While it might be tempting to tackle a plastering job DIY, having a professional take care of things can give you peace of mind and minimise the chance of defects. If you need an expert for a plastering job, here’s what to expect from a local plasterer.

What does a professional plasterer do?

Professional plasterers are skilled tradies who work with plaster to create smooth, even surfaces on walls, ceilings and other structures. In Australia, plasterers are sometimes also referred to as ‘solid plasterers’ or ‘rendering tradies’.

Plasterers typically work on both residential and commercial properties, and their work can range from small repairs to large-scale renovations, as well as brand-new construction projects. They may use a variety of techniques and tools to apply plaster, including trowels, floats and spray guns.

Some of the common tasks that professional plasterers perform include:

• Applying plaster to walls, ceilings and other surfaces to create a smooth finish.

• Repairing cracks and holes in plaster surfaces.

• Installing and finishing plasterboard or drywall.

• Creating decorative plasterwork, such as cornices, ceiling roses and other ornamental features.

• Applying render to external walls to create a protective and decorative finish.

To become a professional plasterer in Australia, tradies usually do a formal apprenticeship or complete a vocational training course. This may include both classroom learning and on-the-job training under the supervision of an experienced plasterer. Professional plasterers must also be familiar with the latest safety regulations and best practices to ensure their work always meets industry standards.

What are the most common reasons for hiring a plasterer?

Some of the more general projects that an experienced plasterer will be able to complete for you include:

• Dry wall plastering: Dry wall, also known as plasterboard, is used for walls and ceilings in many Australian homes and offices. Plasterers can advise you about the right type of dry wall to suit your space, as well as supply the materials and apply the plaster.

• Ornamental plastering: This is a great way to add beauty and character to your home at an affordable price. Your plasterer will be able to suggest a suitable design and finish, and then apply it to the wall or ceiling using plaster moulds.

• Solid wall plastering: This technique involves your plasterer applying plaster to a solid wall, such as brick. They will level, clean and prepare the surface through a lath and plaster process, then mix and apply the plaster before adding the final finishing coats.

• Partitioning: If you want to create more space or add privacy to your property, partitioning is the ideal solution, as it can be used to temporarily or permanently divide a room. The partition may be made from plasterboard or gyprock installation on a timber or steel frame.

• Plaster repairs: When cracks or flakes appear in your plaster, you should have it repaired immediately. Plasterers use many techniques for repairing plaster, depending on the extent of the damage.

Why is it important to hire a professional plasterer?

While some DIYers may feel they can handle a plastering project on their own, hiring a professional plasterer will give you confidence that they have the expertise and experience to ensure the plasterwork is done to a high standard. This means the finished product will not only look good, but will also be durable and long-lasting.

Your professional plasterer will also have the best tools and materials to get the job done properly. They will know which type of plaster or render to use for each specific application, as well as the skills to apply it correctly.

Another important reason to hire a professional plasterer is safety. Plastering can be a messy and potentially dangerous job, particularly if it involves working at heights or with heavy materials. Professional plasterers are trained on various safety scenarios and will have the appropriate safety equipment to ensure the job is done safely.

Perhaps most importantly, hiring a professional plasterer can ultimately save you money in the long run. If DIY plasterwork isn’t done correctly, it may need to be repaired or redone sooner than expected, which can be very expensive. By hiring a professional plasterer to do the job right the first time, you can avoid these future expenses and enjoy your plasterwork for years to come.

How much does it cost to hire a professional plasterer?

Plasterers will work out their plastering cost and rates based on the type of work required and the materials involved. According to The Master Plasterers, it could cost anywhere from $20 to $70 per square metre of hard plaster, or $45 to $90 per square metre for wet plaster.

You should ask your hipages tradie to quote you a flat fee for the project – but be aware that this figure probably won’t include the removal of existing plaster and won’t take into account any difficult access to your property.

What to ask when hiring a local plasterer

There are a number of questions you should ask when hiring any tradie. First, you will need to know if they can complete the type of work you want done. Specialist work, such as restoring the plaster in your period home, may require a more specialised tradesperson.

Here are some suggestions for what to ask a local plasterer:

• Are you fully licensed and insured?

• How much experience do you have in hard and/or wet plastering?

• Can you share images of previous plastering work you’ve done?

• What type of plaster do you recommend for my project?

• How much will the total project cost, including any hidden expenses?

• How long will it take to finish the job?

Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.