Plastering Cost Australia 2026
Plastering costs depend on whether it's new installation or repairs, ceiling vs wall work, number of coats, and whether supply of plasterboard is included.
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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 |
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Plastering in Australia costs $50–$120/hr for labour, or $25–$65/sqm for supply and installation of plasterboard. A single-room plasterboard job runs $80–$280. A full 3-bedroom house costs $600–$2,500. Small repairs for cracks and holes cost $60–$150.
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 type
Small repairs ($60–$150 in Australia) are priced per job. New plasterboard is priced per sqm ($25–$65/sqm). Cornice and stopping (finishing) work is priced by the hour or per lineal metre.
Ceiling vs wall
Ceiling plasterboard in Australia 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 Australia 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 ($15–$60/lm in Australia) 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 Australia typically costs $35–$85.
Gyprock supply
Some Australia plasterers supply plasterboard; others require you to organise it. Confirm what's included — Gyprock supply adds $8–$18/sqm to the project cost.