How Much Does Plastering Cost?

When it comes to plastering, costs can vary significantly depending on a range of factors such as the size of the room, the type of plaster selected, and the complexity of the job. Whether you’re looking to plaster a small bedroom, an entire open-plan living area, or even a new build, understanding plastering costs is crucial for planning your budget. 

With my 25 years of plastering experience in Australia, I’ve seen firsthand how plaster can elevate a room’s aesthetic while improving its functionality. In this article, we’ll dive into what impacts plastering costs, so you can make an informed decision when planning your next project.

Factors Influencing Plastering Costs

Room Size: Small, Medium, or Large – How Size Affects the Price

When it comes to plastering costs, the size of the room plays a significant role. From a small bedroom (12m²) to a large open-plan living area (25m²), the cost can fluctuate. I recall a small bedroom project in Brisbane, where re-skimming the walls alone cost about $1,100, but once we added ceiling plastering, the cost went up to around $450. For larger areas, you’re looking at more materials, longer labour hours, and possibly scaffolding for ceiling work, which drives up the price.

Type of Plaster: How Material Choices Impact the Cost

Not all plasters are created equal. Whether you go for the eco-friendly option of clay plaster, the moisture-resistant lime plaster, or the quick-drying gypsum plaster, the type of plaster you choose can have a significant effect on your budget. Let me break down the different types of plaster and the impact on costs, based on personal experience.

Average Plastering Costs by Room Size and Project Type

Small Rooms (Approx. 12m²)

When it comes to small rooms, plastering costs are generally on the lower end. A small bedroom or a compact living area will cost you around:

• Cost to Plaster a Room: $1,100 to $1,300
• Ceiling Plastering: $380 to $660

In a recent renovation in Brisbane, we plastered a small bedroom that didn’t require much prep work, so we only re-skimmed the walls. The cost for this project came to about $1,200. However, if you factor in ceiling plastering, which requires more time and scaffolding, the total cost came to $450 for a 9m² ceiling.

Medium Rooms (Approx. 15m²)

Medium-sized rooms, such as a large living room or master bedroom, will cost more due to the increased area and additional complexities like ceiling height. In one project I completed in Melbourne, the room had intricate features, and the ceiling needed extra attention due to its height.

• Cost to Plaster a Room: $1,200 to $1,700
• Ceiling Plastering: $470 to $850

In the Melbourne living room, the walls took longer to complete due to their design, and the ceiling plastering was another $750 for the 15m² space. The total cost came to around $1,500 for the room.

Large Rooms (Approx. 20m² – 25m²)

For larger rooms, such as kitchens or open-plan living areas, plastering becomes a more significant part of your budget. For instance, a recent project in Sydney involved an open-plan living room and kitchen that combined to cover more than 20m². It took a week to finish the plastering, and the cost was substantially higher due to the size and complexity.

• Cost to Plaster a Room: Over $2,800
• Ceiling Plastering: Over $950

In Melbourne, I worked on a 25m² living room, which required full re-plastering due to damage from previous renovations. The ceiling plastering added another $1,200 to the cost, making the total around $3,000 for the entire room.

How Much Does It Cost to Plaster Specific Features?

Plastering a Single Wall

If you’re only plastering a single wall instead of an entire room, costs are typically more affordable. This is a great option for a damaged wall or if you want to add a feature wall to a living room or bedroom.

• Cost to Plaster a Wall: $150 to $300 per wall

In a small kitchen renovation I did in Melbourne, the client requested plastering for just one feature wall. It was a quick job and cost about $250, with a speedy turnaround.

Plastering Ceilings (Skimming Only)

Ceiling plastering tends to cost more due to the precision and equipment required, such as scaffolding or ladders. Here’s what you can expect:

• Small Ceiling (Approx. 9m²): $200 – $350 (Average: $275)
• Medium Ceiling (Approx. 15m²): $280 – $440 (Average: $360)
• Large Ceiling (Approx. 25m²): $425 – $725 (Average: $575)

For example, in Sydney, I had to re-skim a 9m² ceiling, and it cost around $250. However, when dealing with larger ceilings, especially in areas requiring additional preparation like overboarding, expect to pay more.

Plastering a New Room or New Build

Plastering a new room or an entire new build involves more layers and takes more time, especially for larger spaces. Here are the average costs for new builds:

• Small Room: $1,100 to $1,300
• Medium Room: $1,200 to $1,700
• Large Room: Over $2,800

In a recent Melbourne project, I had to plaster multiple rooms, with the average cost being around $1,500 per room. However, for larger areas like the kitchen and living spaces, the costs escalated to over $3,000.

Plasterer Day Rates: What to Expect for Larger Jobs

For larger jobs or ongoing projects, plasterers in Australia generally charge a day rate. Rates vary depending on the region, with metropolitan areas like Sydney and Melbourne at the higher end.

• General Day Rate: $300 per day
• Rates in Sydney and Melbourne: $350 – $400 per day

I worked on a commercial project in Melbourne, where the plasterer charged $350 per day. For large projects, day rates can sometimes be more cost-effective, especially if the project extends over several days.

Cost Summary of Common Plaster Types in Australia

Plastering is an essential part of your home renovation, and understanding the costs involved can help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re opting for eco-friendly clay plaster or a luxurious Venetian finish, knowing what affects plastering costs will ensure your project stays within budget while achieving the desired results. From small rooms to full new builds, plastering adds durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal to your space.