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The cost of plastering walls typically ranges from $2 to $10 per square foot. This cost can vary depending on several factors, including the type of plaster used, the complexity of the job, and the plasterer's hourly rate.
Plastering walls is a must-step in renovation and construction. It adds smoothness and texture to a wall. It hides defects and provides a hard and durable finish. Plastering is preferred because of its beauty and longevity. Plastering cost estimation depends on various factors, which include:
Plastering walls generally costs between $2 and $10 per square foot. This range can vary significantly depending on the type of plaster, the complexity of the job, and the contractor's rates. Labor typically accounts for a large portion of the total cost, with plasterers charging between $30 and $100 per hour.
This cost guide discusses what you should pay for wall plastering. It also addresses the determinants of costs, types of plaster, and other facts you need to know.
The plastering prices can vary greatly, but on average, home renovation jobs can be priced between $1,200 and $10,000, while nationwide averages are slightly more than $5,000. This covers both labor and materials. If you have a small room, possibly $1,000 would be on the high end. Large homes or when a lot of rooms are being done may easily cost above $10,000.
Costs per square foot average $2 to $10. For a standard average of 200 square feet, expect charges of $400-$2,000. For 500 square feet, it will be anything between $1,000-$5,000. For an extra-large amount of 1,000 square feet, it will be $2,000-$10,000. These are the material-and-labor charges.
Labor constitutes the majority of plastering costs. In the USA, a plasterer typically charges between $40 and $90 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the project. Labor costs are generally higher in major cities like New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, as well as in popular coastal areas such as Miami, San Diego, and Boston. On the other hand, labor rates tend to be more affordable in smaller towns and rural areas, such as Bozeman, Montana, Athens, Georgia, or Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Most professionals charge by the square foot, not by the hour. Knowing the hourly charge can give you an estimate of how long the project will last. A 200-square-foot room may take a day to three days, depending on wall condition and type of plaster. Labor alone for this job may cost from $400 to $1,500.
Certain types of plaster, each with varying rates and applications, thus putting a variance on price, where gypsum, lime, and cement make up the very common types. It impacts overall pricing whichever you choose.
Ornamental plaster finishes will add to the expense even further. Venetian plaster and specialty varieties can be as much as $15 or more per square foot. These varieties are more time-consuming and labor-intensive to apply.
Plastering prices are higher with the size of the job. Small jobs, such as a single bathroom wall, might be less than $500. Medium-sized bedrooms will fall at $800-$2,000. Total plastering of your house will be charged from $10,000-$30,000 based on size and number of rooms.
If plastering ceilings and walls costs extra. Ceilings take extra time and labor and would cost you $1-$3 extra per square foot. Add $100-$300 for a 100-square-foot ceiling.
Hallways, stairways, slopes, or high ceilings might also relate to higher prices. These rooms are more difficult to work in and take more expertise.
Your wall condition is important. Clean, smooth walls are quicker to plaster. If the surface is textured or damaged, some prep will have to be done. That makes the overall expense higher.
Old textured finishes, wallpapers, or plaster removals might be charged at $1-$2 per square foot. Holes, cracks, or water damage repairs also increase labor expenses. Skim coating, used to level the surface before applying plaster, adds $1 to $3 per square foot.
In others, the surface that is already there has to be removed entirely. This will increase the cost. The greater the prep work needed, the longer the crew will have to work on the job.
Interior plastering tends to be less expensive than exterior plastering. Work inside is simpler to control and involves fewer weather delays. The exterior plastering uses cement-based plaster, which is expensive and labor-intensive.
Plastering of outside walls ranges from $3 to $8/sq. Ft. This usually means that there's weatherproofing involved with coatings and mesh. Plus, the scaffold being used can add another $500 to $1,500 or more.
Interior wall plastering is simpler. The price remains within the range of $2 to $10 per square foot. Indoor decorative finishes, though, can cause the price to increase.
The plastering materials that are used consist of base coats, top coats, bonding agents, and mesh. The material cost constitutes between 30% to 40% of the overall cost. For standard gypsum plaster, material costs between $0.50 and $1.50 per square foot can be expected. For lime plaster, the cost increases to between $2 and $4 per square foot.
Materials and tools can be added to the ultimate bill, too. These comprise trowels, buckets, ladders, and scaffolding rental. These can be incorporated into the cost of labor or can be billed separately.
Decor plaster designs are becoming fashionable. These involve Venetian plaster, polished plaster, and texture finishes. They are time-consuming and call for skilled manpower.
Venetian plaster will range in cost from $8 to $25 per square foot. It has a smooth, marble-like finish and is available in numerous colors. Tadelakt is also an upscale style of plaster for bathrooms. It will range in cost up to $30 per square foot.
These finishes require a lot of labor. They require several layers and polishing in between coats. The additional materials and labor cause them to be significantly more expensive than plain plastering.
Several factors can increase or decrease the plastering cost.
Material and labor prices are higher in certain states compared to others. In New York, California, and Washington, among other states, the costs are 20% to 40% higher than elsewhere. Urban regions where living is more expensive will similarly be more costly to plaster.
Conversely, homeowners in the South or Midwest might pay less. Rural areas and small towns typically have lower hourly labor costs and lower material delivery charges. Yet, there could be fewer contractors to select from, which might impact scheduling and project timelines.
It takes extra time to work around windows, doors, and corners. Incurved walls or intricate shapes of walls and curves also make it more expensive. Tall walls and ceilings require scaffolding, which increases labor and equipment charges.
Scheduling can even influence cost. Rush jobs can be more expensive. It needs to be considered that a peak season will approximate prices upwards. Winter, when plasterers are generally less busy, is typically the best time for a better rate.
Waste removal is another expense to consider. Old plaster, dust, and debris have to go. If your contractor is responsible for cleanup, you can expect an extra $100 to $300 added to your bill.
Certain homeowners look at DIY plastering as a way to save money. While small patches or skim coats are doable, whole-room plastering is a specialized trade. Badly done plasterwork is difficult to repair and could devalue your home.
Using a professional will result in a smoother, more durable finish. It saves you time and hassle, too. An experienced plasterer understands how to prepare surfaces, blend ingredients, and spread coats evenly. For intricate work, professional assistance is worth paying extra for.
Booking in advance and making a reservation during the off-season can also secure you better prices.
Plastering walls is an intelligent method of enhancing your home's appearance and worth. It offers a level, long-lasting surface that works well for painting or ornamentation. Plastering costs depend on a lot of factors. Project size, type of plaster, labor, and preparatory work rank among the many.
Most generally, anybody will price plastering between $1,200-$10,000 based on the area, thus averaging $5,000 nationwide. Having an understanding of what determines prices will better prepare you and protect you from any surprises.
Regardless of whether you need a simple plaster finish or an elegant decorative design, employing an experienced professional will bring you the most excellent results. Proper planning means you can enjoy gorgeous walls lasting years, without overspending.
Costs of various services and materials in this cost guide should be taken as estimates. These depend on location, preference and demands in the market.