How Much Does Plastering Cost in Australia?

When you are undergoing a home renovation or constructing a house, there are some expenditures you just cannot overlook. When it comes to plastering, this is an expense you will need to consider. 

When you look at plastering cost Australia, these will cost between $20 and $70 per square meter. 

Plastering is what determines the look and feel of your walls and ceilings. A smooth finish is especially useful if you plan on painting, and it is a great way to increase the resale value of your home. However, budgets can be tricky since the costs can differ immensely. 

This blog will walk you through the cost to plaster a house Australia. Let’s dive deeper into it. 

Average Plastering Cost in Australia 

Across Australia, the plastering price per square metre AU is between $20 and $70, depending on the type of surface and finish. 

For most homes, total plastering prices range from $500 for small repairs to $12,000 or more for full-house work. 

The tables below break these costs down clearly so you can budget effectively

1. Plastering Cost Per Square Metre

The table gives you the average plastering rates Australia homeowners can expect.

2. Plastering Cost by Job Type

For specific work like drywall plastering cost Australia or full-wall jobs, prices adjust depending on complexity.

3. Plastering Cost by Property Type

Larger homes or commercial properties need more time and materials, impacting the plasterboard installation cost Australia.

Factors That Affect Plastering Costs 

Plastering costs are not standardized. Many factors influence the final bill. This information can help you realize why the costs change. Let’s have a look at these factors below:

1. Size of the Area

The larger the area, the more materials and manpower are required. A small bedroom will cost much less than a whole house. More extensive projects might provide a lower price per square meter, but this will ultimately mean a higher price tag.

2. Type of Plaster Used

There are varying costs according to the type of plaster. Gypsum plaster is generally cheap. Cement plaster, which takes more labor, is expensive. Ornamental plastering cost is more, as it requires expertise and more working hours. 

Also, hard plaster vs wet plaster cost differs because wet plaster takes longer to apply and cure. 

3. Condition of Walls and Ceilings

There are lower plastering costs for smooth surfaces. Preparation is required if there are cracked walls or ceilings. Preparation work includes filling or sanding down existing plaster. Preparation is time-intensive and leads to a higher plaster ceiling cost.

4. Labour Rates

Labor rates are different in Australia. In large cities, labor tends to be more expensive. Labor in rural areas may come at a lower cost. However, transport costs may arise depending on the skills required.

5. Ceiling Height & Access

Higher ceilings are more time-consuming and might also need the use of scaffolding. Difficult-to-access areas increase the time spent on the workforce. Accessibility helps keep the cost low.

6. New Build and Renovation

New builds are easier. The walls are just about ready to be plastered with fewer surprises. There may be repairs and dips that need filling. This increases time and expense. 

Plastering is often done alongside electrical work during renovations, which can affect scheduling and labor planning.

How to Reduce Plastering Costs?

You don’t need to break the bank to do plastering. With proper planning, especially when combining it with work like custom storage solutions, you can maintain good quality while keeping overall renovation costs affordable. 

Here are the tips to reduce plastering costs.

1. Plan Early

Early planning helps to avoid rushed decisions. Booking the plastering job after the completion of electrical and plumbing work will help.

2. Correct Small Problems First

Small cracks or holes should be filled before plasterers get there. This will save time when they arrive. This will preserve your pocketbook bank balance.

3. Pick the Right Finish

Not all walls need a premium finish. Ordinary plaster works well for most areas. Decorative plaster cost Australia is higher, so use it only on feature walls where it adds real value and visual appeal.

4. Combine Jobs

If you have multiple rooms requiring plastering, it is advisable to get it done in one go. This leads to better pricing because bigger contracting is generally favored. Multiple visits will end up being more expensive.

5. Get Clear Quotes

Request quotes in writing, specifying material and labor costs. There will be no surprises with this approach. A well-defined scope will keep costs constant from beginning to end.

6. Hire Skilled Professionals

Low-quality work will mean cracks or an uneven surface. When repairs are needed, it will cost more money. Experienced plasterers will work faster and do the job correctly the first time.

Cutting back on expenses to save money is no shortcut to being frugal. It is making prudent decisions to eliminate waste and inefficiency.

Find Reliable Plasterers Through Trusted Tradie Network

It may be difficult to find the right plasterer to handle the task. Poor workmanship will result in so many problems, such as cracks, waves, and repainting. Trusted Tradie Network makes it easy.

The platform connects you with reliable plasterers in Australia. Trained professionals are screened for experience, licensing credentials, and reputation with previous clients. This means you can work with people who know what they are doing and respect your property.

You can post your plastering requirement and receive quotes from nearby experts. This saves time and helps you compare prices fairly. Clear profiles and real reviews help you choose with confidence.

Trusted Tradie Network helps you with small repairs, full home plastering, and commercial jobs. It removes guesswork and reduces risk. Instead of chasing contacts, you get direct access to skilled plasterers ready to work.

Conclusion

Plastering is more than a finishing step. It shapes the look, feel, and durability of your space. In Australia, costs usually fall between $20 and $70 per square metre, with total prices depending on size, surface condition, and plaster type.

Understanding plasterer hourly rate Australia helps you plan better. Knowing what affects pricing helps you ask the right questions. Simple steps like early planning and clear quotes keep budgets under control.

Most importantly, choosing the right plasterer protects your investment. Quality work lasts longer and looks better. With the right information and reliable professionals, plastering becomes a smooth part of your project, not a costly surprise.

FAQs

1. How much does plastering cost in Australia?

Plastering in Australia typically costs around $20 and $70 per square meter, though the price can change based on wall condition, ceiling height, access to the area, and the type of finish chosen.

2. What increases plastering costs the most?

Plastering costs increase mainly due to damaged walls, uneven surfaces, high ceilings, decorative finishes, and poor access. Extra preparation work, scaffolding, and longer labor hours also push the final price higher.

3. Is DIY plastering recommended in Australia?

DIY plastering works only for very small patch jobs. Larger areas often lead to uneven finishes, cracks, and wasted materials, making professional plasterers a safer and more cost-effective option.

4. How do I find a reliable plasterer near me?

Finding a reliable plasterer is easier through trusted platforms that verify tradies. Always read reviews, compare quotes, and confirm experience to avoid poor workmanship and unexpected repair costs later.

5. Does plastering cost include painting?

Plastering costs usually cover surface preparation and smooth finishing only. Painting is a separate service and must be quoted separately unless it is clearly included in the agreement.