Is plastering walls expensive?

Author: Mr. Juvenal Mitchell MD  |  Last update: Friday, April 4, 2025

Plastering walls costs anywhere between $1,200 and $10,000 for an average-sized room, with most homeowners spending $5,000. The cost largely depends on the size of the space—around $2 to $10 per square foot—and whether you're also plastering the ceiling. Plaster is a common material used for interior finishing.

Is it cheaper to drywall or plaster?

While the material costs of plasterboard vs drywall are roughly the same, when it comes to the installation drywall vs plaster cost, plaster is more expensive than drywall. We have already mentioned how installing plaster requires more specialized labor than installing drywall.

Do plaster walls increase home value?

Increase the Home's Durability

One swing of a hammer that is just a little too hard, and the drywall can easily get a new hole. Plaster dries to a very hard finish that is difficult to damage. This makes the home more durable and reduces how much maintenance homeowners must do – which always increases the value.

What are the disadvantages of plaster walls?

Plaster cons:
  • Plaster is porous and absorbs moisture easily. ...
  • Plaster cracks easily.
  • Repairing plaster is expensive and hard. ...
  • It's hard to hang frames and shelving on plaster.
  • The material is not suitable for exterior projects.
  • Generally more expensive to install than drywall.

How much does it cost to plaster walls?

You could spend anywhere between £500 and £1,500, or more, depending on the size of the room you want plastered. If you want the outside of your property rendered, this could cost you anywhere from £1,900 to upwards of £6,000, again depending on the size of your home.

Fixing my expensive drywall Mistake

Why is plastering so expensive?

The cost of plastering is heavily influenced by the size of the area to be covered. Plasterers typically charge between £6 and £10 per square metre. Larger projects will naturally cost more due to the increased amount of material and labour required.

How long do plaster walls last?

Plaster doesn't come with an expiration date. You might hear “15-20 years” thrown around as a lifespan, but that's a very broad estimate. In reality, how long your plaster lasts will depend on a number of factors: The original quality of the plastering job – A poorly done job won't last as long as expert work.

Do plaster walls crack easily?

A: Old lath and plaster walls are prone to cracking. Over time the plaster separates from the lath, creating structural cracks. Plaster is also prone to thinner spider-web cracks, which occur when the topcoat of the plaster degrades. It's common to have both kinds of cracking — and both types can be repaired.

Do all plaster walls have asbestos?

Unfortunately, there wasn't a regulated or realistic way to ensure that all older buildings using plaster walls were asbestos-free. Asbestos was commonly added to plaster until the late 1980s, as it was seen as an inexpensive way to add to the plaster's insulation and fire-retardant properties.

Can you mount a TV on plaster walls?

Generally, a plasterboard wall will hold a TV securely and safely, but this is only as long as you use the right mounting. You should consider using an anchor or mounting plate for best results.

Do plaster walls grow mold?

Yes, mold can grow on plaster. Just like other types of building materials, plaster that has been painted, is dirty, or has been damaged is prime for mold growth.

Do people still use plaster walls?

Plaster walls and ceilings have existed since the Egyptians, when they were used in ancient temples and monuments. They've become popular again, and it may be thanks to their history, but the long-lasting properties of plaster walls are also very appealing.

How long should it take to plaster a 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.

When did they stop using plaster walls?

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.

What is cheaper than plastering?

Drywall is a cheaper and much more hassle-free option than plaster, boasting many other advantages from its thermal qualities to its flexibility.

What year did they start using asbestos in plaster?

Asbestos-containing plaster was produced by United States, National Gypsum Gold Bond, Georgia-Pacific, and other manufacturing corporations primarily between 1920-1976. Asbestos can be found not only in drywall sheets but also it's joint compound.

Do old homes have plaster walls?

If you own a historic house or commercial building, there is a good chance that your building has plaster walls and ceilings. Plaster has been used for thousands of years. It was the most common interior finishing material used during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

What does an asbestos wall look like?

Asbestos cement sheeting can feel hard and brittle. Asbestos cement sheeting is white to grey in colour. It is usually flat and smooth, and may be painted or have dimples like a golf ball on one side.

Can you just paint over cracks in plaster?

Yes, But Take These Steps First. You can paint over plaster as long as it is in good condition. Prep plaster walls before painting by removing old paint, repairing damage, sanding, and priming. Identify and address the root cause of damaged plaster before you repair and paint it.

Can you plaster over bad walls?

If the wall has any cracks or damages, they will need to be repaired before plastering. Smaller holes and cracks in a wall can be filled using a sealant such as Caulk. Larger holes and cracks will have to be filled with plaster and mesh, which may be a job for a professional.

Does plaster look better than drywall?

Plaster can typically achieve a more polished look than drywall and is less prone to dents and holes. If you are looking for a glossy, smooth or stucco-like finish, professionals can easily apply the desired texture with plaster.

Should I remove old plaster walls?

Plaster walls became less popular after drywall availability exploded in the 1950s, but they're still commonly found in older homes. You may want to get rid of crumbling plaster that hasn't held up as your home settles, or maybe you need to install new electrical wiring or insulation.

What goes under plaster walls?

A Plaster Undercoat

The process typically involves applying a mixture of plaster, sand, and sometimes other additives to the substrate, such as lath or masonry. This base coat is then levelled and allowed to set before additional layers of plaster, including the final finishing coat, are applied.

Can I sheetrock over plaster walls?

Although you can drywall over plaster, you will slightly increase the wall thickness by doing so. Drywall sheets are available in thicknesses between one-fourth and three-fourths of an inch. Most rooms in a home will use drywall with a thickness of one-half of an inch.

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