The demand for painters and decorators in Cork is booming, driven by a surge in home renovations, new builds, and commercial refurbishments. As homeowners invest in upgrading their interiors and exteriors, and businesses aim to refresh their premises, the need for skilled painters has skyrocketed. However, this demand has led to a shortage of available painters in the area. Many reputable professionals are booked months in advance, leaving homeowners and business owners alike struggling to find reliable, high-quality tradespeople for their projects. Historically, you could hire a moderately skilled painter for between €15 and €20 per hour but that is no longer true. Factoring in the shortage of painters and the booming demand, rates for a professional painter have increased to €35/hr to €50/hr in Cork. The cost to paint a standard bedroom (2 coats) has risen to between €400 and €600, not including the cost of paint.
A key factor behind this growing demand is the post-pandemic shift, with many homeowners prioritising home improvements after spending more time indoors. Cork’s commercial sector is also undergoing a revival, with retail stores, restaurants, and offices seeking to enhance their appearances to attract customers. This combination of increased residential and commercial activity has especially intensified the competition for experienced commercial painters in Cork.
The shortage has made it challenging for people to secure timely services. As a result, those seeking painters need to plan further ahead, often having to wait for availability or risk settling for less experienced options. This high demand has also led to increased prices for top-tier professionals, although most clients agree that the results justify the cost.
Despite these challenges, the boom in the painting industry signals positive growth for Cork’s construction and home improvement sectors. For those looking to hire, it remains essential to research and book painters well in advance, ensuring that their projects are completed by trusted, reputable professionals.
If you’re looking for professional and affordable painting services in Cork, Ireland, we recommend reaching out to Constantine at Fruko Painters in Cork.
What About Day Rates? How Much Do Painters and Decorators Charge Per Day in Cork, Ireland?
As demand for painters and decorators continues to rise in Cork due to the post-pandemic boom in home renovations and commercial upgrades, the cost of hiring a professional has seen a notable increase. Currently, a painter in Cork can charge between €35 and €50 per hour. With this hourly rate, a full working day of approximately 8 hours means a painter may charge between €280 and €400 per day. Those rates will be higher if your project has special requirements or poses extra challenges (e.g. working at heights).
The scarcity of painters, combined with high demand, has driven prices upward. According to the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI), home renovation costs increased by an average of 12-15% in 2022, which aligns with the rising labour costs associated with hiring skilled tradespeople like painters and decorators. Additionally, a report by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) highlighted that the shortage of skilled labour has been one of the significant factors affecting pricing in the home improvement sector.
Aside from labour costs, the total daily charge for a painter also depends on other factors. The complexity of the job, the size of the space, and the quality of materials used all play a role in determining the final cost. For example, if specialised finishes or eco-friendly paints are required, a painter may charge on the higher end of the spectrum. Moreover, preparation work—such as wallpaper removal, surface repair, or priming—can also increase daily rates, as these tasks require extra time and expertise.
For commercial clients, painters often offer more tailored pricing structures depending on the project’s size and scope. Large-scale commercial painting projects may have slightly lower per-hour rates due to the extended timeframe and bulk work involved, but they can still command significant costs given the higher demands on durability and custom coatings.
With the current state of the market, securing a skilled painter requires advanced booking, often weeks or months in advance, particularly if a client seeks to work with one of the more reputable and experienced professionals. This scarcity, along with the need for precision and quality, reinforces the upward trend in pricing.
