Updated April 2026· Independently researched·14 min read
Most plastering jobs in Canberra cost $88–$2,750
from a single room to a whole house
Gyprock per sqm in Canberra costs $28–$72/sqm. A single room of plasterboard costs $88–$310. A 3-bedroom house runs $660–$2,750. Repairs (cracks, holes) cost $66–$165.
+1.7%Plastering costs in Canberra have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Plastering Cost in Canberra
$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 Canberra costs $55–$130/hr for labour, or $28–$72/sqm for supply and installation of plasterboard. A single-room plasterboard job runs $88–$310. A full 3-bedroom house costs $660–$2,750. Small repairs for cracks and holes cost $66–$165.
Quick answerPlastering in Canberra costs $55–$130 /hr, with most averaging $85 /hr. GST included — verified April 2026. Get free Canberra quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Canberra 2026
Service
Low
Typical
High
Plastering (hourly rate)
$55/hr
$85
$130
Plasterboard / Gyprock (per sqm)
$28/sqm
$45
$72
Patch repair (small hole)
$88per job
$165
$310
Crack repair (per linear metre)
$16/lm
$33
$66
Single room replaster (walls)
$660total
$1,325
$2,750
Ceiling replacement (single room)
$880total
$1,650
$3,300
Cornice installation (per linear metre)
$16/lm
$31
$55
Water damage repair
$330per job
$770
$1,650
Skim coat (per sqm)
$16/sqm
$31
$55
New stud wall (supply & install, per sqm)
$66/sqm
$105
$165
Acoustic / soundproof plasterboard (per sqm)
$38/sqm
$61
$94
Full day plastering
$385per day
$605
$935
Getting quotes for plastering work in Canberra? Get a quote from a verified local tradie — free, no obligation.
Small repairs ($66–$165 in Canberra) are priced per job. New plasterboard is priced per sqm ($28–$72/sqm). Cornice and stopping (finishing) work is priced by the hour or per lineal metre.
Ceiling vs wall
Ceiling plasterboard in Canberra 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 Canberra 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 ($16–$66/lm in Canberra) 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 Canberra typically costs $38–$94.
Gyprock supply
Some Canberra 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 Canberra
1
Get quotes from Canberra 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 Canberra 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 Canberra 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 Canberra?
Plasterboard supply and installation in Canberra costs $28–$72/sqm for standard walls. Ceilings cost 20–30% more. Hourly rates run $55–$130/hr for labour-only work.
How much does plastering a whole house cost in Canberra?
Plastering a full 3-bedroom house in Canberra costs $660–$2,750, including supply and installation of all plasterboard, stopping, and cornice. A single room costs $88–$310.
How much does plasterboard repair cost in Canberra?
Small plasterboard repairs (holes, cracks) in Canberra cost $66–$165 per repair. Water-damaged ceiling sections cost $38–$94 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 Canberra?
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 Canberra.
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 April 2026. Read our full methodology →
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