Plaster is frequently utilized by both homeowners and contractors to achieve a smooth wall finish, perfect for painting applications. This method is favored for interior walls and ceilings and enjoys popularity in interior design circles. The cost for plastering can vary, depending on the materials used and the dimensions of the space. For larger walls or those with complex patterns, plastering prices can surge to fifty percent more than the usual rates.
Professionals charge between $4.50 and $14 per square foot to plaster a wall. Plastering a standard 16 X 20 feet living room (320 square feet) costs $1,440 to $4,480, excluding the ceiling. In contrast, the cost to plaster an average-sized bedroom measuring 11x 12 feet (132 square feet) ranges from $594 – $1,848 minus the ceiling. Prices are determined by wall size and type, types of plaster material, equipment required, and work difficulty.
Although homeowners can DIY plaster walls, plastering requires high-level skills and experience. Thus it is imperative to hire a professional. You can search nearby plasterers online for an estimate.
The national average to plaster walls is $4.5 and $14.00 depending on the wall condition, height, access and plaster material.
Re-plastering a wall costs significantly more than applying fresh plaster due to removal costs of the old plaster and preparation and finishing work involved.
The table below shows plastering costs per wall size.
| Square Feet | Wall Plaster Cost (labor inclusive) |
|---|---|
| 50 | $225 - $700 |
| 150 | $675 - $2,100 |
| 250 | $1,125 - $3,500 |
| 350 | $1,575 - $4,900 |
| 450 | $2,025 - $6,300 |
| 550 | $2,475 - $7,700 |
| 750 | $3,375 - $10,500 |
| 900 | $4,050 - $12,600 |
| 1000 | $4,500 - $14,00 |
Cost to plaster by room size
Homeowners should understand that it costs more per square foot to plaster a room or two than plastering an entire house. Also, certain rooms in the house, like kitchens and bathrooms, require more expensive heat-resistance or water-proof plaster types, which may increase the project cost for those rooms over others.
Attics, crawl space, basements, and garages may require different finishes due to the wall types and moisture issues. Also, the job complexity when working in these areas can increase labor costs.
Below is a table showing the cost to plaster each room within a 1,500 square feet home. The prices below are inclusive of labor.
| Room Type | Average Square Feet | Per Square Foot Plaster Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | 132 | $4.5 - $14 | $594 - $1,848 |
| Living Room | 280 | $4.5 - $14 | $1,260 - $3,920 |
| Kitchen | 123 | $11 - $20 | $1,353 - $2,460 |
| Dining Room | 117 | $4.5 - $14 | $526 - $1,638 |
| Bathroom | 81 | $11 - $20 | $891 - $1,620 |
| Nursery | 132 | $4.5 - $14 | $594 - $1,848 |
| Utility Room | 47 | $4.5 - $14 | $211.5 - $658 |
| Garage | 459 | $12 - $20 | $5,508 - $9,180 |
Bedroom
The cost to plaster a bedroom measuring 132 square feet ranges between $594 and $1,848, depending on the plaster material used and work complexity. Some bedrooms may have decorative features requiring intricate finishing. Some homeowners using higher quality paint for their bedroom walls may need a higher quality finish, increasing plastering costs.
Living room
Living rooms are larger and have more decorative features than bedrooms resulting in higher plastering costs. Applying plaster on 280 square foot living room walls will cost a homeowner $1,260 for standard projects and $3,920 for more expensive materials. High ceilinged living rooms with decorative trims can command a significantly higher price than low ceilinged rooms with standard walls.
Kitchen
Kitchens are generally more expensive to plaster per square foot versus other rooms in a house due to the type of materials required. Professionals recommend heat and water-resistant plaster for kitchens. These are very expensive, and the cost to plaster a 123 square foot kitchen runs between $1,353 and $2,460, which makes it relatively high relative to the size of the area.
Dining room
Dining rooms in 1,500 square foot homes have smaller dimensions than dining rooms in larger houses. Homeowners can use relatively inexpensive and easy-to-clean plaster for their dining rooms. The average cost of installing plaster on 117 square foot dining room walls ranges from $526 to $1,638.
Bathroom
Contrary to popular opinion, you can install plaster on your bathroom walls. However, be sure to install mold