Plastering Cost Australia 2026
Plastering costs depend on whether you need a small patch repair or a full room replaster. Small jobs are billed hourly; larger projects are quoted per square metre or as a fixed price.
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National Pricing Overview
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastering (hourly rate) | $50/hr | $77 | $120 |
| Plasterboard / Gyprock (per sqm) | $25/sqm | $41 | $65 |
| Patch repair (small hole) | $80per job | $150 | $280 |
| Crack repair (per linear metre) | $15/lm | $30 | $60 |
| Single room replaster (walls) | $600total | $1,200 | $2,500 |
| Ceiling replacement (single room) | $800total | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| Cornice installation (per linear metre) | $15/lm | $28 | $50 |
| Water damage repair | $300per job | $700 | $1,500 |
| Skim coat (per sqm) | $15/sqm | $28 | $50 |
| New stud wall (supply & install, per sqm) | $60/sqm | $95 | $150 |
| Acoustic / soundproof plasterboard (per sqm) | $35/sqm | $55 | $85 |
| Full day plastering | $350per day | $550 | $850 |
National average prices. Select a city above for location-specific pricing.
Plastering in Australia costs $50–$120 per hour for hourly work, or $25–$65 per sqm for larger projects. Small patch repairs start from $80. A single room replaster costs $600–$2,500, while ceiling replacement runs $800–$3,000 depending on size and finish.
Common plastering jobs in Australia include: Plasterboard / Gyprock (per sqm): $25–$65 /sqm · Patch repair (small hole): $80–$280 per job · Crack repair (per linear metre): $15–$60 /lm. All prices include GST and are based on Australia metro rates, March 2026.
Prices vary by up to 30% depending on job complexity, your suburb within Australia, and the tradie's experience. Always get at least 3 quotes — compare free Australia quotes here.
Plastering Costs by Room and Home Size
Carpet cleaning is usually quoted per room or per square metre. Most companies offer discounted rates for whole-house cleans. Here's what typical jobs cost:
| Job | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single room | $25–$50 | Standard room up to 12m² |
| 2-bedroom home | $120–$220 | 2 bedrooms + hallway + lounge |
| 3-bedroom home | $170–$320 | 3 bedrooms + hallway + lounge |
| 4-bedroom home | $220–$400 | Full house clean |
| End of lease clean (2-bed) | $180–$300 | Includes guarantee for bond return |
| End of lease clean (3-bed) | $250–$400 | Includes guarantee for bond return |
| Stain treatment (per stain) | $20–$50 | Red wine, coffee, pet stains |
| Deodorising treatment | $30–$80 | Pet odour, smoke smell |
| Scotchgard protection | $3–$7 per m² | Stain-resistant coating applied after clean |
| Rug cleaning (per rug) | $30–$80 | Depends on size and material |
End of lease plastering is the most common booking type. Most companies offer a bond-back guarantee — they'll return and re-clean for free if the agent isn't satisfied. Always get a receipt specifying the rooms cleaned and the cleaning method, as real estate agents typically require this for bond release.
Steam Cleaning vs Dry Cleaning: Which Method Is Better?
The two main plastering methods have different strengths. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right service:
| Factor | Steam (Hot Water Extraction) | Dry Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $25–$50 per room | $30–$60 per room |
| Cleaning depth | Deep — reaches carpet base | Surface to mid-level |
| Drying time | 4–8 hours | 1–2 hours |
| Best for | Deep stains, pet odours, heavily soiled | Regular maintenance, delicate fibres |
| Allergen removal | Excellent — kills dust mites | Good |
| Risk | Over-wetting if done poorly | Chemical residue if not rinsed |
| Bond clean accepted? | Yes — most agents prefer it | Sometimes — check with agent |
Steam cleaning (hot water extraction) is the industry standard and what most real estate agents require for end-of-lease cleans. It provides a deeper clean and better allergen removal. Dry cleaning is faster and uses less water, making it better for delicate carpets or situations where you need the room back quickly. For general home cleaning, steam cleaning every 12–18 months is recommended by carpet manufacturers.
What Affects Plastering Costs in Australia
Job size
Small patch repairs in Australia are typically billed hourly ($50–$120/hr). Mid-sized room projects are quoted per sqm ($25–$65). Whole-house or multi-room projects may attract a day rate or fixed price.
Surface condition
Existing water damage, cracked surfaces, or uneven substrates in Australia require additional preparation before plaster can be applied. Prep time adds to the total cost.
Type of finish
A smooth finish is standard. Decorative textures, heritage restoration, and ornate cornices take more skill and time, pushing Australia plastering costs to the higher end.
Plasterboard vs wet plaster
Gyprock/plasterboard ($25–$65/sqm in Australia) is faster and cheaper than traditional wet plaster. Traditional plaster is used in heritage renovations and older homes.
Access requirements
High ceilings, stairwells, or hard-to-reach areas may require scaffolding or specialised equipment in Australia, adding to the cost.
Cornice & detail work
Cornice installation and repair in Australia is priced per linear metre on top of the wall or ceiling work. Ornate heritage cornices are significantly more expensive than simple cove.