The cost of plastering depends on several factors, including your location, the complexity of the project, and the experience level of your plasterer. It also depends on the size of the area (square metres) that you want plastered which impacts the amount of plastering material and time required to complete the project.

Key costs to plan for include:

1. Investigating and fixing ‘What’s causing the plaster to fail?’, if plaster is cracking, bubbling or falling off.
2. Removing old ceiling or wall plastering.
3. Preparing the surface.
4. Plastering materials and delivery.
5. Drying time – it takes similar time whether a patch or whole wall.
6. Sanding and painting the plastering.
7. Hiring a skip and removing plaster rubble.
8. Extra budget for unexpected delays (e.g. longer to dry in wet weather).

Remember: whether fixing plastering or plastering an entire wall, the drying time is often the same. It takes longer in the wet and cold, but can crack if it’s too hot, so ask your plastering service when it’s the best time to plaster.

Our advice: Get a clear, itemised quote

Always ask your plastering contractor for a detailed, itemised quote that includes:

1. Material costs
2. A breakdown of the plastering phases or steps
3. Labour charges (hourly or daily rates)

A proper plaster mix uses sharp-grained sand, which interlocks to create a stronger finish. Unfortunately, many hardware stores sell mortar mix incorrectly labelled as plaster. Mortar contains rounded sand grains, which are more prone to cracking — especially on flat surfaces like walls. Make sure you buy the right plaster mix.

Typical daily labour costs:

1. Labourer: R350 - R500
2. Apprentice: R500 - R800
3. Trade qualified: R800 - R1500
4. Experienced main paving contractor: R2000 - R2500
5. Multi-skilled, experienced contractor: R3500+

For the best results, it’s worth hiring a reputable, experienced plasterer to supervise and guide the plastering team. This ensures a high-quality, long-lasting plastering finish and can save you money in the long run. If needed, rather save up to hire the best plasterer or skimmer you can afford – the results will be worth it.

How can I keep my plastering costs down?

Book it through HandymanDirect

1. Appoint an experienced plasterer who understands your vision and the best, most affordable way to achieve it.
2. Identify any underlying problems like damp before plastering, so you can fix that first to save you replastering down the line.
3. Avoid mid-project changes, as they often cause delays and extra costs. Provide images or examples of what you want upfront.
4. Check about handling fees. It’s often cheaper to buy and return plastering and skimming materials yourself than let your plasterer do it.
5. Stay involved. Regularly walk the work site, take regular progress photos, and address concerns early with your plasterer to ensure a high-quality outcome and save on overall costs.
6. When you book your plastering or skimming service through HandymanDirect, we’ve got your back. Simply send us a few photos, and we’ll provide an expert opinion - and even speak directly to the plasterer or skimmer on your behalf.