Can You Rewire a House With Plaster Walls?

Many UK homes, especially older properties, have plaster walls instead of modern plasterboard. If your wiring is outdated, you may be wondering whether rewiring is possible without ruining the look of your walls. The good news is, yes, you can rewire a house with plaster walls. However, it does require careful planning and skilled workmanship to minimise damage.

In this article, we explain how it’s done, what to expect, and how a professional electrician can protect your property during the process.

Understanding the Challenge

Plaster walls are more fragile than plasterboard and are prone to cracking or chipping when disturbed. Rewiring usually involves running new cables through walls, which means chasing channels for wiring and creating access points.

This makes it essential to hire an experienced electrician who understands how to work with traditional materials and limit disruption.

Our rewiring services in Wolverhampton and across the West Midlands are always carried out by NICEIC-registered electricians, using techniques that protect the integrity of your home.

Methods for Rewiring With Plaster Walls

When rewiring a home with plaster walls, electricians may use different approaches depending on your needs and the wall’s condition:

1. Surface trunking

   • Cables are run in protective trunking on the surface of the wall.

   • Minimal damage to plaster, but visible unless painted or blended in.

2. Careful chasing

   • Shallow channels are cut into the plaster to conceal new wiring.

   • Requires skilled plaster repair afterwards to restore the finish.

3. Using existing routes

   • Old cable runs, voids, or floor and ceiling spaces may be used to avoid unnecessary wall work.

4. Partial rewiring

   • Updating specific circuits without disturbing all the walls in the property.

Minimising Damage

A skilled electrician will aim to keep plaster disturbance to a minimum by:

• Planning cable routes to avoid unnecessary wall chasing

• Using floorboards, ceiling voids, and loft spaces where possible

• Removing only the sections of plaster needed for safe installation

• Working in small, controlled sections to reduce cracking

Once the rewiring is complete, the channels and holes are filled and smoothed, ready for redecorating.

Balancing Practicality and Preservation

If your home has period features, ornate cornices, or decorative plasterwork, special care is needed. Sometimes, rewiring work can be planned to avoid affecting these areas altogether.

In some cases, surface-mounted solutions are chosen to preserve original features while still making the installation safe.

Disruption and Clean-Up

Rewiring a home with plaster walls will create some dust and noise, but an organised approach keeps disruption manageable.

Our electricians in Wolverhampton work methodically, covering floors and furniture, and cleaning up each day. For homeowners who need to stay in the property, we can rewire in phases so you always have usable rooms.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can rewire a house with plaster walls. And with the right approach, the work can be done with minimal impact on your home’s appearance. Choosing an experienced, qualified electrician is essential to ensure both safety and preservation of your property.

If you’re unsure about the best method for your home, a professional inspection will help determine the safest and least disruptive way forward.