Repair a crack in a ceiling
Save £80–150 in 1 hour — no decorator needed
Most people hire a decorator for this. You probably don't need to.
Last updated: March 2025
Only basic tools needed — most homes already have them.
Before you start
Most ceiling cracks are cosmetic — caused by normal building movement and temperature change. Hairline cracks that stay the same size over time are safe to fill and paint.
Work from a step ladder, not a chair. You need both hands free and a stable base.
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Tools & materials
- ✓Step ladder or stable platform— to reach the ceiling safely
- ✓Filling knife (4-inch)— to apply and smooth the filler
- ✓Fine sandpaper 240-grit— to finish the repair
- !Flexible filler or fine surface filler— buy — flexible filler is better for cracks that may move slightly
- !Ceiling paint— buy — white matt is standard for ceilings
Want everything in one go?
Prices shown on retailer sites. Always check current pricing before purchasing.
Rake out the crack
Use the tip of your filling knife or a screwdriver to gently rake out any loose plaster inside the crack. A clean crack accepts filler better than one with crumbling edges.
Most people get this done in under 5 minutes.
Where beginners go wrong
Painting directly over unfilled filler without a primer coat — the repair shows through as a circle.
Using a rigid filler on a crack that is still moving — it will crack again within weeks.
Not raking out loose material — filler applied over crumbling plaster falls out.
Stop and call a decorator if...
The crack is wider than 5mm or runs diagonally from a corner — may indicate structural movement
The crack keeps coming back after filling — the building is still moving
Large sections of ceiling plaster are loose or bowing downward — do not use that room until it is assessed
Cost breakdown
Recommended starter kit
Five tools that cover most home repairs.
- →Adjustable spannerAmazon·Screwfix
- →Screwdriver setAmazon·Screwfix
- →PTFE tapeAmazon·Screwfix
- →Spirit levelAmazon·Screwfix
- →Tape measureAmazon·Screwfix
Want everything in one go? Get it on Amazon
What you just learned
You can now assess whether a ceiling crack is cosmetic or structural, and repair the cosmetic type to a professional standard.
Most people would pay a tradesperson for this.
⚠️ Watch out if you rent
Report ceiling cracks to your landlord in writing, with a photo. Cosmetic hairline cracks are normal wear and tear. Larger cracks may indicate a problem the landlord needs to investigate.