If you’re considering renovating or repairing your home, plastering is an essential task that will eventually come into play. You may wonder if you should do the plastering yourself or hire a professional. Either way, it’s important to understand the costs and complexities involved before making any decisions.
Plastering costs can vary widely depending on factors like the job size, the type of plaster used, and the level of expertise required. Let’s break down the key aspects that affect the cost of plastering and help you decide if hiring a professional is the right choice for your project.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Plastering costs vary based on the job size and type, with small repairs ranging from $200-$380 and medium to large rooms costing $440-$670. Ceilings are cheaper, with small ones costing around $150. Professionals are recommended for larger jobs due to their expertise and equipment. Common plaster types include rustic stucco, bonding, thistle, carlite, hardwall, dri-coat, and one-coat plasters. Each serves different purposes and surfaces. Plaster provides better soundproofing and durability than drywall, though it’s more expensive and time-consuming. Drywall is quicker and cheaper but less effective for sound absorption.
Common Plastering Tasks And Their Costs
Plastering involves various tasks, each with different costs and timelines depending on the scope and size of the work. These tasks are generally categorised into new plaster applications (for fresh surfaces or renovations) and repairs (such as fixing damaged or cracked plaster). Here’s a closer look at the typical tasks a plasterer might handle and their associated costs:
1. Small Area Work
- Scope: This is often limited to patching up small sections of walls or adding finishing touches to a particular area. It might include plastering small patches of damage, such as cracks or dents, or preparing a wall section for painting.
- Cost: Expect to pay between $200 and $380 for such minor tasks.
- Timeframe: Small-area work can usually be completed within a day, making it quick and inexpensive.
2. Medium To Large Room Plastering
- Scope: Plastering a full room, especially a medium to large-sized one, involves covering all walls and sometimes the ceiling. This can include applying new plaster for a fresh look or refinishing existing plaster surfaces for a smooth, professional finish.
- Cost: The prices for medium to large rooms range from $440 to $670. However, costs can vary depending on the complexity of the room (e.g., if there are nooks, tight corners, or high walls).
- Timeframe: This job is more labour-intensive and often requires more than one day to complete, especially for larger rooms with special features requiring additional preparation or detailed work.
3. Ceiling Plastering
- Scope: Plastering ceilings can be less extensive than walls, especially if the ceiling area is smaller. Ceilings require plastering due to surface cracks, water damage, or simply for a smooth, cohesive look that matches the walls.
- Cost: Prices start at around $150 for a small ceiling. Larger ceilings or those with intricate designs or textures may cost anywhere from $250 to $700.
- Timeframe: The time required depends on the ceiling size and complexity. A small ceiling might be finished within hours, while larger, more detailed ceilings can take longer.
4. Square Footage Rate
- Scope: Some plasterers may charge based on the square footage of the area to be plastered. This is common in larger projects where precise measurements help estimate costs more accurately.
- Cost: Rates generally range from $2 to $10 per square foot. However, larger projects usually benefit from a reduced per-square-foot rate, as plasterers may offer discounts for higher-volume work. Smaller projects or more intricate areas may incur higher per-square-foot costs due to the precision and detail involved.
Additional Considerations
Several factors can influence the final costs and duration of plastering services:
- Preparation: Areas requiring extensive preparation (e.g., old plaster removal or surface cleaning) may increase the job cost.
- Complexity: Intricate details, curves, or high walls demand more skill and time, potentially raising the price.
- Materials: High-quality or specialised plaster materials may add to the overall cost.
- Location: Plastering costs can vary by location due to differences in labour rates and material availability.
By understanding these typical plastering tasks and their associated costs, you can better estimate and plan for the expense and time involved in different plastering projects.
Should You Do It Yourself Or Hire A Professional?
While plastering may seem like a task you can handle alone, it’s often best to leave it to the professionals, especially for larger jobs. Here are some reasons why:
- Experience and Skill: Professional plasterers have experience handling various surfaces and plaster types. This means they can avoid common mistakes that a DIYer might make.
- Tools and Equipment: Plastering requires specialised tools, which professionals already have on hand and know how to use efficiently.
- Insurance and Guarantees: A professional plasterer usually has insurance, ensuring the job is completed correctly. If there are any issues, their insurance will cover rectifying them.
- Long-Term Cost: If mistakes are made during a DIY job, they may not become apparent until later. Fixing those mistakes can be more expensive than hiring a professional in the first place.
Types Of Plaster
There are many types of plaster available, each suited for different purposes. Here, we’ll focus on the most commonly used varieties.
1. Rustic Stucco
Stucco is often used for painting or decorating surfaces. It’s similar to bonding plaster but performs better on porous surfaces. Stucco is commonly used to “build up” walls. When applied to ceilings, the plaster is usually about 8 mm thick, while it’s around 11 mm for walls.
