See local painter and decorator rates for 2026

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Painter and decorator rates vary depending on the task you want them to complete and where you live. If you only have a small job for them, they may charge an hourly rate, but if it’s a larger job they are likely to charge a day rate. 

HaMuch’s database of hourly and daily rates of painters and decorators from all over the UK helps to give you an idea of how much you should pay for a decorating job. Read on to find out the latest average painter and decorator rates nationwide.

Painter and decorator hourly rate

A painter and decorator will usually charge an hourly rate for jobs like painting a ceiling or a front door. The average hourly rate for a painter and decorator in the UK is £24, not including any materials. 

Rates can vary from £16 to £38 per hour depending on where you live, and the south east usually has the highest rates. For example, in London, the average heating engineer's hourly rate is £31.

Painter and decorator day rate

For larger jobs, such as painting the hall, stairs and landing or painting and decorating a whole room, your decorator will usually charge a day rate. The average day rate for a painter and decorator is £173, but our data suggests that is can range anywhere from £127 to £271. Day rates for decorators are the cheapest in Powys and the most expensive in Perth and Kinross.

Take a look at our UK painter and decorator rates table to get a more accurate idea of hourly and daily rates in your area. HaMuch has members across the country who display their rates so you can see how much they charge before you make contact with them.

Hourly and day rates of painters and decorators in the UK
Paint and decorate a room

Average rate: £161 per day

Average time: 2-3 days

Average material cost: £180

Painters and decorators charge around £161 per day for decorating a room. Usually, they will ask you to source the paint yourself so you can choose the colour and brand, but they may provide ceiling paint or be able to pick up your choice of paint if you ask them. Expect to pay at least £100 for paint, including paint for woodwork but excluding internal doors.

georgian flats painted in a light colour with a clear blue sky int background
Paint your home's exterior

Average rate: £170 per painter per day

Average time: 3-4 days, based on two painters working

Average material cost: £450

Scaffolding: £400 to £700

Not all painting and decorating companies will offer exterior painting, but many do. Expect the whole job to cost around £1,163 excluding paint for an average-sized house. This cost is based on two painters working together.

cream kitchen cabinets, some with glass, with black worktops and downlights
Paint kitchen cabinet doors

Average rate: £377 per day

Average time: 4 days

Average material cost: £70

A new kitchen costs thousands of pounds, so giving your cabinet doors a new lease of life by painting them could save you up to 80%. Expect to pay up to £1,600 to have your kitchen cabinets painted, with materials setting you back at least £70.

Your checklist for finding and comparing painter and decorator rates

1. Consider independent painters and decorators 

Independent painters and decorators often provide the same level of skill and professionalism as those working for larger firms, sometimes offering more personalised service. They usually have lower overheads, which allows them to offer competitive rates without compromising on quality. Don’t assume that lower prices mean lower standards; many independent professionals bring years of experience and a keen eye for detail to each job.

2. Research reviews and gather recommendations 

Before selecting a painter and decorator, research online reviews across various platforms to get a sense of their reliability, quality of work and customer service. Feedback from previous clients can be invaluable in determining whether a decorator is right for your project.

If possible, ask friends, family, or neighbours who have recently had work done for their recommendations. For larger projects, such as full house redecorations or intricate mural work, request to see before and after photos of similar jobs to assess their level of craftsmanship.

3. Verify qualifications, experience and insurance 

While formal qualifications for painters and decorators aren’t always required, it’s beneficial to choose someone with recognised credentials, especially for more complex jobs. Many professionals have completed apprenticeships or hold qualifications like NVQs in painting and decorating.

Experience is crucial, particularly for specialised tasks like wallpapering, decorative finishes or restoring period features. An experienced decorator will be better equipped to tackle unforeseen challenges and deliver a high-quality finish.

Ensure that the decorator has adequate insurance, including public liability insurance. This is important to protect you from any potential damage to your property or accidents that might occur during the job.

4. Clarify what’s included in the quote 

When you get a quote, it’s essential to understand exactly what is included. Some decorators might provide a quote that covers labour only, while others might include both labour and materials. For example, if the job involves using specific paints or wallpapers, ask whether the cost of these materials is included in the quote or if you’ll need to purchase them separately.

If you’re sourcing your own materials, consult with the decorator first. They can recommend the best brands and suppliers, potentially offering access to trade discounts. Some decorators have preferred brands for paints and finishes that they trust for their durability and finish quality, such as Dulux or Farrow & Ball.

5. Confirm payment terms 

Before work begins, ensure you have a clear understanding of the payment terms. For larger projects, decorators may ask for a deposit upfront, with the balance due upon completion. For smaller jobs, payment is typically expected in full once the work is completed.

