Introduction
Plastering can completely transform a home, making old, tired walls look fresh and elegant. But if you’ve ever received a quote for professional plastering, you might have had a moment of sticker shock. The good news? You don’t have to empty your wallet to achieve smooth, beautiful walls.
As a professional plastering expert, I’ve worked with homeowners who thought plastering was out of their budget—until they learned a few innovative ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality. One homeowner I worked with saved hundreds just by prepping their walls before I arrived, while another got a luxury finish at a fraction of the cost by choosing a budget-friendly technique.
In this article, I’ll share the best ways to save money on plastering, whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a pro.
Understanding the Costs of Plastering
Before we talk about saving money, let’s break down where your dollars go when plastering:
- Materials: Plaster, bonding agents, mesh tape, and other supplies.
- Labor: If hiring a professional, this is usually the most significant expense.
- Tools: If you’re going DIY, you’ll need trowels, a hawk, a mixing drill, and sanding materials.
What Affects the Price?
- Size of the project – A single accent wall is much cheaper than an entire room.
- Condition of existing walls – Damaged walls require more prep and materials.
- Type of finish – Smooth finishes are easier and cheaper than decorative textures.
Understanding these factors can help you decide where to cut costs—and where not to.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional – Where Can You Save?
Some plastering tasks are significant for DIYers, while others are best left to the pros.
When DIY Makes Sense:
Patching small holes and minor cracks.
Learning basic skim coating techniques for cosmetic touch-ups.
If you already have (or can borrow) the necessary tools.
When to Call a Pro:
Large projects like entire walls or ceilings.
Decorative plasterwork or historical restorations.
If structural issues or recurring cracks are present.
Cost Comparison:
A professional might charge $500–$1,500 for a standard room, while DIY materials for a small project might cost as little as $50–$200. However, if a DIY job goes wrong, fixing it could cost even more than hiring a pro in the first place.
Personal Anecdote:
I once helped a homeowner fix a DIY plastering attempt gone wrong. They had used a kitchen spatula instead of a trowel, and the wall ended up looking like it had waves. They spent more time and money redoing it than if they had just hired a professional from the start.
Budget-Friendly Plastering Tips
If you want a professional look without a hefty price tag, try these money-saving strategies:
1. Plan and Prioritize
- Focus on the most visible areas if you’re on a tight budget.
- If you have multiple rooms to plaster, tackle them one at a time instead of all at once.
2. Prep Your Walls Yourself
- Remove old wallpaper, flaking paint, and dust before a pro arrives.
- Fill small cracks and holes yourself to cut down on labor costs.
- Move furniture out of the way—some contractors charge extra for this!
Personal Anecdote:
A client once saved over $400 just by doing all the prep work before I arrived. Instead of spending hours cleaning and repairing the walls, I could get straight to plastering, which cut down labor time significantly.
3. Buy Materials Yourself
- Contractors often add a markup on materials. Purchasing them yourself can save 10–20%.
- Check for discounts at hardware stores or look for overstock sales.
- Stick to standard plaster instead of high-end specialty products unless necessary.
4. Use Cost-Effective Plastering Techniques
- Skim coating is an affordable way to refresh walls instead of completely re-plastering them.
- A simple, smooth finish is much cheaper than decorative Venetian or textured finishes.
Personal Anecdote:
A couple I worked with initially wanted a Venetian plaster finish for their dining room but were put off by the price. I suggested a simple smooth plaster with a high-quality paint finish instead, and they were thrilled with the results—at half the cost!
5. Consider Plasterboard Instead of Full Plastering
- If your walls are severely damaged, installing drywall (plasterboard) with a skim coat of plaster can be more affordable than fully re-plastering.
- Drywall is more manageable to DIY if you have some handyman experience.
Maximizing Your Investment with Low-Cost Finishing Touches
Plastering is just the first step—here’s how to make it look even better on a budget:
- Choose Affordable Paint – Matte or satin finishes enhance smooth plaster without highlighting imperfections.
- Try DIY Faux Finishes – Sponging or color washing can give walls character without costly materials.
- Use Molding or Trim – Simple crown molding or baseboards can elevate a room without significant expense.
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Going Too Cheap on Materials – Low-quality plaster can crack or crumble, leading to costly repairs.
Skipping Prep Work – Poor surface preparation leads to adhesion problems and extra labor.
Ignoring Moisture Issues – Water damage will ruin new plaster, so fix leaks before starting.
Conclusion
Plastering doesn’t have to break the bank. You can achieve stunning walls without overspending with thoughtful planning, strategic DIY efforts, and the proper cost-saving techniques. Whether you tackle minor repairs or call in a professional, making informed choices will save you time, money, and frustration.
If you’re on a budget but want high-quality results, don’t hesitate to ask for advice. A little expert guidance can go a long way in making your plastering project successful—and affordable!
Want to transform your walls without overspending?
Contact us today for a free consultation! We specialize in budget-friendly plastering solutions that deliver professional results at a price that fits your budget. Let’s make your walls look fabulous without breaking the bank!