Plasterer in Braintree, Essex (26)

Need to smooth out a wall, fix a ceiling, or get your whole room re-plastered? Whether it’s a small touch-up or a major home refresh, finding a plasterer working in your local area who you’re happy with doesn’t have to be hard work. We’re here to get you started.

At Checkatrade, we help you connect with plasterers working locally to you in Braintree. You can browse our directory, read customer reviews, and even use our Request A Quote feature to get quotes from plasterers operating near you. All our members pass up to 12 checks, and you may be covered by the Checkatrade Guarantee (T&Cs apply).

So, if you’re searching for plasterers near you, want to know how much plastering costs in Braintree, or just need someone who can handle a small job without the fuss, you’re in the right place to start your search.

What does a plasterer do?

Plasterers are tradespeople who apply smooth finishes to walls and ceilings, both inside and outside a property. Their work isn’t just about making things look nice - it also protects surfaces and helps create a clean, stable foundation for paint or wallpaper.

Common plastering services include:

• Wall skimming to smooth out rough surfaces
• Wall plastering
• Ceiling and wall restoration
• Exterior wall plastering
• Drylining with plasterboard to create new walls or ceilings
• Applying render to external walls for weather resistance
• Laying screed on floors for a smooth, level finish
• Fixing holes, cracks, and damaged areas
• Adding decorative mouldings or cornices

There are two main types of plastering that a plasterer may specialise in:

• Solid plastering: Applying a base layer and a finishing coat to surfaces such as brick, blockwork, or plasterboard. This is commonly used for walls and ceilings in homes.
• Ornamental plastering: Creating decorative features such as cornices, ceiling roses, and intricate mouldings. This type of plastering is often found in period or heritage properties.

Plasterers use a variety of tools including hawks, trowels, floats, and mixers, and work with materials like gypsum, lime, and cement-based plasters. The finish they create not only enhances appearance but improves insulation and acoustic properties.

Plastering is messy, physically demanding work that needs to be done quickly and evenly to avoid cracks, bumps, or drying issues. That’s why most homeowners hire a plasterer rather than tackle the job themselves.

What should I expect to pay a plasterer in Braintree?

Plasterers in the UK charge an average hourly rate of £37.50. The average plasterer labour cost per day is £300.

Here are the average costs of common plastering tasks:

• Plaster a small room (9m2) - £1,100
• Plaster a large room (18m2) - £1,900
• Skim plaster a wall (per m2) - £24
• Repair small crack - £200

The following factors determine the cost of hiring a plasterer:

• Condition of existing plasterer on ceilings/walls
• Size of area being plastered
• Access to area being plastered - quotes will be higher if scaffolding is needed
• Time needed to complete the job
• Quantity of materials needed
• Quality of materials
• Type of plastering job
• Additional costs - painting and decorative finish, for example

The cost may rise if extra preparation is needed, such as removing old wallpaper, repairing holes, or installing plasterboard. Also, if the work is done in a rush or over weekends, the rate may be higher.

Decorative plastering (like coving or cornices) and external rendering are usually priced higher than standard internal plastering. These types of work require more time, skill, and materials, which drives the cost up.

Read our plastering cost guide for a full breakdown of up to date price estimates and average fees.

How to find a good plasterer in Braintree

Here are a few simple checks to help you choose the right plasterer for your task:

• Read customer reviews. What are people saying about their quality, reliability, and tidiness?
• Check their portfolio. Any experienced plasterer should be able to show you pictures of recent work.
• Ask about insurance. They should have public liability insurance at a minimum.
• Look for experience. How long have they been plastering? Do they specialise in certain types of jobs?
• Request a detailed quote. A trustworthy plasterer will give you a breakdown of what’s included and any optional extras.
• Ask about guarantees. Some plasterers offer warranties on their work, which can give you peace of mind.

On Checkatrade, all plasterers go through up to 12 checks before they join. You can see their qualifications, photos of past work, and reviews all in one place. Plus, you may be covered by the Checkatrade Guarantee (T&Cs apply).