Check if the decorator is VAT registered and whether the quote includes VAT. A written quote is always best to avoid any misunderstandings during or after the project.

If you prefer to pay by card or bank transfer, confirm that the decorator accepts these payment methods. Be cautious of decorators who only accept cash, and make sure to obtain a receipt for any payments made.

6. Compare multiple quotes 

As with any home improvement project, it’s a good idea to obtain at least three quotes from different decorators. This allows you to compare rates and services, ensuring you receive fair value for the work. Be wary of quotes that seem significantly lower than others - this can sometimes indicate a lack of experience or a potential compromise in the quality of materials or workmanship.

Always check references and reviews for each decorator before making your final decision. A reputable professional will be happy to provide these and may even have a portfolio of their previous work for you to review.

How to prepare for your painter and decorator’s visit

  • Organise parking: If your painter and decorator requires a parking permit or specific arrangements to park near your property, make sure to organise this in advance. If parking is limited, consider securing a nearby space to prevent any delays.
  • Clear the area and protect belongings: Before the decorator arrives, clear the area of any furniture, personal belongings and decorations that could get in the way. While decorators often take precautions to protect your items, removing them entirely ensures nothing is accidentally damaged. If moving furniture is difficult, discuss this with the decorator - they may offer assistance or suggest covering items with protective sheets.
  • Provide detailed information: When the decorator arrives, provide them with as much detail as possible about the work you need done. Whether it’s a specific colour scheme, a unique design element, or an issue with a previous paint job, clear communication helps them understand your vision and any challenges that might need addressing.
  • Ensure easy access: Make sure the decorator can easily access the areas they’ll be working on. This might involve moving large pieces of furniture or clearing a pathway to walls, ceilings, or other surfaces that need attention. If you’re having exterior work done, ensure gates are unlocked and any obstructions are removed.
  • Select and confirm colours or materials: If you haven’t already done so, finalise your choice of colours, wallpapers or other materials before the decorator arrives. If you’re unsure, many decorators are happy to offer advice based on their experience and knowledge of current trends. It’s also a good idea to have any samples or test patches ready so you can confirm your choices before work begins.
  • Be prepared for some disruption Painting and decorating work can be disruptive, especially for larger projects. Be prepared for some inconvenience, such as restricted access to certain rooms, strong paint odours or dust. Plan accordingly, perhaps arranging to stay out of the house during the most intensive phases of the work.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your painter and decorator’s visit goes smoothly, allowing them to focus on delivering the best possible results for your home. 

Ready to find a painter and decorator for your project? Post your job on HaMuch now and connect with reliable professionals in your area.

Are you a painter and decorator looking to find local work?

We need painter and decorators like you to help local homeowners with their jobs.


Costs to paint a room or wallpaper a wall

JobEstimate
Cost to wallpaper a room£400 per room
Cost to stain or oil decking£120
Cost to remove wallpaper£350 per room
Cost to paint and decorate a house interior£3,000
Cost to paint or stain a fence£220
Cost to paint soffits and fascias£550
Cost to sand down and repaint skirting boards£170 per room
Cost to sand down and repaint interior doors£120 per door
Cost to paint house exterior£1,200
Cost to paint the hallway, stairs and landing£650
Cost to paint the garage£310
Cost to paint a front door£351
Cost to decorate a bedroom£380
Cost to paint office, business premises or warehouse£1,340
Cost to paint a ceiling£210 per room
Cost to paint kitchen cabinet doors£420
Cost to paint a bathroom£290
Cost to paint and decorate a room£300
Cost to paint and decorate a living room£700
2. Enter postcode to get estimate
plus materials

