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.