How much does drylining cost in the UK? (2026 guide)
Updated 6 November 2026 · By the Drylining team
Short answer: In 2026, dot-and-dab drylining in the UK usually costs £25 to £45 per square metre supplied, fixed and taped, while metal stud partitions boarded both sides and finished usually cost £45 to £80 per square metre. A typical stud partition wall with a door usually costs £700 to £1,600, and an experienced dryliner's day rate is usually £200 to £350.
Typical prices
| Job | Typical UK price (2026) |
|---|---|
| Dot-and-dab, supply, fix and tape (per m²) | £25 to £45 |
| Metal stud partition, boarded both sides and finished (per m²) | £45 to £80 |
| Plasterboard ceiling, supply, fix and tape (per m²) | £25 to £45 |
| Insulated plasterboard on external walls (per m²) | £45 to £85 |
| Skim finish on new board (per m²) | £8 to £15 |
| Typical stud partition wall with door | £700 to £1,600 |
| Dryliner day rate (per operative) | £200 to £350 |
These are typical guide prices. Your actual price depends on the size of the job, the board specification, access, the finish and where in the UK the property is.
What affects the price
- Method, such as dot-and-dab, metal stud or timber stud
- Board type, such as standard, moisture-resistant, fire-rated, acoustic or insulated
- Number of openings, corners and sockets
- Ceiling height and access, including stairwells
- Tape and joint or full skim finish
- Removing old plaster or boards first
Is drylining cheaper than plastering?
On new or stripped walls, drylining is often similar in price or cheaper than a full float-and-set wet plaster, and it is much quicker to dry. Where walls only need a skim, a skim coat is usually cheaper than drylining.
How to get an accurate price
Send the rough sizes of the walls and ceilings, what they are made of, photos and the finish you want. That is enough for a fixed price in most cases.
Related guides
- Dot-and-dab or metal stud? Choosing a drylining method
- Types of plasterboard: which board goes where?
- How to choose a dryliner: questions to ask and red flags
- Soundproofing walls and ceilings with drylining: what really works
- Insulating solid walls from the inside: drylining, condensation and Part L
- Drylining and building regulations: fire, sound and thermal rules explained
- Drylining a room: how long it takes, what to expect and aftercare
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