to see who is available and get more information

Rates for other trades

Appliance Repair Specialist
Bathroom Fitter
Builder
Carpenter and Joiner
Cleaner
Conservatory Specialist
Door Fitter
Drain Specialist
Driveway Specialist
Electrician
Extension Builder
Fencer
Fire and Security Specialist
Flooring Specialist
Gardener
Handyman
Heating Engineer
Kitchen Fitter
Landscaper
Painter and Decorator
Patio and Path Specialist
Plasterer
Plumber
Removals and Storage
Roofer
Tiler
Window Fitter
Painter And Decorator Hourly Rate and Daily Rate
Painter And Decorator Hourly Rate and Daily Rate (excluding VAT or callout charges)
Location in UKHourly RateDaily Rate
Painter and Decorator near London£31£203
Painter and Decorator near Birmingham£22£169
Painter and Decorator near Glasgow£22£171
Painter and Decorator near Leeds£23£166
Painter and Decorator near Liverpool£22£158
Painter and Decorator near Sheffield£20£157
Painter and Decorator near Edinburgh£26£187
Painter and Decorator near Manchester£24£169
Painter and Decorator near Belfast£19£146
Painter and Decorator near Bristol£24£181
Painter and Decorator near Leicester£22£167
Painter and Decorator near Cardiff£22£174
Painter and Decorator near Coventry£22£168
Painter and Decorator near Bradford£23£166
Painter and Decorator near Nottingham£23£171
Painter and Decorator near Newcastle Upon Tyne£23£168
Painter and Decorator near Brighton and Hove£29£186
Painter and Decorator near Derby£22£169
Painter and Decorator near Hull£22£189
Painter and Decorator near Plymouth£22£176
Painter and Decorator near Stoke-on-Trent£23£169
Painter and Decorator near Southampton£32£184
Painter and Decorator near Northampton£26£188
Painter and Decorator near Wolverhampton£22£171
Painter and Decorator near Luton£30£199
Painter and Decorator near Portsmouth£27£173
Painter and Decorator near Reading£31£204
Painter and Decorator near Norwich£22£175
Painter and Decorator near Milton Keynes£30£199
Painter and Decorator near Bournemouth£24£169
Painter and Decorator near Aberdeen£23£189
Painter and Decorator near Peterborough£34£219
Painter and Decorator near Bolton£23£160
Painter and Decorator near Swindon£23£177
Painter and Decorator near Southend-on-Sea£27£178
Painter and Decorator near Warrington£22£158
Painter and Decorator near Oxford£36£222
Painter and Decorator near Swansea£20£160
Painter and Decorator near Sunderland£22£166
Painter and Decorator near Slough£32£212
Painter and Decorator near Kingswood£24£181
Painter and Decorator near Telford£22£169
Painter and Decorator near Cambridge£29£195
Painter and Decorator near Ipswich£21£159
Painter and Decorator near Blackpool£23£154
Painter and Decorator near Middlesbrough£32£172
Painter and Decorator near Dundee£28£205
Painter and Decorator near Huddersfield£23£167
Painter and Decorator near York£22£168
Painter and Decorator near Poole£24£168
Painter and Decorator near Watford£32£200
Painter and Decorator near Newport£22£172
Painter and Decorator near Colchester£22£166
Painter and Decorator near Exeter£21£167
Painter and Decorator near Blackburn£22£158
Painter and Decorator near Crawley£27£187
Painter and Decorator near Gloucester£24£184
Painter and Decorator near Stockport£22£164
Painter and Decorator near Basingstoke£31£209
Painter and Decorator near Basildon£28£185
Painter and Decorator near Cheltenham£23£178
Painter and Decorator near Gateshead£23£168
Painter and Decorator near Worthing£28£189
Painter and Decorator near Rochdale£22£160
Painter and Decorator near Oldham£23£166
Painter and Decorator near Chelmsford£27£186
Painter and Decorator near Birkenhead£22£157
Painter and Decorator near Maidstone£29£181
Painter and Decorator near Gillingham£31£182
Painter and Decorator near Salford£24£170
Painter and Decorator near Solihull£22£168
Painter and Decorator near St Helens£23£159
Painter and Decorator near Worcester£22£165
Painter and Decorator near Lincoln£21£156
Painter and Decorator near West Bromwich£22£173
Painter and Decorator near Eastbourne£30£200
Painter and Decorator near Wakefield£23£172
Painter and Decorator near Wythenshawe£23£170
Painter and Decorator near Bedford£28£192
Painter and Decorator near Hemel Hempstead£31£200
Painter and Decorator near Preston£22£154
Painter and Decorator near Stevenage£28£194
Painter and Decorator near Southport£22£153
Painter and Decorator near Bath£22£178
Painter and Decorator near Harlow£29£196
Painter and Decorator near Sutton Coldfield£22£170
Painter and Decorator near Darlington£40£177
Painter and Decorator near Chester£22£152
Painter and Decorator near Hastings£26£189
Painter and Decorator near Nuneaton£23£174
Painter and Decorator near Halifax£23£173
Painter and Decorator near Hartlepool£29£167
Painter and Decorator near Aylesbury£31£200
Painter and Decorator near Doncaster£21£162
