on textured coatings.

Agree who empties the room, protects the floor, deals with the lights and returns to decorate. A plastered ceiling viewed in daylight can look quite different under a row of spotlights, so discuss their final positions before work begins. Our plastering service and guide to painting fresh plaster cover the next stages.