Plastering is an essential aspect of any home improvement project, whether you’re renovating, adding new walls, or repairing existing ones. Knowing the costs involved is important to budget effectively.
Plastering costs depend on various factors, including the area to be covered, the plaster used, and the labour involved.
This guide will help you understand the different elements that influence plastering costs.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Plastering costs depend on factors like the type of plaster, area size, labour charges, and surface condition. Dry plastering is generally cheaper than wet or ornamental plastering.
Plastering costs range from $25 to $100 per square meter, with additional charges for complex designs and repairs. Medium-sized jobs cost $1,000 to $3,000, while whole-house projects could exceed $7,000.
Hidden expenses may include scaffolding, decorative work, waste disposal, and travel charges. To save on costs, consider doing some prep work yourself, buying materials in bulk, and hiring a professional for a quality finish.
Always get multiple quotes before starting.
Factors Influencing Plastering Costs
Several factors can impact the final cost of plastering. Let’s explore these in more detail:
1. Type Of Plaster
- Dry Plastering: Generally more cost-effective and quicker to install than wet plastering. Prices typically range from $25 to $50 per square metre.
- Wet Plastering: This is more labour-intensive and takes longer to dry, which can increase costs up to $100 per square metre.
- Ornamental Plastering: Decorative work requires more skill and time, and depending on the complexity of the design, it can be more expensive.
2. Area To Be Covered
- The size of the area directly affects the cost. Larger areas might reduce the cost per square metre, while smaller or intricate areas can increase costs due to the extra effort involved.
3. Labour Charges
- Labour costs in Australia typically start at $45 per hour, but rates can increase depending on the project’s complexity and location.
4. Condition Of The Surface
- If the old plaster needs to be removed or the wall surface is in poor condition, additional work will be required, increasing labour and material costs.
5. Location Of The Property
- Costs can vary depending on the region. Urban areas may have higher rates due to increased demand and living costs.
Average Costs For Common Plastering Jobs
Plastering costs can vary based on factors such as the project’s complexity, the size of the area to be plastered, and the type of plastering required.
Here’s a breakdown of common plastering job costs:
1. Small Repairs
For minor plaster repairs, such as patching holes or fixing small cracks, costs typically range from $150 to $500, depending on factors like:
- Size of the damage: Larger holes or multiple patches will increase the cost.
- Type of finish: A simple skim coat will be more affordable than decorative finishes, which require more expertise.
- Accessibility: Additional labour charges may apply if the damage is in hard-to-reach areas, such as ceilings or high walls.
2. Medium To Large Projects
Re-plastering an entire room, such as a bedroom or living room, typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000. The price can vary depending on:
- Room size: Larger rooms require more materials and labour.
- Complexity of the work: Decorative plastering, like ornamental cornices or intricate designs, will increase costs.
- Additional services: Removing old plaster, fixing lath, or addressing underlying structural issues can add to the overall price.
3. Complete House Plastering
For larger projects like plastering an entire three-bedroom house, costs generally range from $7,000 to $10,000 or more. Price variations depend on:
- House size: Larger homes will require more materials and time.
- Scope of work: Specialised plastering, such as textured finishes or soundproofing, may lead to higher costs.
- Material quality: Premium finishes and high-quality plaster materials will increase the cost.
Common Plastering Services
Different types of plastering jobs come with varying price ranges. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs for the most common plastering services:
1. Plasterboard Installation
- Supply and Installation: Costs range from $15 to $30 per square metre.
- Labour Only: Charges can be between $45 to $55 per hour.
- Ceiling Installation: Typically costs around 10-15% more than wall installations due to the increased difficulty.
2. Drywall And Gyprock® Installation
- Drywall is often used to create interior walls and partitions. Depending on the job’s specifics, prices range from $35 to $90 per square metre.
Factors Affecting Cost:
- Ceiling installation is more expensive.
- Extra charges for walls with windows or fireproof and soundproof drywall.
3. Cornice Installation
- Basic Cornice: Costs start at around $17.50 per linear metre.
- Decorative Cornice: Prices can go up to $25 or more for intricate designs.
- Installation: Depending on the complexity, we may add $20 to $50 per linear metre.
Additional Costs To Consider
Several hidden costs can affect the overall plastering budget. These include:
1. Scaffolding
If your project involves high walls or ceilings, scaffolding might be necessary, adding to the total cost.
Rental fees for scaffolding can vary depending on the height and duration of use, impacting your budget.
2. Decorative Plastering
Ornamental designs require skilled craftsmanship and more time, which increases labour costs.
Due to their detailed nature and the need for specialised materials, intricate patterns or custom mouldings can significantly raise prices.
3. Waste Disposal
Removing old plaster and other debris may incur additional fees if the contractor handles it.
The cost may increase if the waste needs special disposal methods, especially for hazardous materials like older plaster that could contain asbestos.
4. Travel and Accessibility Charges
Plasterers might charge extra for difficult-to-access and transport costs if your property is a remote or hard-to-access area.
Limited access or tight spaces may also require additional equipment, increasing expenses.
5. Preparation Work
Additional preparation tasks, such as sealing cracks or smoothing uneven surfaces, can add to the cost.
If the walls require extensive prep work before plastering, expect the final bill to reflect the extra labour and materials used.
Tips To Keep Plastering Costs Down
Plastering can be costly, but there are ways to manage expenses effectively. Here are some tips to help you control your budget:
1. Preparation
- DIY Preparation: Removing old plaster or wallpaper can save labour costs.
- Minimise Waste: Ensure the surface is clean and ready for plastering to reduce material usage.
2. Buy Materials In Bulk
- Purchasing plastering materials in bulk for larger projects can be more cost-effective than buying them as needed.
3. Choose The Right Plaster
- Consider using plasterboard for straightforward projects, as it’s usually cheaper and faster to install than traditional plaster.
4. Hire A Professional
- While DIY plastering might seem like a way to save money, hiring an experienced plasterer can ensure a smoother, more professional finish—especially for large or complex jobs.
Conclusion
Understanding the factors that affect plastering costs can help you budget more effectively and make informed decisions about your project. Always consider the job’s size, the surface’s condition, and whether any decorative elements are needed.
Hiring a skilled plasterer may seem like a more significant investment upfront, but ensuring a high-quality finish can save time and money in the long run.
Before committing to a plastering job, it’s wise to gather several quotes and choose a professional with a proven track record.
Whether tackling a small repair or a full-scale renovation, careful planning will help you achieve the best results within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plaster
Is It Cheaper to Plaster or Plasterboard?
The cost of re-rendering/plaster versus a plasterboard dot and dab covering/plaster is cheaper for the plaster boarding. Also much quicker and drying out of new materials much faster.
What Is the Likelihood of Plastering Creating a Mess?
Plaster can sometimes create dust, but most professionals will clean this away as part of their service.
What Types of Plastering Finishes Are There?
There is a smooth cast finish, roughcast finish, sand faced finish, pebbledash finish and scraped finish. We recommend discussing which is best for you with your plasterer and browsing through examples of each finish.
When Can Plastering Commence?
Best answered by your plasterer once all the formalities and paperwork are completed, usually immediately! A site inspection may be necessary, but most workers will begin early.
Should I Plaster Over Plasterboard?
If you’ve attached plasterboard or drylining, you choose to either paint or decorate straight onto the board or finish with a layer of skim plaster. The skim tends to be favoured because it provides a superior finish and adds an extra layer of soundproofing.