Painter and Decorator near Grimsby£21£176
Painter and Decorator near Wallasey£24£162
Painter and Decorator near Londonderry£19£158
Painter and Decorator near Stockton-on-Tees£31£176
Painter and Decorator near Weston-super-Mare£23£176
Painter and Decorator near High Wycombe£31£199
Painter and Decorator near Ashford£26£173
Painter and Decorator near Redditch£21£166
Painter and Decorator near Wigan£22£159
Painter and Decorator near Scunthorpe£21£177
Painter and Decorator near Bury£23£160
Painter and Decorator near Paisley£21£172
Painter and Decorator near Bracknell£31£204
Painter and Decorator near Burnley£22£157
Painter and Decorator near Rugby£22£171
Painter and Decorator near Guildford£33£222
Painter and Decorator near Carlisle£24£171
Painter and Decorator near Chatham£31£182
Painter and Decorator near East Kilbride£21£162
Painter and Decorator near Newcastle-under-Lyme£23£169
Painter and Decorator near Chesterfield£21£161
Painter and Decorator near Burton upon Trent£22£171
Painter and Decorator near Tamworth£22£168
Painter and Decorator near Shrewsbury£21£160
Painter and Decorator near Woking£32£205
Painter and Decorator near St Albans£31£204
Painter and Decorator near Harrogate£22£162
Painter and Decorator near Crewe£21£162
Painter and Decorator near South Shields£23£174
Painter and Decorator near Craigavon£22£160
Painter and Decorator near Stafford£23£168
Painter and Decorator near Rotherham£20£159
Painter and Decorator near Barnsley£22£158
Painter and Decorator near Lowestoft£20£158
Painter and Decorator near Walsall£23£171
Painter and Decorator near Gosport£27£176
Painter and Decorator near Dartford£29£190
Painter and Decorator near Bognor Regis£25£175
Painter and Decorator near Corby£23£188
Painter and Decorator near Paignton£21£168
Painter and Decorator near Maidenhead£31£202
Painter and Decorator near Rochester£31£182
Painter and Decorator near Ellesmere Port£22£153
Painter and Decorator near Loughborough£22£167
Painter and Decorator near Dudley£22£173
Painter and Decorator near Bangor£19£146
Painter and Decorator near Dewsbury£23£166
Painter and Decorator near Mansfield£23£167
Painter and Decorator near Margate£21£156
Painter and Decorator near Kettering£26£185
Painter and Decorator near Cannock£22£169
Painter and Decorator near Sale£25£175
Painter and Decorator near Taunton£21£159
Painter and Decorator near Runcorn£22£168
Painter and Decorator near Farnborough£31£201
Painter and Decorator near Tynemouth£23£173
Painter and Decorator near Hereford£22£170
Painter and Decorator near Halesowen£23£172
Painter and Decorator near Widnes£22£160
Painter and Decorator near Huyton with Roby£22£156
Painter and Decorator near Scarborough£22£176
Painter and Decorator near Gravesend£32£191
Painter and Decorator near Bebington£22£157
Painter and Decorator near Kidderminster£22£164
Painter and Decorator near Stourbridge£22£173
Painter and Decorator near Barry£23£183
Painter and Decorator near Smethwick£23£176
Painter and Decorator near Dunfermline£25£176
Painter and Decorator near Livingston£24£180
Painter and Decorator near Weymouth£25£195
Painter and Decorator near Brentwood£29£191
Painter and Decorator near Hamilton£23£169
Painter and Decorator near Canterbury£22£167
Painter and Decorator near Wellingborough£26£191
Painter and Decorator near Sittingbourne£27£175
Painter and Decorator near Macclesfield£22£166
Painter and Decorator near Bootle£24£161
Painter and Decorator near Carlton£23£170
Painter and Decorator near Esher£31£200
Painter and Decorator near Clacton-on-Sea£22£160
Painter and Decorator near Lancaster£24£158
Painter and Decorator near Beeston£23£164
Painter and Decorator near Banbury£27£187
Painter and Decorator near Torquay£21£168
Painter and Decorator near Folkestone£23£161
Painter and Decorator near Kingswinford£22£168
Painter and Decorator near Bloxwich£23£175
Painter and Decorator near Bridgend£24£167
Painter and Decorator near Welwyn Garden City£31£207
Painter and Decorator near Lisburn£19£147
Painter and Decorator near Leamington Spa£23£172
Painter and Decorator near Washington£22£165
Painter and Decorator near Tunbridge Wells£29£210
Painter and Decorator near Kirkcaldy£29£189
Painter and Decorator near Hinckley£24£178
Painter and Decorator near Durham£40£195
Painter and Decorator near Cumbernauld£22£163
Painter and Decorator near Wokingham£31£211
Painter and Decorator near Horsham£28£188
Painter and Decorator near Crosby£25£163
Painter and Decorator near Yeovil£23£173
Painter and Decorator near Thundersley£28£184
Painter and Decorator near Altrincham£24£171
Painter and Decorator near Willenhall£23£171
Painter and Decorator near Christchurch£24£168
Painter and Decorator near Keighley£22£161

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