How Much Does Plastering Cost? [2024]

Whether you need drywall plastering, solid wall plastering, plaster repairs, partitioning or any other plastering task, a local plasterer can take care of it for you. But how much does plastering cost? 

This article will help you figure out:

• Which type of plaster do you need for your job
• How much plastering costs
• How much plasterboard costs to install
• How much do cornices cost to install
• How much does ornamental plaster cost
• How much does hard plaster cost
• What should you consider when hiring a plasterer?
• What questions should I ask a plasterer?
• Whether your plasterer should be licenced

Which type of plaster is best for my job?

Depending on what your project involves, there are a few different types of plaster you need to know about, including:

Drywall plaster is used extensively in the building trade to line the walls of our homes. It is often used to create partitions when more rooms are required in a home. Other names for Drywall are Plasterboard or Gyprock®. They’re used to create walls supported by timber or steel frames. 

Hard plaster (or solid wall plaster) is used on curved surfaces and other applications where plasterboard can't.

Wet plaster is what most people think of when they think of plastering, and is a mixture of lime, water and either cement or gypsum, typically applied wet using a trowel.

Ornamental plaster is a specialised task used to create intricate, decorative effects in or out of the home. The most common are ceiling roses, cornices and friezes.

Read: What is ornamental plaster?

 

How much does plastering cost?

So how much will plastering cost? When you get quotes from plasterers, they’ll typically charge per square metre. The cost of plastering per square metre can be:

• $20 to $70 per square metre for hard plaster.
• $45 to $90 per square metre for wet plaster 

You can expect to be quoted a flat fee for a room or house, which does not include the removal of existing plaster or difficult access. if you need repairs they will give you a separate quote 

Read more: How much do plaster repairs cost?

If you’re renovating the entire home, the plasterer will probably charge a flat fee for the whole space. For a 3-bedroom home expect to pay roughly $10,000 - $15,000. An ornate Victorian home could cost $20,000 or more.

How much does plasterboard cost to install?

Plasterboard, also called gyprock or drywall, is often used to line the walls of a home to create new walls and partitions. It is typically nailed or fixed to a timber or steel frame which provides the structural support. 

According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), benchmark rates for plasterboard jobs are:

• $8 to $16 per square metre for plasterboard (install only)
• $15 to $20 per square metre for plasterboard (supply and install)

Rates can vary in different states, though: 

City	Gyprock installation average cost per hour
Sydney	$48
Melbourne	$45
Brisbane	$45
Canberra	$35
Perth	$50
Adelaide	$45

 

A single sheet of plasterboard (generally 2.4m X 1.2m) might cost between $43.20 (at $15m2) - $57.60 (at $20m2). Most walls require three or four sheets of plasterboard. Multiply those costs by the number of walls that need covering and you'll come to an approximate cost of installing plasterboard. 

In general, applying plasterboard to three average-sized rooms can cost around $15,000 including taping, plastering and smoothing the walls.

Ceilings cost about the same as plasterboard on walls, but the price can be higher if an ornate design is required. On average, ceilings cost: 

• $48 per square metre or
• $55+ per square metre for a more ornate design

Plasterboard also comes in fire-resistant and acoustic-dampening sheets though these generally cost more. 

Walls with windows will usually cost more than walls without windows as they will have to cut and fit sheets of plasterboard around the windows.

How much do cornices cost to install?

The room isn't finished until the cornices are installed. In general, the cost of installing cornices is between $4.00 and $16.00 per metre to supply and install cornicing. More complex jobs or more expensive cornicing will be at the higher end. Some other costs for cornicing may be (per linear metre):

• $5.00 to $10.00 for general cornice installation
• $7.50 for a simple colonial-style cornice
• $15.00 for a more ornate Victorian cornice

Keep in mind that plasterers usually give you separate quotes for cornicing and installing plasterboard. 

How much does ornamental plaster cost?

The cost of ornamental plastering projects depends on their size and complexity. In general, expect to pay $5 per hour more for custom work and ornamental plastering. 

If you're looking for an elegant fireplace surround that would take pride of place in a Victorian mansion, you might be surprised to find you can buy its plaster equivalent for well under $1,000.

How much does hard plaster cost to install?

In some cases, plasterboard cannot be used. Hard plaster (or solid wall plaster) is used on curved surfaces and other applications where plasterboard can't. Hard plaster rates range from $20 to $70 per square metre depending on the complexity of the job. In most cases, a first coat will be applied to fill in gaps. Then a second coat will be applied to smooth out the surface.

How much does wet plaster cost to install?

Wet plaster is what most people think of when they think of plastering. It’s a mixture of lime, cement or gypsum and water, typically applied whilst wet using a trowel. It takes some time to dry and shouldn't be painted over until it's completely dry.

The cost for wet plaster can be between $45 and $80 per square metre. 

What should you consider when hiring a plasterer?

On top of their rate, a plasterer may also charge to remove the existing plaster or if the area is hard to access and requires scaffolding. If you require more creative plaster work, such as mould cornices or elaborate patterns, you’ll need to pay more. 

When comparing quotes from plasterers, check that materials are included. Often the plasterer will provide the plaster and tools, outlining these costs in the quote but this isn’t always the case. Shot around and at hipages, we always recommend getting at least three quotes. 

Look for a plasterer with years of experience behind them and one who has worked in your area for a long time. The length of time can be a good indication of their reliability and honesty.

What questions should I ask a plasterer?

When it comes time to hire a plasterer, take time to make sure they are right for your job. Some questions to ask them to 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 on?
• Can I see examples of your work?

Does my plasterer need to be licensed?

It depends where you live. Although plastering is not a structural element of a building, some states, NSW for example, have separate licensing requirements for dry and wet plastering. Other licensing authorities consider both types of plastering as part of the same trade and in some states, plastering is covered by a builder's licence.