Depending on weather conditions, the plaster dries within hours, but it’s best to wait a day before handling it.
2. Bonding Plaster
Bonding plaster acts as an undercoat, much like browning plaster. It’s ideal for surfaces like concrete and bricks, with low surface absorption. Bonding plaster is applied at the same thickness as browning plaster—8 mm on ceilings and 11 mm on walls.
This plaster is the base layer for a repaired wall and is often smoothed with a topcoat.
3. Thistle Plaster
Thistle plaster is a finishing coat applied after bonding or browning plaster. It’s highly versatile and is popular because of its simplicity. It can be used with plasterboard or as part of a two-coat system.
Thistle plaster is known for its high-quality finish, which makes it perfect for decorative purposes.
4. Carlite Plaster
Carlite plaster is another finishing coat similar to thistle plaster. The main difference is the setting time—Carlite takes around three hours to set, while Thistle sets in roughly half that time.
Carlite plaster is known for its durability and resistance to scratches, making it a great option for surfaces that may endure wear and tear.
5. Hardwall Plaster
Hardwall plaster is an undercoat plaster typically used on masonry surfaces like brick or medium-density blocks. It’s easy to apply and provides a sturdy base for additional layers.
However, it’s best suited for solid structures. If the wall is damaged, the plaster will flake and crumble, and the condition will only worsen over time.
6. Dri-Coat Plaster
Dri-coat plaster is applied after installing a new damp-proof course (DPC). It helps lock in hygroscopic salts, preventing walls from absorbing moisture from the air. However, it isn’t effective when applied to frozen surfaces and should be kept away from open flames, as it is not fireproof.
7. One-Coat Plaster
As the name suggests, a one-coat plaster allows you to complete the job in a single application, saving time. This type of plaster is thicker than traditional two-coat plasters and can be applied easily by hand or machine. It’s ideal for smaller areas, where getting a uniform finish is easier.
8. Tough Plaster Coats
This undercoat plaster is designed to handle more challenging conditions than regular plasters. It offers limited fire resistance and can even be used on frozen walls in certain situations. Tough plaster coats are ideal for providing a solid base for brick walls and are resistant to weather damage.
Different Plaster Finishes
Many options are available for plaster finishes, each suited to different purposes and aesthetic goals. Let’s explore some popular choices:
1. Lime Plaster
Lime plaster is versatile and can be used both indoors and outdoors. It’s highly resistant to moisture and wear, making it an ideal option for areas exposed to the elements. Lime plaster also remains stable under sunlight, which helps prevent fading or warping.
2. Cement Plaster
Cement plaster is another durable option, particularly for outdoor areas exposed to rain or humidity. It provides an appealing finish and works well in locations where moisture protection is necessary.
3. Acrylic Plaster
Acrylic plaster is popular for its ease of use and resistance to moisture. It’s an affordable option that can be applied both indoors and outdoors. Its durability makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
4. Cellulose Plaster
Cellulose plaster is ideal for indoor walls where soundproofing or temperature control is needed. Its unique composition provides insulation.
Conclusion
Plastering is an integral part of home renovations and repairs. While smaller tasks can be handled as DIY projects, larger jobs are best left to professionals due to the complexity and skill required.
With various plaster types and finishes available, it is important to choose the right one for your needs. Whether you opt for traditional plaster or more modern drywall, understanding the costs and benefits will help you make an informed decision.
Hiring a professional ensures the job is done correctly and prevents costly mistakes. Whatever your plastering needs, there’s a solution that suits both your budget and your home’s design.
FAQs About Plasterer
How Long Should A Plasterer Take?
The average wall or ceiling will take about 3-4 hours to finish. It’s best not to use power tools on new plaster because they create dust that can damage it. If you plan to paint over the finished plaster, give it at least five days to set before painting.
Is It Worth Plastering Yourself?
It is a skill; it takes practice, care, precision, and a lot of experience to get it 100% right. That is, however, not to say you can’t DIY plastering. Of course, you can, but you should know it’s going to take some time to get used to the process and get to know what you’re doing.
How Do I Estimate A Plaster Job?
Total all fixed costs, including labour, materials, equipment, rental items, insurance and administrative overhead. Divide the total costs to run the job daily by the number of square feet the crew plasters in a day. This gives you the cost per square foot and your break-even price per square foot.
Is Plaster Stronger Than Concrete?
White cement is made from limestone and clay, while Plaster of Paris is made of gypsum. As far as strength goes, cement is stronger than Plaster of Paris.
Why Did People Stop Using Plaster?
Lath and plaster methods have mostly been replaced with modern drywall or plasterboard, which is faster, less expensive, and much less susceptible to settlement and vibration.
