Independent Australian Cost Guides
Updated March 2026
Plastering service icon — Townsville cost guide

How much does a plastering cost in Townsville?

Plastering in Townsville costs $27–$70/sqm
or from $86 for a patch repair
Hourly rate $54–$130/hr. Patch repairs from $86. Single room replaster $650–$2,700. Ceiling replacement $865–$3,250. Water damage repair $325–$1,625.
+1.8% Plastering costs in Townsville have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages. Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Plastering Cost Townsville QLD 2026 | What’s The Damage
Average Plastering Cost in Townsville
$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 Townsville costs $54–$130 per hour for hourly work, or $27–$70 per sqm for larger projects. Small patch repairs start from $86. A single room replaster costs $650–$2,700, while ceiling replacement runs $865–$3,250 depending on size and finish.

Common plastering jobs in Townsville include: Plasterboard / Gyprock (per sqm): $27–$70 /sqm · Patch repair (small hole): $86–$300 per job · Crack repair (per linear metre): $16–$65 /lm. All prices include GST and are based on Townsville metro rates, March 2026.

Prices vary by up to 30% depending on job complexity, your suburb within Townsville, and the tradie's experience. Always get at least 3 quotes — compare free Townsville quotes here.

Quick answerPlastering in Townsville costs $54–$130 /hr, with most averaging $83 /hr. GST included — verified March 2026. Get free Townsville quotes →

Detailed Pricing — Townsville 2026

ServiceLowTypicalHigh
Plastering (hourly rate)$54/hr$83$130
Plasterboard / Gyprock (per sqm)$27/sqm$44$70
Patch repair (small hole)$86per job$160$300
Crack repair (per linear metre)$16/lm$32$65
Single room replaster (walls)$650total$1,300$2,700
Ceiling replacement (single room)$865total$1,625$3,250
Cornice installation (per linear metre)$16/lm$30$54
Water damage repair$325per job$755$1,625
Skim coat (per sqm)$16/sqm$30$54
New stud wall (supply & install, per sqm)$65/sqm$105$160
Acoustic / soundproof plasterboard (per sqm)$38/sqm$59$92
Full day plastering$380per day$595$920
Prices verified March 2026 · Cross-referenced against 90+ Australian trade pricing sources · See methodology

Prices include GST. Based on Townsville metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.

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What Affects Plastering Costs in Townsville

Job size

Small patch repairs in Townsville are typically billed hourly ($54–$130/hr). Mid-sized room projects are quoted per sqm ($27–$70). 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 Townsville 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 Townsville plastering costs to the higher end.

Plasterboard vs wet plaster

Gyprock/plasterboard ($27–$70/sqm in Townsville) 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 Townsville, adding to the cost.

Cornice & detail work

Cornice installation and repair in Townsville is priced per linear metre on top of the wall or ceiling work. Ornate heritage cornices are significantly more expensive than simple cove.

How to Save Money on Plastering in Townsville

1
Get 3 quotes for plastering work in Townsville — particularly for larger jobs
2
Ask whether the quote includes preparation (sanding, filling) or just the plaster application
3
For water damage repair in Townsville, fix the leak first — plasterers won't quote until the moisture source is resolved
4
Ask about the drying time — freshly plastered areas need time to cure before painting
5
Specify the finish you want: smooth, textured, or heritage-style. Each has different costs in Townsville
6
Combine plastering with a paint job — many {city} painters will plaster small areas, saving on double call-outs

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does plastering cost per sqm in Townsville?
Plastering in Townsville costs $27–$70 per sqm for standard plasterboard or Gyprock installation. This includes fixing, setting, and finishing. Ornate or heritage finishes cost more.
How much does a patch repair cost in Townsville?
A small patch repair in Townsville costs $86–$300 depending on the size of the hole and the finish required. Larger patches and matching existing textures push the price higher.
How much does a ceiling replacement cost in Townsville?
Replacing a ceiling in a standard room in Townsville costs $865–$3,250. This includes removing the old material, installing new plasterboard, and finishing. Large rooms or rooms with cornices cost more.
How long does plaster take to dry?
Fresh plaster needs 2–7 days to fully cure before painting, depending on thickness and humidity. In Townsville's humid conditions, allow extra drying time. Your plasterer will advise on the right timeline.
Can I paint over fresh plaster in Townsville?
Not immediately — fresh plaster must cure for at least 2–7 days before painting. Sealing with a diluted PVA coat or a dedicated plaster primer before your topcoat is recommended by most Townsville painters.
Is Gyprock the same as plasterboard?
Yes — Gyprock is a brand name for plasterboard (also called drywall). It's the most common wall and ceiling material used in Australian homes. In Townsville, plasterers use Gyprock and similar products interchangeably.

Our Methodology

Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, tradie marketplaces (ServiceSeeking, hipages, Airtasker, Service.com.au), industry body data (HIA, Master Builders), 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 financial incentive to inflate or deflate prices. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get at least 3 quotes. Last reviewed March 2026. Read our full methodology →

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