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.

Paint and decorate a room

Average rate: £161 per day

Average time: 2-3 days

Average material cost: £3,100

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.

Paint your home's exterior

Average rate: £145 per painter per day

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

Average material cost: £250

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.

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.