How much does Plastering cost?

Plastering is a skilled profession that includes wet and drywall plaster for new construction or for patching existing walls. Hard plaster rates range from $20 to $70 per square metre and wet plaster ranges from $45 to $90 per square metre.

Plastering Costs in Australia

Your location has an impact on the amount that plasterers charge. If you notice, the Australian Capital Territory charges more than South Australia. The different rates across the country could be due to the high demand but low supply of plasterers in your area. 

Gyprock is also called gypsum board, plasterboard, or drywall. Gypsum plaster is placed between thick layers of paper and creates a smooth stabilized panel for installation.

Gyprock sheet prices can range from $30 to $100 for a 3-metre square panel. The amount of gypsum plaster can be adjusted for use in regular construction, soundproofing a room, or being water-resistant. Gyprock prices reflect the properties of the material. The average gyprock installation cost is $50 per hour.

Gyprock costs in Australia

Gyprock can be made from different materials to suit different areas of your home. Aquachek is resistant to moisture and therefore is ideal for bathrooms, laundries and kitchens. Gyprock Aquacheck price is usually around $10 to $12 per square meter. Soundchek is ideal for bedrooms and living rooms as it provides soundproofing. Gyprock Soundchek price is usually $8 to $10 per square metre. The cost of gyprock per square meter usually sits around the $10 mark.

Many variables impact the price of a plastering job, therefore, despite the job looking similar, you shouldn’t expect to pay the same price your neighbour has. 

Size of the wall

Plasterboard prices to install depend on the panel size. It is common for plasterboard to have a width of 120 centimetres. Because many new homes have 2.5-metre ceilings, a wall can be covered relatively quickly with plasterboard. However, for homes that have 3-metre ceilings or have architectural abnormalities, the amount of plasterboard and the time for an installation could increase.

Insulation strapping is also an important cost factor in plastering since it involves using additional materials and labour. However, it’s an effective way to secure insulation in place, increase its effectiveness, and improve overall insulation efficiency.

The complexity of the job

If there is moulding that runs along the top of a room, the gypsum board altered. The installer will need to measure and cut the gypsum to accommodate the design. There may also be differences where a thicker board is required, or walls are uneven. Every house has certain imperfections that need factoring in when determining the cost of drywall sheet installation.

If you need to repair some cracks, Spakfilla or Polyfilla are both great options to repair cracks such as on rendered brick walls. They come in putty-like consistency that can be applied using a putty knife. Once it dries, a smooth surface is created that can be sanded down if necessary.

Additional decorative finishes

Whenever decorative or ornate trims are used in a home; they have an impact on the plaster cost per m2. An experienced plasterer will use their expertise and patience to create the extra touches. Finish work, for example, will add to the plastering cost.

Extra features towards the completion of the plastering, such as skirting, may require plasterers to remove the tapered edges of the plaster, known as the recessed edge, to make it easier to install skirting boards. However, this process may cost extra since it requires additional time and effort. It’s best to talk to your plasterer and agree on a price upfront to avoid any unexpected expenses.

Newly plastered grey home. | Source: Master Plasterers

Drywall plaster

Drywall plastering is considered basic in the type of work performed. The cost per hour on straight drywall plastering may even run less than the average price.

Wet plaster

Masons prefer to work with wet plaster. It delivers an even and professional finish. However, it also requires an expert craftsman in wet plaster application. Per square-metre rates for wet plaster are higher than drywall or plasterboard installers from $45 to $90.

Ornamental plaster

Ornamental plaster is often used in historic houses to help recreate the original artistry. The skill is one that very few construction workers possess. It is considered more of an art than a building trade. Expect to pay at least $5 more per hour for this customized type of work.

Plasterboard

Plasterboard is a common type of board that is used in new construction or remodelling. Most plasterers charge the average price when using plasterboard unless there are areas where wet plaster is needed. The average rate is from $15 to $20 per square metre.

Hard plaster

Hard plaster rates per metre in Australia are between $20 and $70 per square metre, depending on the size of the job. The estimate for hard plastering is challenging to be precise, as often other types of plastering may be carried out before the hard plaster. 

Cornice installation

When setting up a room for plastering, you should consider whether you want a square set, cornice, or no cornice finish. A square set involves plastering to the edge of the ceiling, while cornices provide a decorative transition between the wall and ceiling. A no-cornice approach provides a modern, architectural squareness. It is important to decide beforehand since each finish involves different installation methods and materials.

Cornice installation is a typical job requested by plasterers. The cornices may be made from wood, resin or plaster and require a skilled artisan for the job. The more specialized the job, the higher the price per square metre.

Newly installed gutters. | Source: Franco Bros Roofing

How to create an accurate estimate

Measure each surface that needs to be covered with drywall. The drywall cost per sheet is figured in with the plastering job. Make a note of areas that need additional work with plaster and the amount of time necessary to repair. Some professionals will have resources such as a gyprock cost calculator on their website to help give you an accurate estimate for gyprock price. 

Get a per square metre quote

One of the biggest tips is to get a quote for the cost of gyprock per square metre or the cost of plaster per square metre, rather than cost per hour. A professional plasterer will know how long a plaster repair and drywall installation will take. If you receive a price per hour, you could be paying for plaster redoes if a mistake occurs. Skilled plasterers will know what is required and any issues they may run into. 

Licencing and qualifications

Not all areas require licensing for plasterers since it is not considered a structural part of construction. However, many states have created their requirements for plasterers.

How to save money hiring a plasterer

A high cost to a plasterer is the removal of old plaster, wallboard or paper. If possible, have this step completed before receiving a quote from a skilled plasterer. It could save you hundreds of dollars. Have the space cleared, so time is not wasted in moving objects out of the way.

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources