Painting & Decorating Price Guide
Every decorating project is different, but this guide gives a rough idea of typical painting and decorating costs. Prices shown are estimates only and are not fixed quotes. Final pricing depends on the size of the area, surface condition, preparation required, materials, access, finish level and whether the property is occupied or empty.
These prices are guide estimates only. They are not guaranteed quotes. Materials are charged separately unless stated otherwise. For the most accurate price, upload photos of the work required or arrange a site visit.
Painting & decorating pricing — at a glance.
What is the typical cost to decorate a double bedroom?
As a guide, a double bedroom is typically estimated between £400 and £600 plus materials, depending on preparation, wall condition, ceiling work, woodwork and finish required.
Are decorating prices fixed?
No. Decorating prices are estimated on a job-by-job basis. Final quotes depend on the size, condition, access, materials and preparation required.
Can I get a decorating estimate from photos?
Yes. Uploading photos is the fastest way to help Four Oaks Painting & Decorating understand the project and provide clearer next steps.
How our decorating prices work
Decorating prices are based on a mix of factors — not just the size of the room. Understanding what shapes the price helps you compare quotes fairly.
- Size of the room or area
- Condition of walls, ceilings and woodwork
- Amount of filling, sanding and making good
- Whether wallpaper needs removing
- Whether stain blocking or priming is required
- Number of coats needed
- Paint system and finish required
- Access and ceiling height
- Whether the property is furnished or empty
- Whether the job is domestic, commercial or block management
- RAMS, phasing or schedule of works for commercial projects
Good decorating is not just the final coat of paint. Preparation is often the biggest part of the job. Filling, sanding, caulking, priming, stain blocking, protecting floors and preparing woodwork all affect the final price.
Interior decorating — guide prices
Typical guide estimates, excluding materials unless stated otherwise. Every project is different — figures below assume standard preparation on sound surfaces.
These figures assume standard preparation. Heavily damaged walls, dark colour changes, wallpaper removal, high ceilings, poor previous paintwork or lots of woodwork can increase the price. All figures exclude materials unless stated otherwise.
Woodwork, doors & staircase decorating
Woodwork is usually priced as part of the room, with additional allowances where the detail, condition or colour change increases the work involved.
- Single internal doors — priced based on condition, colour change and finish
- Skirting, architraves and door frames — usually priced as part of the room
- Staircase spindles, handrails and newel posts — priced by detail and preparation
- Colour changes from dark to light may need extra preparation and coats
- Existing varnish or stain may require sanding, sealing and priming before paint
- Sprayed woodwork gives a sharper finish where masking and access allow
Wall panelling — guide prices
Wall panelling is usually priced after photos or a site visit because the layout, measurements and finish make a big difference.
- Size of the wall or hallway
- Style of panelling (Shaker, Georgian, tongue-and-groove)
- Timber or MDF construction
- Number of panels and level of detail
- Wall condition and existing skirting or coving
- Fitting, filling, caulking, priming and decorating
- Stairs, turns, awkward cuts and high walls
- Brushed on site or sprayed finish
Exterior painting — guide prices
Exterior painting is usually quoted after photos or a site visit because access, repairs and surface condition have a major effect on price.
- Access requirements — ladders, towers or scaffolding
- Height and number of elevations
- Render condition, cracks and repairs
- Loose or flaking paint requiring stripping
- Timber repairs to fascias, soffits and bargeboards
- Bay windows, sash windows and detailing
- Metalwork such as railings, gates and downpipes
- Weather window and paint system required
We prefer to quote exterior work properly rather than publish generic “from” prices — a poorly prepared exterior always costs more in the long run.
Spray finishing — guide prices
Spray finishing is quoted based on the item, surface, masking required and finish level. We use professional Graco airless and HVLP systems depending on the work.
- MDF panelling, media walls and joinery
- Doors, wardrobes and fitted furniture
- Woodwork including skirting, architraves and staircases
- Kitchen units — where suitable for a sprayed finish
- Airless spraying for large surfaces and panelling
- HVLP for fine on-site work and controlled overspray
- Masking, dust protection and floor covering
- Primer system, MDF edge sealing and finish coats
Commercial, landlord & block management pricing
Commercial, landlord and block management decorating is usually quoted from photos, a schedule of works or a site visit. Managing agents and commercial clients can send photos, drawings or project details for review.
Work we regularly price for:
- Offices and workplaces
- Communal stairwells and hallways
- Apartment blocks and managed properties
- Block management and Section 20 projects
- Landlord and rental property redecoration
- Estate agent pre-sale and pre-let decorating
- Schools, colleges and education settings
- Hospitality — hotels, bars and restaurants
Factors that affect commercial pricing:
- Schedule of works, drawings or dilapidations
- Number of areas, floors or stairwells
- Resident, staff or guest access
- Out-of-hours or phased working
- RAMS, insurance and documentation
- Surface condition and required durability
- Site access and welfare
Why decorating quotes vary
Two quotes for the same room can look very different. Understanding what’s included — and what isn’t — is often more important than the headline price.
