Plastering and Patching Cost in Australia

Whether you want to add design features, line a wall, or reorganise the spaces in your place, plastering is a big part of home improvement. Plaster creates an even and durable finish, smooth and ready for the next part of the project. It’s an essential part of the final appearance and can be a big and expensive job. So, hiring a qualified professional can give you some assurance that everything will go as planned and meet your expectations. But what you should pay attention to, and how much does plastering cost?

In this article, we’ve gathered the current plastering rates, tips on saving money on the project, as well as helpful advice for hiring a plasterer.

So, if you:

Keep on reading – this post is for you!

Which type of plaster is best for your job?

Different types of plastering vary in durability, appearance, and installation method. Some options require specific qualifications and experience to apply. It’s always good to know the basics when you start negotiating with plasterers.

Here are the most used types of plaster:

Now that you know the basics, there are several other aspects to consider when planning your plastering project.

Factors that can influence the cost of plastering

Apart from the type of plaster, rates per square metre vary depending on the project’s specifics, such as the size of the project and the state you live in. Besides, some more aspects may influence your final price, for example:

So, let’s dive deeper into the numbers.

How much does plastering cost?

Plastering in Australia costs from $25 to $90 per square metre for material and labour. Hourly rates of hiring a plasterer vary between $45 and $105. The rates vary in different states, depending on the size of the project, the complexity, the type of plaster, and the number of coats required.

Plasterers usually offer a flat rate for a room or for an entire home. This includes the main plastering work with the option to have the place and the constriction waste cleaned after the service, which may come with an additional fee. For example, plastering a 3-bedroom house will cost you around $10 000 to $15 000 for a standard job, including the materials and installation. Yet, if you’re planning a small renovation or repairing a damaged wall, you’ll get an hourly rate.

All prices above cover the rates for standard hard plaster finish – wet plaster applied to the entire wall or ceiling. Due to installation specifics, there are different rates for plasterboard and ornamental plastering.

Plasterboard installation cost

Plasterboard installation will cost you $15 to $30 per square metre for the labour and materials. Hourly rates for plasterboard vary from $45 to $55 in different areas. So, the budget for a 3-bedroom house can be roughly around $10 000.

If you want to apply plasterboard on a ceiling, the rates will be the same as for a standard wall job. However, a more ornate ceiling will cost you 10% – 15% more, as it requires more time and experience.

Plasterboard installation is a less labour-intensive and faster process than hard plastering. The material comes in standard 2.4×1.2 metre sheets, which are then nailed to the surface. Covering walls without windows costs less, as windows require cutting and more taping.

Ornamental plastering cost

Cornice installation can cost about $5 to $10 per linear metre, including labour and materials. A large Victorian cornice will cost around $15 per linear metre. Renovating a Victorian-style 3-bedroom house can cost you around $20 000 or more.

The cost of ornamental plastering depends mainly on the complexity of the project. It can take many forms, like decorative ceiling ornaments, wall decorative cornices, arches, and fireplace surrounds. It requires skilled and experienced professionals, so you’ll have to get individual quotes for that.

How to save money when hiring a plasterer

As you already know, a quality finish can be costly, as it is an art and a fairly skill-intensive job. Consult your plasterer on what you can do and where you can make some savings. Think about the following:

Question to ask before hiring a plasterer

As you want to guarantee yourself the best looking walls and ceilings, you have to make sure you‘re hiring the right professional for your project. There are some essential questions that you have to clarify before signing the contract with a plasterer:

It can be challenging to plan and calculate the cost of your plastering project, but it’s worth it. What’s more, saving some money on unexpected jobs will let you spend more on things you want. So, the ball is in your hands now. 

Takeaways