Average Plastering Cost: $2,500 to $9,500
The average cost to plaster a house in Canada can vary significantly, ranging from $2,647 to $9,279, depending on the city, with the highest reported cost reaching $40,000.
The average cost to plaster walls in Canada ranges between $5 and $15 per square foot, depending on various factors like complexity, location, and type of plaster used. Labour costs often make up 60% to 70% of your total expense, with materials accounting for the rest.
Plastering is not the flashiest aspect of a new building or house renovation process, but no one can deny its essentiality. You could be completing a new wall, renovating some old surfaces or that seamless high-end finish, regardless of why plastering is at the center of the appearance and strength of your building. However, before starting, one burning issue comes to mind: how much does plastering in Canada cost?
In this ultimate guide, we will group all the factors that influence the price of plastering, including the kind of plaster used, the exterior or interior requirements, repair or application of new plaster, hourly labour costs in different areas, etc. At the end, you will have a clear picture of what to expect financially when planning to employ a plastering job in any of the parts of Canada.
It would be good to have an idea of what plastering is all about before discussing the figures. As briefly as it can be defined, it is the finishing of smooth protective coats on walls and ceilings with the aid of plaster. Plastering made use of the following materials, which are most common in Canada:
All these come with their associated cost of materials, preparation, and the skills level that are important factors that influence the project cost.
Plasterers are the pros who give walls and ceilings their smooth, finished look. They apply plaster or decorative coatings to surfaces, repair cracks or damage, and prep areas for painting or wallpaper. Whether it’s restoring old Victorian cornices or giving new drywall a flawless finish, plasterers are all about making things look clean, level, and ready for the spotlight.
New homes finished with quality plaster can see a noticeable bump in resale value thanks to their sleek, high-end aesthetic and durability. Smooth plaster walls add a sense of craftsmanship that appeals to buyers and can make interiors look more spacious and polished.
Most of the real estate agents in Canada also support the idea of plastering and painting your old house with smooth and clean walls, which can only increase its selling potential. Replacing old textured or broken roofs or walls is an easy way of creating a win before placing your home on the market.
Plus, plaster is mould-resistant and long-lasting, reducing future maintenance—another big selling point. In competitive markets, this finish can give your home a subtle edge.
Value Impact:
The variety of different kinds of available plasters has different costs and usage:
The taller your wall or ceiling is, the more you pay, and the higher the price is set. However, there exist economies of scale, i.e., some jobs, typically larger ones, are generally cheaper by the square foot than are small or patch jobs.
Example:
In the case that the wall that is there has:
...then such extras as preparation, cleaning or base coat can require further labour. This can add 20%-40% to your total cost.
The renovation undertakings involve the disposal of worn plaster, preparation or strengthening.
The prices of plasters vary according to the province and even the city.
The majority of the plasterers in Canada charge:
Hourly work may also be necessary when performing repair or restoration work in which the activities are not defined in advance.
The materials cost breakdown is:
It is not uncommon for homes in Canada would have repair of damaged plaster walls, particularly in homes that are more than 50 years old. Common repair costs are the following:
Observed in repairs are also the additional costs which are not seen, e.g., moisture sealing, insulation damage inspection, or backing reinforcement of drywall.
Ceiling plastering is a little expensive as compared to walls because of the complexity, overhead work, and safety precautions.
Popcorn ceiling removal and replastering is a trending project and can cost $2,000 – $5,000 for an average-sized home.
Stucco, or exterior plastering, is another matter.
It has to be weather-resistant, insulated and multi-coated (scratch, brown, finish), which all increase the prices.
Most of the Canadian cities, such as Toronto, Montreal, and Victoria, possess pre-war and early 20th-century properties which have the lathe-and-plaster wall system. Repairing or fixing plaster in such a house will involve a specialization, costing you more.
Heritage homes usually have a lime-based plaster in the original materials; these plasters have varying curing periods and different ways of using them. This repair can be the mould remediation or repointing of cracks, or structurally fixing framing behind the plaster.
Contractor tip: The work that needs to be done on a divided carriage must be checked by a contractor who has previous experience with heritage work. There is also a chance that you will have to meet with your municipality regarding preservation protocols in cases where there is formal documentation of your property as historic.
Environmentally friendly plasters are becoming more common as Canadian homeowners want to find environmentally friendly solutions to their problems. They are healthier to use, although they have a higher price tag, and best suit people who prefer avoiding out-gassing chemicals or are constructing net-zero or passive houses.
These kinds of plaster are breathable, and this helps to control the level of humidity in the environment and avoid mould. Their use is ideal in basements, cottages, or allergy-sensitive conditions.
Soundproof plastering is one clever investment to make in case you dwell in a multi-unit block of flats or have a loud street next to your place. This means plastering over acoustic panels or acoustic backboards sound-absorbing backboards, which creates yet an extra sheeting plus labour.
What is in it:
Costs:
Popular in urban condos and duplexes, this form of plastering can reduce decibel transmission by up to 50%, making it a strong value-add.
In addition to the smooth finishes, plaster can also be utilized to come up with artistic and textured finishes, which are gaining popularity in Canadian high-end interiors.
Popular Options:
Emergency services cost more than general scheduling. It’s the cost of solving problems promptly and avoiding major issues.
Price of Emergent Call-out:
Cost comparison:
Plaster can be costly in the short run, but it provides more lasting and more stylish work.
Can you plaster walls yourself? Do you have all the tools? Do you have experience in plastering walls? You must ask these questions yourself before choosing DIY plastering.
DIY Plastering
DIY can be enticing when you are only making small repairs; however, plastering is a profession taken up by the skilled workman, particularly when it comes to skim coats or even decorative plaster. Errors cost more money.
When to Call a Professional
A professional will provide a perfect finish that is equated to the price deserved in both the aesthetic and resale value.
Plastering is not only about the smoothness of the walls, but also a whole art and an essential component of house completion. Cost varies, but since a landmark finish is more than a basic skim, its walls, ceilings and floors look clean and professional. Costs vary widely, but the advantages of a professional finish, free of textural surprises, pay off tenfold. Redoing the interiors of an old Toronto house or fixing a new apartment in Vancouver, knowing the cost of plastering will help to make the right choice, not having to deal with unexpected costs and without knowing how much it is going to cost.
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.
