How to price replacing a ceiling
Plasterboard sheets, screws, scrim, skim and labour: how to quote taking down or overboarding a ceiling in the UK.
For plasterers in the UK. Prices checked November 2026.
Worked example
“Take down a damaged 12 m² bedroom ceiling and replace with plasterboard, taped and skimmed.”
| Material | Qty | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plasterboard 12.5mm 2400 x 1200mm | 5 sheet | £65.00 | |
| Drywall screws 38mm box of 1000 | 1 box | £10.00 | |
| Plasterboard scrim tape 90m | 1 roll | £5.00 | |
| Multi-finish plaster 25kg | 2 bag | £24.00 | |
| Labour, 13.7 hours at £30.00/hour | £411.00 | ||
| Transport | £25.00 | ||
| Total | £540.00 |
Typical UK retail prices including VAT, November 2026. Not VAT-registered example; add 20% to the total if you are. Rate is an example: use your own.
Where the time goes
- Take down old ceiling and clear4.2 h
- Fix plasterboard4.1 h
- Tape and skim5.4 h
Before you quote
- Taking down lath and plaster makes a lot of mess: include a skip.
- Check for asbestos in old artex before quoting removal.
How the quantities are worked out
Each material is counted in the units merchants sell it in, with normal waste allowed, so you can order straight from the list. Labour is the on-site time for one competent tradesperson, including setting up, testing and clearing up. Change the measurements and the whole quote moves with them; that's what Quotable does for you on every job, with each material priced live at UK merchants.
Quote this job with today's prices
Type the job, check the lines, send a link your customer can accept and pay. Every material is priced live and linked to the product.