Working in metric (m, m², m³)
UK plasterboard is sized 2.4 m × 1.2 m × 12.5 mm by default — that's the same area (2.88 m²) as US 4 × 8 ft × ½-inch boards. Walls are typically boarded vertically (long edge floor-to-ceiling), with horizontal joints staggered. For ceilings, 1.8 m × 1.2 m is more manageable for 1-person handling. Skim coat thickness is 2–3 mm, applied in two passes.
VAT and pricing conventions
Travis Perkins, Selco, Jewson, and Wickes Trade quote ex-VAT to trade-account holders; B&Q and Wickes Retail quote inc-VAT. The trade discount is 15–30% — significant on a £1,000+ board order. Skimming labour is typically quoted inc-VAT for retail customers (£20–£35/m² turnkey). Always clarify whether labour is "supply only" or "supply and fit".
Regional variation across the UK
London plastering labour is £30–£45/m² turnkey vs £20–£30/m² in the North-East and Yorkshire. Scotland and Wales sit between. Material prices vary less (10–15%); plasterer day rates vary 50%+. For self-employed plasterers expect £180–£260/day, gangs of 2 are £350–£480/day. Premium plasterers in central London quote £400+/day.
Common UK project sizes
| Project | Dimensions | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom (2 × 2.5 m × 2.4 m) | ~22 m² | 8 sheets · £80–£140 board · £450–£800 turnkey |
| Bedroom (3.5 × 4 m × 2.4 m) | ~36 m² | 13 sheets · £130–£200 board · £750–£1,300 turnkey |
| Living room (5 × 6 m × 2.7 m) | ~60 m² | 21 sheets · £210–£300 board · £1,200–£2,100 turnkey |
| New stud wall (4 m × 2.4 m, both sides) | ~19 m² | 7 sheets · £70–£100 board · £400–£700 turnkey |
| 3-bed semi (full re-board) | ~280 m² | ~100 sheets · £1,000–£1,400 board · £6,000–£10,000 turnkey |