Your browser is out of date, so this site won't display properly. Please update Chrome (or your browser) from the app store, then reload the page.
Dryliners install internal partition walls, plasterboard ceilings, and drylining systems as an alternative to wet plaster. Also known as dry lining operatives or partition fixers, their rates depend on the system being installed, project scale, and region. This guide covers 2026 UK dryliner day rates and hourly rates.
Hourly rate
£20–£42
per hour
Day rate
£170–£360
per day
Call-out
£55–£85
minimum charge
Rates vary considerably across the UK. Here's what you can expect to pay in each region.
* Rates are typical market averages for 2026 based on industry survey data. Individual rates vary by experience, job type, and other factors.
Several factors determine how much a dryliner will charge for a job.
Metal stud and track partitions, resilient bar ceiling systems, and specialist acoustic or fire-rated assemblies require more expertise and take longer than standard plasterboard fixing, so attract higher rates.
Installing fire-rated (e.g. 30- or 60-minute FRR) or acoustic-rated partitions requires specific board specifications and fixing techniques. Dryliners with this knowledge charge 20–35% more.
Commercial projects (offices, schools, hospitals) typically pay higher day rates due to CSCS card requirements, site inductions, and programme pressure. Domestic rates are often lower but with less continuity.
Large-format boards (3.0m × 1.2m), high ceilings, and complex layouts are more labour-intensive. Rates reflect this — particularly for suspended ceiling grids in commercial fit-outs.
Dryliners working on commercial sites must hold a valid CSCS card (Dry Lining category). This accreditation typically supports higher rates and access to better-paying contracts.
Free tool
Use our free calculator to work out your ideal hourly rate based on your costs, target income, and working hours.
The average dryliner day rate in the UK is £170–£360/day in 2026, with a national average around £250/day. London dryliners typically charge £270–£460/day, while rates in Northern England and Wales are £144–£268/day.
The average dryliner hourly rate in the UK is £20–£42/hr in 2026. Specialist acoustic/fire-rated dryliners in London and the South East charge £38–£60/hr. General plasterboard fixers on domestic projects typically charge £18–£28/hr.
A dryliner installs plasterboard-based internal construction systems: metal stud and track partition walls, plasterboard ceilings, resilient bar systems, dot-and-dab wall linings, and proprietary drylining systems (Knauf, British Gypsum). It is the modern alternative to wet plastering for internal walls and ceilings.
A dryliner installs the plasterboard system (metal framework, boards, taping). A plasterer finishes the surface with a skim coat of finish plaster. On modern commercial projects, the dryliner and plasterer are often different subcontractors. On domestic projects, many plasterers also do dot-and-dab plasterboard work.
Dry lining an average living room (approx. 25m² of walls) costs £400–£900 for labour, depending on system complexity and region. Metal stud partition costs £25–£55/m² installed (labour + board). Tape, joint and finish (ready to paint) adds £8–£15/m².
Describe your job and get an instant AI price estimate. Free, no signup required.
Get a free quote estimateNo account needed · Free · Takes 60 seconds