Updated May 2026· Independently researched·14 min read
Most plastering jobs in Adelaide cost $74–$2,300
from a single room to a whole house
Gyprock per sqm in Adelaide costs $23–$60/sqm. A single room of plasterboard costs $74–$260. A 3-bedroom house runs $550–$2,300. Repairs (cracks, holes) cost $55–$140.
+1.5%Plastering costs in Adelaide have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Plastering Cost in Adelaide
$126
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$63–$158
Emergency Rate
$263–$735
Common Job
$158–$420
Budget $84/hrAverage $126/hrPremium $210/hr
Plastering in Adelaide costs $46–$110/hr for labour, or $23–$60/sqm for supply and installation of plasterboard. A single-room plasterboard job runs $74–$260. A full 3-bedroom house costs $550–$2,300. Small repairs for cracks and holes cost $55–$140.
Quick answerPlastering in Adelaide costs $46–$110 /hr, with most averaging $71 /hr. GST included — verified May 2026. Get free Adelaide quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Adelaide 2026
Service
Low
Typical
High
Plastering (hourly rate)
$46/hr
$71
$110
Plasterboard / Gyprock (per sqm)
$23/sqm
$38
$60
Patch repair (small hole)
$74per job
$140
$260
Crack repair (per linear metre)
$14/lm
$28
$55
Single room replaster (walls)
$550total
$1,100
$2,300
Ceiling replacement (single room)
$735total
$1,375
$2,750
Cornice installation (per linear metre)
$14/lm
$26
$46
Water damage repair
$275per job
$645
$1,375
Skim coat (per sqm)
$14/sqm
$26
$46
New stud wall (supply & install, per sqm)
$55/sqm
$87
$140
Acoustic / soundproof plasterboard (per sqm)
$32/sqm
$51
$78
Full day plastering
$320per day
$505
$780
Getting quotes for plastering work in Adelaide? Get a quote from a verified local tradie — free, no obligation.
Small repairs ($55–$140 in Adelaide) are priced per job. New plasterboard is priced per sqm ($23–$60/sqm). Cornice and stopping (finishing) work is priced by the hour or per lineal metre.
Ceiling vs wall
Ceiling plasterboard in Adelaide costs more than walls — it's heavier, requires temporary support, and is harder to finish without marks. Expect 20–30% more for ceilings vs walls.
Number of coats
Standard plasterboard finishing in Adelaide requires 3 coats of compound (stop) plus sanding between coats. Quality stopping (for paint-ready finish) takes time and skill — don't let a plasterer cut corners here.
Cornice & beading
Installing cornice ($14–$55/lm in Adelaide) and corner beading adds cost but gives a professional finish. Always include cornice in quotes to compare fairly.
Water damage repairs
Water-damaged plasterboard must be fully replaced, not patched. If there's mould present, remediation must happen first. A simple ceiling replacement in Adelaide typically costs $32–$78.
Gyprock supply
Some Adelaide plasterers supply plasterboard; others require you to organise it. Confirm what's included — Gyprock supply adds $8–$18/sqm to the project cost.
How to Save Money on Plastering in Adelaide
1
Get quotes from Adelaide plasterers and confirm whether supply of plasterboard is included
2
Don't rush the stopping — good plasterboard finishing requires 3 coats and proper drying time between each
3
Fix any leaks or moisture issues before plastering in your Adelaide home — moisture causes plasterboard to fail
4
Ask about the finishing level — Level 4 finish is standard for paint; Level 5 for gloss or feature walls
5
Ensure your Adelaide plasterer is a licensed builder for large projects (structural walls, multi-room jobs)
6
Clear the room completely before the plasterer arrives — dust is significant and hard to contain
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a plasterer cost per sqm in Adelaide?
Plasterboard supply and installation in Adelaide costs $23–$60/sqm for standard walls. Ceilings cost 20–30% more. Hourly rates run $46–$110/hr for labour-only work.
How much does plastering a whole house cost in Adelaide?
Plastering a full 3-bedroom house in Adelaide costs $550–$2,300, including supply and installation of all plasterboard, stopping, and cornice. A single room costs $74–$260.
How much does plasterboard repair cost in Adelaide?
Small plasterboard repairs (holes, cracks) in Adelaide cost $55–$140 per repair. Water-damaged ceiling sections cost $32–$78 to replace. Larger damage is priced per sqm.
How long does plastering take to dry?
Each coat of stopping compound needs 24 hours to dry before the next coat. A full plasterboard finishing job (3 coats) takes 3–5 days minimum before it's ready for painting. Don't rush this — rushing causes cracking.
Does a plasterer need to be licensed in Adelaide?
For small repairs and plasterboard installation, licensing requirements vary by state. For large jobs (whole-house, structural walls) and anything over $5,000–$10,000, a licensed builder is required in most Australian states.
What causes plasterboard to crack?
Cracks are caused by building movement (normal), water damage, poor stopping technique, or insufficient coats of compound. Hairline cracks are cosmetic; wide or recurring cracks may indicate structural movement and should be assessed by a builder in Adelaide.
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, leading tradie marketplaces, peak industry body data, and individual tradesperson websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our guides are independently produced — we don't employ tradespeople and have no commercial relationship with any service provider. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get multiple quotes. Last reviewed May 2026. Read our full methodology →
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