How Much Does Plaster Repairs Cost? [2024]

Need to know how much it costs to repair damaged plaster walls and ceilings?

It's actually a lot trickier than you think to repair plaster, particularly getting the final finish looking like the rest of the surface.

Plasterers are likely to quote your plaster repair job based on the size and complexity of your job, while taking into account the condition of the surfaces and how much prep work is required. They could also quote based on their hourly rate. With this in mind you can expect plaster wall repairs to cost anywhere from $25/square metre for a small simple job to $250+/square metre for an intricate, heritage job, with a typical cost in the $70/square metre range. 

Plaster wall repair cost

Plasterers are likely to quote your job based on the size and complexity of your job, while taking into account the condition of the surfaces and how much prep work is required. They could also quote based on an hourly rate. Expect local plasterers to charge anywhere from:

• $20 to $70 per square metre for hard plaster

• $45 to $90 per square metre for wet plaster

• $250+ per square metre for intricate plaster repair jobs

Repairing plaster is harder than you think

Maybe the kids have put a hole in your drywall, your ornamental plaster is showing its age - or your ceiling has water damage from a leak. While you may be tempted to DIY, it is actually harder to repair plaster than you think. To repair a hole in plasterboard/gyprock the opening first needs to be enlarged into a rectangle, so a replacement section of plaster can be patched in. This is normally done in layers with each needing to dry before the final step, which is sanding it back to a smooth finish and then painting.

Getting a smooth finish on a hole in plasterboard or a damaged cornice requires skill, experience and the right tools, so a professional plasterer is likely the right person for the job. Most people want to know how your plaster repairs are going to cost. Other common questions on this topic are around the cost to repair a plaster ceiling and the cost to repair a hole in a plaster wall. 

Now let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about plastering and how a tradie arrives at your quote.

How do plasterers price your repair job?

Your plasterer will base their quote on a range of factors, specifically:

• The area or size of the plaster repair job measured in square metres

• Whether old plaster needs to be removed

• Ease of access to your job, which is why ceilings cost more because they are more awkward to work on

• Intricate ornamental jobs also cost more

How much do plaster repairs cost?

As a rule, plasterers will quote on a square metre basis for any plaster repair job.

And while their standard rates may vary between $20 and $90 per square metre for drywall and wet plastering - repair jobs are likely to be more costly.

Why? Repair jobs are often more time consuming as they require old plaster to be removed, while resurfacing is fiddly. The same goes for decorative trim and finishes like cornices. At the end of the day the cost of your job will depend on the size and complexity of the job. 

With such variations in prices, it's always a good idea to get several quotes for plaster repairs. Some plasterers like to do small jobs and will offer more reasonable quotes than others, who specialise in new home or commercial plastering. Whomever you choose, you want to be sure they will do a professional job. The best way to ensure this is to check their track record. If they have a history of good service behind them, you can be confident they will do a good job for you.

Understanding types of plaster: drywall vs wet plaster

There are a few different types of plaster out here, including drywall, otherwise known as plasterboard or Gyprock®. This comes in sheet form and is used to line and create walls and partitions, when more space or rooms are required in a home. Then there is wet plaster, which is mixed and applied to brick or concrete walls. Finally you may also have ornamental or decorative plaster in your home, such as a ceiling rose, cornice or frieze - typically in older, period homes.

Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Plaster a House?

Hiring a plasterer

When it comes time to hiring a plasterer for your repair job, take time to make sure they are right for your job. Some questions to ask include:

• Are you licensed or qualified?

• Are you insured to work in my home?

• How long will my job take?

• Can you provide a written quote?

• Do you have references I can follow up?

• Can I see examples of your work?

Depending on where you live, your plasterer may need to be licensed. In NSW for example, there are separate licenses for dry and wet plastering, while in other states this type of work may need to be covered by a builders licence.

Getting quotes for wall and ceiling plaster repairs

The best way of finding out the cost of your job is to get quotes from local plasterers. This will give you a sense of what market rates currently are.  

Remember that the cheapest quote isn’t necessarily the best. It’s the plasterers skills you’ll want to consider, as the finish is everything. So ask for samples of their work or recommendations from friends and family.