"Overboarding" typically refers to the construction method of installing new drywall directly over an existing damaged or outdated ceiling or wall instead of tearing it down.
Overboarding a ceiling isn't the easiest DIY task, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, you can get it done efficiently. For this particular job, I charged £590 to overboard and skim a small ceiling (around four plasterboards). It's a fair price given the work involved, especially when dealing with Artex.
Generally, skimming is less expensive than full plastering due to the reduced amount of material and labour required. Average costs are often calculated per square meter, and many find that for smaller projects, skimming can be a more attractive, budget-friendly option.
The cost of plastering is $2 to $10 per square foot on average for walls and $2.50 to $12.00 per square foot for ceilings, depending on the plaster type and technique. The cost to plaster a 12'x'12 room is $1,200 to $6,000, while plastering a 2,000 SF house costs $16,000 to $100,000. *Including walls and ceilings.
The cheapest way to replace or update a ceiling is to cover the existing damaged ceiling rather than tearing it down. You can cover it using paint, adhesive styrofoam ceiling tiles, or by installing a Trusscore Wall & Ceiling Board system, saving thousands in demolition and disposal costs.
Drywall is significantly cheaper than plaster. While the raw material costs of the boards are comparable, plastering requires highly specialized, time-consuming labor that costs up to 1.5 to 3 times more to install than drywall.
Drywall ceilings
Drywall finishes on ceilings are a common alternative to plaster ceilings because they are smooth, can easily be painted, and are typically less expensive.
Size of Area. The majority of plasterers charge per square metre, so the larger your wall is, the more you will pay. To work out a more accurate price, use our calculator, or you could measure the height and width of your wall and multiply it by the cost per square metre.
No, Sheetrock is not cheaper than generic drywall. In fact, it is usually slightly more expensive due to brand equity and high-quality manufacturing standards.
Lath and plaster was a skilled craft and a time-consuming technique and the advent of cheaper, mass produced, pre-manufactured plasterboard meant lath and plaster largely fell out of favour by the 1930s and 1940s. Plasterboard was simply faster and less expensive to install.
How long does it take to plaster a 3 bedroom house? It will take between 5 to 8 days on average to complete the plastering of a 3 bedroom house. This however depends on the job requirements and whether you are having a full replaster or a simple skim.
If the swirl pattern is not to deep you can skim over it, if it is then it's best to overboard or rip down the old. If you overboard, it's best to get it skimmed anyway, you can tape and fill if you don't want to, but being on a ceiling the lines will 100% show through once it's painted and you have lights on.
Shiplap boards run $2 to $7 per square foot in materials. But that's only half the story. Once you add a contractor's labor ($50–$100/hour, typically 8–16 hours for an average room), primer, finishing nails, a rented nail gun, and edge trim — traditional shiplap costs $15 to $30 per square foot installed.
Good plastering doesn't just look nice – it adds real value to your property. Homes with great exteriors often sell for more. Even small plastering projects can boost your home's worth a lot. A well-done plaster job shows that you care for your house, which buyers love to see.
The cost to plaster a room typically ranges between £400 and £1,500. Smaller rooms, such as single bedrooms, often cost £400–£700, while a medium-sized room like a double bedroom can range from £800–£1,100. Large spaces such as living rooms may cost £1,200–£1,500.
People choose plaster over drywall for its superior durability, better soundproofing, and smoother, more polished aesthetic. While drywall is quicker and cheaper to install, plaster provides a premium, hard-surface finish that is highly resistant to dents and is ideal for curved walls.
Ceilings are being treated as the "fifth wall" in interior design, moving away from plain white to become a primary focal point. Key trends include bold colors and high-gloss paints, intricate moldings, integrated tech lighting, and natural materials.
Drywall alternatives like plywood, plaster, and shiplap provide options for those seeking unique aesthetics or improved functionality in wall finishes. While drywall is affordable, easy to repair, and fire-resistant, these materials offer benefits that might better suit specific needs.
Average Day Rates for Plasterers
Most plasterers in the UK charge by the day. Typical daily rates range from £150 to £250, depending on location, skill level, and job complexity. In areas like Cheltenham and Gloucestershire, prices often sit around the middle of that range.
Drywall can last around 30-50 years, depending on the quality and maintenance, but it's more prone to damage from moisture or impacts. Plaster, on the other hand, is more durable and can last over 100 years if properly maintained, making it a better long-term investment for older homes.
Drywall pricing is typically calculated per square foot. This is a simple way to estimate how much money you will need for your project, based on the size of your walls and ceilings. The cost of drywall including materials and labor is between $1.50 and $3.50 per sq. ft.