- Proper preparation takes time and is often the biggest part of the job
- Cheap quotes may exclude woodwork, ceilings or repairs
- Materials may or may not be included — always check
- Poor surfaces need more filling, sanding and priming
- High-traffic areas need better paint systems
- Dark colours or strong colour changes may need extra coats
- Occupied homes take longer than empty properties
- Commercial work may require documentation, RAMS or phasing
The cheapest quote is not always the best value. A proper decorating quote should explain what preparation is included, what areas are being painted, what materials are included and what finish is being allowed for.
How to get a more accurate decorating estimate
The fastest way to get a more accurate estimate is to upload photos. Clear photos help us understand the size of the area, condition of the surfaces, access, woodwork, ceilings and any repairs needed.
- Wide photos of the whole room or area
- Close-ups of damaged walls, cracks or stains
- Photos of ceilings and woodwork
- Exterior photos from each elevation
- Stairwell or communal area photos for block management
- Your postcode
- Your rough timescale
- A short description of the work required
Upload photos for a fast estimate.
Send up to 6 photos of the areas you'd like decorated and we'll come back to you with clear next steps.
Common pricing questions — clearly answered.
Every project is different, so figures on this page are guide estimates only. Final pricing is confirmed after a photo review or site visit.
Are the prices on this page fixed quotes?+
No. Prices on this page are guide estimates only. Final quotes depend on the size of the project, preparation required, surface condition, access, materials and finish required.
Does the double bedroom estimate include materials?+
The double bedroom guide estimate of £400–£600 is plus materials unless stated otherwise. The final cost depends on the condition of the walls, ceiling, woodwork, number of coats and paint system required.
How much does it cost to decorate a double bedroom?+
As a guide, decorating a double bedroom is typically estimated between £400 and £600 plus materials. This can change depending on preparation, wall condition, woodwork, ceiling work, colour changes and the finish required.
Why do decorating prices vary so much?+
Decorating prices vary because every property is different. Surface condition, repairs, access, woodwork, number of coats, paint quality, wallpaper removal and preparation all affect the price.
Can you quote from photos?+
Yes. Customers can upload photos of rooms, exteriors, stairwells, woodwork or commercial areas to help receive a faster estimate. Some projects may still need a site visit before a final quote is confirmed.
What photos should I send for a decorating estimate?+
Send wide photos of the whole area, close-ups of damage, photos of ceilings, walls and woodwork, and any access issues. For exterior or commercial work, include photos of all elevations or shared areas.
Are materials included in your decorating prices?+
Materials are not always included in guide prices and may be charged separately. This is because paint systems, primers, finishes and quantities vary depending on the job.
Is preparation included in the price?+
Preparation is allowed for in every proper decorating quote, but the level of preparation needed varies. Filling, sanding, caulking, stain blocking, priming and repairs can all affect the final price.
Do darker colours cost more to cover?+
They can do. Strong colour changes, especially from dark to light, may require extra coats, primers or preparation to achieve a clean, even finish.
How much does a hall, stairs and landing cost to decorate?+
As a broad guide, a hall, stairs and landing may start from around £900–£1,800 plus materials, depending on height, access, wall condition, ceilings, woodwork, spindles and preparation required.
How much does exterior painting cost?+
Exterior painting is usually quoted after photos or a site visit because access, height, render condition, timber repairs, cracks and weather all affect the price.
Can commercial clients send a schedule of works?+
Yes. Commercial clients, landlords, managing agents and block management companies can send a schedule of works, photos, drawings or site details for review.
Do you provide prices for block management and communal stairwells?+
Yes, but communal stairwells and block management projects are usually priced from photos, a schedule of works or a site visit. The number of floors, stairwells, access, resident disruption, preparation and paint system all affect the quote.
What areas do you cover?+
Four Oaks Painting & Decorating works across Sutton Coldfield, Four Oaks, Birmingham, Solihull, Lichfield, Tamworth, Walsall, Wolverhampton and the wider West Midlands.
What is the best way to get an accurate quote?+
The best way is to upload clear photos with your postcode and a short description of the work required. For larger, exterior or commercial projects, a site visit may also be needed.
Explore related decorating services
Learn more about how each service is priced and delivered — from single rooms to full property redecorations and commercial contracts.
Want a more accurate decorating estimate?
Upload photos of the areas you’d like decorated, include your postcode and tell us what finish you’re looking for. We’ll review the details and come back with clear next steps.
We are best suited to well-planned decorating projects — full rooms, multi-room redecorations, exteriors, spray finishes, panelling and commercial works.