When you’re planning a bathroom renovation, it’s natural to wonder: do bathroom fitters also handle plastering? Bathrooms aren’t just about shiny tiles, stylish sinks, and gleaming taps; they often involve fixing or preparing walls.
And that’s where plastering enters the stage. Let’s break down everything you need to know so you don’t get caught in the messy middle of your project.
1. What Bathroom Fitters Actually Do
A bathroom fitter is like the conductor of a symphony—making sure every instrument (or in this case, every element of your bathroom) works in harmony. Their core responsibilities usually include:
- Removing old fixtures like toilets, sinks, baths, and showers.
- Installing new ones properly and ensuring correct plumbing.
- Fitting tiles, flooring, and sometimes even underfloor heating.
- Handling finishing touches like sealing, grouting, and fitting mirrors or cabinets.
Most fitters are multi-skilled, but plastering isn’t always guaranteed. Some will handle it, while others leave it to a professional plasterer. Think of it like cooking dinner: some chefs bake the bread and cook the main dish, while others prefer buying bread from the bakery.
Pro Tip: Always ask your bathroom fitter upfront what’s included. This saves you from unexpected surprises (or worse—unexpected bills).
2. Why Plastering is Needed in Bathroom Renovations
Bathrooms endure more abuse than most other rooms. Constant moisture, steam, and temperature changes can wear down walls fast. That’s why plastering often plays a vital role:
- Smooth Surfaces: Tiles need a flat, even wall. Without plastering, your tiles could look crooked or uneven.
- Damp Protection: Plaster acts as a barrier, reducing the risk of mold creeping into cracks.
- Repair Work: If old tiles have been ripped out, chances are the wall underneath looks like it’s been through a small earthquake. Plastering restores it.
- Better Finishing: Even if you’re not tiling every wall, a plastered surface gives a sleek, modern look for paint or wallpaper.
Imagine trying to stick a sticker on a crumpled paper bag. That’s what tiling without plastering feels like—frustrating and messy.
3. Do All Bathroom Fitters Do Plastering?
Here’s the straight answer: not all bathroom fitters plaster.
- Yes, Some Do: Multi-skilled fitters often include plastering in their package. They’ll strip, plaster, and then tile—all under one roof. This can save you time and coordination stress.
- No, Some Don’t: Many fitters prefer to stick to plumbing and installation, outsourcing plastering to a specialist. Plastering is a craft, and some fitters know they can’t deliver the same smoothness as a professional plasterer.
It’s not about laziness—it’s about expertise. A rushed plaster job can ruin your bathroom’s finish. That’s why many fitters team up with trusted plasterers instead of “winging it.”
4. Why Some Fitters Avoid Plastering
There are a few solid reasons bathroom fitters may dodge plastering:
- Specialized Skill: Plastering is a trade in its own right, and not everyone is trained for it.
- Time Constraints: Plastering adds days to the project because the plaster needs to dry before tiling. Fitters often want to keep timelines tight.
- Liability: A bad plastering job can lead to cracks, peeling, or moisture problems. Fitters may prefer leaving that risk to someone whose job is plastering.
From my own experience renovating a tiny bathroom, I learned this the hard way. My fitter promised he could “smooth things over.” He did—literally—but the plaster dried uneven, and tiles started popping off six months later. I ended up hiring a professional plasterer anyway. Lesson learned: don’t cut corners on plaster.
5. Cost of Plastering in Bathroom Renovations
According to UK building cost data, plastering typically costs:
- Small bathroom walls: £150 – £300
- Medium-sized bathrooms: £400 – £600
- Full plaster job including ceiling: £700 – £1,000+
Prices vary depending on:
- Condition of existing walls
- Size of bathroom
- Whether you’re plastering over old plaster or starting fresh
Stat to Know: In a survey by Rated People, around 42% of homeowners underestimated plastering costs when planning a bathroom renovation. Don’t be one of them—budget for it.
6. Benefits of Having Your Fitter Handle Plastering
If your bathroom fitter offers plastering, it can make life easier. Here’s why:
- One Point of Contact: No juggling different tradespeople.
- Smoother Scheduling: Fitter knows when walls are ready for tiling.
- Potentially Cheaper Package: Some fitters offer plastering as part of the overall renovation deal.
- Consistency: The same person/team ensures walls are prepped for the finish they’ll apply.
It’s like ordering a full-course meal from one restaurant instead of picking appetizers from one place and dessert from another—less hassle and more flow.
7. Downsides of Relying on Fitters for Plastering
On the flip side, if plastering isn’t their strongest skill:
- Quality Risk: You may not get the same smoothness as a pro plasterer.
- Delays: Fitters may be slower at plastering than a specialist.
- Limited Expertise: If your bathroom has tricky corners or damaged walls, a plasterer might be the safer bet.
My neighbor once had his fitter plaster and tile. The finish looked decent at first, but tiny cracks appeared within a year. A plasterer later explained the mix wasn’t right for high-moisture bathrooms. That little shortcut ended up costing double.
8. How to Decide If You Need a Separate Plasterer
Here’s a quick decision guide:
- Walls are in poor shape: Hire a plasterer.
- You want the smoothest possible finish: Go plasterer.
- Budget is tight and fitter is skilled: Let fitter handle it.
- Big renovation project with strict timeline: Sometimes it’s worth bringing in a plasterer to keep things moving.
When in doubt, ask for photos of your fitter’s past plastering jobs. A good professional will happily show off their work.
9. Alternatives to Traditional Plastering
Not every bathroom wall needs old-school plaster. Depending on your style and budget, you could consider:
- Tile Backer Boards: These are waterproof panels fitted directly onto walls. No plaster required, perfect for wet rooms.
- Cement Boards: Durable, moisture-resistant, and often better than plaster for shower areas.
- Moisture-Resistant Plasterboard: Designed specifically for damp rooms.
These options can sometimes eliminate the need for plastering altogether. They also save drying time, which means your project finishes quicker.
10. Practical Tips When Hiring Bathroom Fitters
- Ask upfront: “Do you do plastering, or will I need a separate plasterer?”
- Check reviews: See if past clients mention plastering quality.
- Get it in writing: Make sure plastering is clearly included (or excluded) in the quote.
- Compare costs: Sometimes hiring a separate plasterer works out cheaper.
- Consider long-term: A well-plastered bathroom wall will last longer and look better.
It’s like choosing shoes—you could get the cheap pair that falls apart after a few months or invest in quality that lasts for years.
Conclusion
So, do bathroom fitters do plastering? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on their skills, confidence, and how they structure their service. Some fitters handle it all, while others prefer leaving plastering to the experts. The key is not to assume. Ask, double-check, and make sure your walls get the attention they deserve. After all, a bathroom isn’t just about fixtures and tiles—it’s about creating a space that feels solid, smooth, and built to last.
If you want a stress-free renovation, make plastering part of your early planning. It might not be the glamorous part of your bathroom makeover, but it’s the foundation that holds the beauty together.
FAQs
1. Do bathroom fitters do plastering?
Some do, but not all. It depends on their skill set. Always confirm before hiring.
2. Is plastering necessary before tiling a bathroom?
Yes, if the walls are uneven or damaged. Tiles need a smooth, stable surface.
3. How much does bathroom plastering cost?
Anywhere from £150 to over £1,000 depending on bathroom size and wall condition.
4. Can I skip plastering if I use backer boards?
Yes. Backer boards and cement boards can replace traditional plastering in many cases.
5. Should I hire a separate plasterer or let the fitter do it?
If the fitter is skilled and walls are in decent shape, you may be fine. But for tricky walls or perfect finishes, a dedicated plasterer is worth it.