What is The Cost Of Coving and Cornice in the UK?
When you consider coving and cornice installation in your home, cost is one of the primary factors to consider. Coving and cornice add elegance and architectural detail to a room. The price varies based on several factors. Whether you’re renovating a single room or installing these decorative features throughout your property, understanding the cost structure is essential.
In this blog, we will discuss factors that influence the cost of coving and cornice installation in the UK. These include materials, area size, installation complexity, and the difference between DIY and professional installations. We’ll also explore how you can get the best value for your money when choosing your coving and cornice.
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Factors Affecting the Cost of Coving and Cornice Installation
Several factors play a role in determining the overall cost of coving and cornice installation. These factors include the material you choose, the style and size of the coving or cornice, installation complexity, and whether you opt for DIY or hire a professional installer.
Material Type
The material you choose for your coving or cornice has a significant impact on the overall cost. Common materials used for coving and cornice include:
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Plaster Coving:
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Polyurethane Coving and Cornice:
A more affordable and lightweight alternative, polyurethane is an increasingly popular option. Polyurethane coving and cornice are easy to install and come in various styles, making them a cost-effective choice. They are more durable and resistant to wear, saving on maintenance costs in the long run.
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MDF and Other Materials:
MDF is another budget-friendly material for coving and cornice. While it may lack the durability or fire resistance of plaster or polyurethane, many choose it for its lower cost.
For a wide range of materials and designs, you can browse our shop to find the perfect coving or cornice options for your home.
Size of the Area
The height of the ceiling can also influence the cost of installation. For rooms with higher ceilings, additional equipment such as ladders or scaffolding may be required, which can increase installation costs.
Style and Design Complexity
The style of coving or cornice you choose plays a major role in determining the cost. Simple, plain designs are typically cheaper, while more ornate, detailed, and custom-made pieces can be significantly more expensive. Intricate cornice designs, for instance, with multiple curves and decorative elements, will require more time and expertise to install, increasing labour costs.
If you are opting for LED coving or other decorative lighting features integrated into your coving, this will also increase the cost of installation, as it requires additional components and expertise to install safely.
You can explore various stylish options in our shop to find the right design to suit your space.
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Professional Installation vs. DIY Installation
One of the biggest decisions you will need to make is whether to hire a professional installer or attempt a DIY installation. Both options come with different costs, and it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each.
Professional Installation
Hiring a professional coving and cornice installer can ensure a smooth, seamless, and high-quality finish. Professionals have the necessary skills, tools, and experience to deal with complex installations and guarantee that your coving or cornice is fitted securely and correctly.
While hiring a professional installer does come at a higher cost, the investment can be worthwhile if you want to ensure the longevity and safety of your installation. Professional installers also have access to high-quality tools and materials that may not be available to DIYers.
The cost of professional coving and cornice installation will depend on the size of the project, the materials used, and the complexity of the design. Typically, you can expect to pay between £5 to £20 per metre for installation, with some installers charging additional fees for preparation, painting, or lighting installation.
DIY Installation
If you have experience with DIY projects and the necessary tools, installing coving or cornice yourself can save you money. DIY coving and cornice kits are available, which typically include all the materials and instructions needed for installation. This approach can cost anywhere between £3 to £10 per metre for materials, but keep in mind that you will need to factor in the cost of tools, paint, and adhesives.
While DIY installation is cheaper upfront, it does come with a few risks. Without the expertise of a professional, you might face issues such as misalignment, poor adhesion, or uneven joints. If the installation is not done properly, it may require costly repairs in the future.
For professional help with your installation, visit our installation page to find out how we can assist with your coving and cornice needs.
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Additional Costs
There are a few additional costs that may be involved when installing coving and cornice, depending on the specifics of the project:
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Preparation Work: If the walls or ceilings are in poor condition, additional preparation work may be required to make the surface suitable for coving or cornice installation. This could include plastering, filling cracks, or sanding down uneven surfaces.
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Painting: After the coving or cornice has been installed, you may need to factor in the cost of painting. Some installers include painting in their service, while others charge extra for this. If you are doing it yourself, you will need to purchase the necessary paint and tools.
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LED Lighting: As mentioned, if you choose to incorporate LED coving into your design, this will increase the overall cost of installation. The installation of LED lights requires electrical work, which may require a certified electrician, adding to the cost.
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How to Get the Best Value for Your Money
To get the best value for your coving and cornice installation, here are some tips:
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Compare Quotes: Always get quotes from multiple professional installers to compare prices and services. This will give you a better idea of the going rates in your area.
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Choose the Right Material: Consider your budget and the look you want to achieve when selecting the material for your coving or cornice. Polyurethane and MDF are typically more affordable than plaster, but they can still offer a stylish finish.
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DIY: If you’re on a tight budget, consider installing the coving or cornice yourself. However, make sure you have the necessary tools and skills to do the job properly.
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Plan Ahead: The larger the project, the more it will cost. Consider starting with smaller areas and working your way up to larger rooms if you’re on a budget.
For more information about our range of coving and cornice options, visit our shop, or contact us via our contact page for expert advice.
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Conclusion
The cost of installing coving and cornice in the UK can vary greatly depending on factors such as the material chosen, the size of the area, and whether you hire a professional installer or tackle the project yourself. By understanding the factors that influence cost and planning ahead, you can ensure that your installation meets your budget and aesthetic goals.
At Coving Online, we offer a wide range of affordable and high-quality coving and cornice products, with professional installation services to make your home improvement project as smooth as possible. Visit our installation page for more details or check out our shop for your next coving and cornice purchase.