Who are Canberra’s best plasterers? Photo: file.
There’s no denying that plastering is a difficult job to do yourself. No matter how handy you think you are, DIY plastering is messy, complicated and less likely to result in a finish that can stand the test of time.
That’s why it’s worth leaving plastering to the professionals. A skilled plasterer knows all the tricks of the trade to get your walls smooth, straight and ready for painting so that you’re left with a high-quality finish with a long life ahead of it.
Read on to discover what to look for in a plasterer, and where to find a good one in Canberra.
What makes a great plasterer?
The difference between excellent and shoddy plastering work may be obvious even to the untrained eye. But the reality is that it’s often more challenging for a layperson to determine which plasterer is better than another.
Based on reader feedback, here are five things we recommend checking before engaging a plasterer:
- Specialisations. Like other trades, plasterers may be more experienced in a particular type of plaster, or certain plastering tasks (i.e. skimming or rendering). For the best results, your plasterer should specialise in the type of plastering work you need – whether that’s repairs, renovations, removing archways, soundproofing or fixing sagging ceilings.
- Proper preparation. Ask your plasterer how they plan to prepare their work surfaces. There are many ways to prepare walls or ceilings before plastering begins, and cutting corners will affect both the end result and its longevity.
- Years of experience. Plastering is as much a craft as it is a trade, and it’s a skill usually honed over many years. For this reason, the best plasterers tend to have several years of experience as opposed to just receiving their plasterer licence.
- Reliability and transparency. Plastering isn’t always a quick job, and multiple visits may be required. A skilled plasterer will be honest, transparent and work as efficiently as possible to minimise disruption to you.
- Testimonials. Your plasterer should have a proven track record and extensive portfolio of successful projects. Don’t be afraid to ask for testimonials from previous clients, or for photos of their work.
The best plasterers in Canberra
RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Leaky Roof
Leaky Roof specialises in high-quality plaster work and repairs, fixing ceiling and wall plaster damaged by sub-standard roofs. With over 30 years of experience, this family-owned business patches and paints plaster with perfection. The friendly, reliable team repairs small cracks and completely renovates walls.
Professional painting and plastering services are provided for new builds, private and commercial properties and renovations of any size. Leaky Roof replaces gyprock, patches, repairs sagging roofs, handles cornice and square sets, and paints inside and out.
Leaky Roof uses only the best materials and techniques for a flawless finish. From preparing surfaces to applying paint, the team produces smooth, long-lasting results.
The transparent team at Leaky Roof delivers the best service and best-practice workmanship. Their hard work has been recognised, as they won Business of the Year and Outstanding Service & Trade at the 2023 Local Business Awards for Canberra Region and were announced as winner of the 2024 Australian Small Business Champion Awards.
Leaky Roof also handles roof replacement and repairs and gutter replacements and repairs.
Merrilyn Hamilton wrote on Google, “Five stars is not enough for all the hard work efficiency from A to Z.”
Pro Plaster Works
Andrew Hayes and the team at Pro Plaster Works have serviced Canberra and surrounds since 1992. In that time, its passionate team has remained committed to honest and reliable service.
Pro Plaster Works specialises in commercial shops, office fit-outs, sagged ceilings, garage conversions, renovations, repairs, soundproofing, and more. In other words, their comprehensive plastering services tick all the boxes.
See what Facebook user Fiona Johnston had to say in their review of their experience with Pro Plaster works, "Great friendly service, boys were professional and polite, flexible with booking times which allowed us to fit them in between other trades, very happy with our finished project. Thanks guys."
Canberra Plastering
Canberra Plastering is one of the region’s top plastering companies. Setting themselves apart with an incredibly wide range of services such as repairing water damage, plastering for extensions and renovations, and even helping you with open plan renovations, the team at Canberra Plastering provides great workmanship and professional service.
Offering free quotes and such a wide range of services, their portfolio is undeniable - with great attention to detail and longevity, you know you're in good hands with the team at Canberra Plastering.
As Facebook user Steven Whittaker writes in their review for Canberra Plastering, "Paul did a great job patching and installing some cornice during our bathroom reno. He came when he said he would (and at short notice) and completed the job as asked to a high standard. Would defiantly recommend."
Billerwell & Sons Plastering
Billerwell & Sons (B&S) Plastering is an award-winning plastering service that has been servicing Canberra since 1973. Their dedication to quality and professionalism has sustained them over the decades, making them one of Canberra’s favourite and most prestigious services.
B&S' portfolio boasts prestige jobs including the National Gallery of Australia, Old Parliament House, National Museum of Australia and War Memorial, but they are more than capable of taking care of residential jobs too. In their extensive list of services, you will find that not only can they plaster your walls and ceilings, but they can also help soundproof your house and give a good fire rating. B&S can also repair water damage and sagged ceilings and take care of small patch-ups and alterations.
B&S now offers a garage conversion service with full design and construction packages for repurposing your garage into a studio, rumpus, office or Man Cave. With more people working from home, a home office is becoming a must have for many Canberrans. Converting garages maximizes a home's living space and increases property value. The whole quote for this service includes wall to ceiling lining and insulation, removal of garage door, installation of glass slider doors, carpentry, air-conditioning, electrical, flooring and painting – so not only will you be getting a top-of-the-range repurposing of a misused space but you will not be surprised by any extra costs or rely on multiple services for one job.
As Jamie Walker writes in their Google review, "Could not ask for a better company. They were very professional and prompt with their work and perfect finish. Went to them woth a few ideas and the final job was completed beyond our expectations".
The Budget Plasterer
It can be frustrating to contact a plasterer only to discover that your job is too big or small for them to complete. The good news is that this doesn’t happen when working with The Budget Plasterer, as they cater to jobs of all sizes.
The Budget Plasterer has provided professional plastering services around Canberra for more than two decades. Its experienced team knows how to get great results without blowing the budget, and prides itself on transparency. You’ll know exactly what work will be completed, and why.
Google reviewer Edward Griffiths left the following review for The Budget Plasterer, “Great work and very reliable. Rene arrived exactly when he said he would. When doing the quote he communicated exactly what he would do and what we needed to do to make his work possible (we had some electrical heaters removed which left some pretty large holes). Quality of the work is fantastic. We could not be happier.”
Canberra Painting Company
When it comes to trust, professionalism, experience and results, readers say it’s difficult to go past Canberra Painting Company for plastering. A family business that’s been in Canberra for over 15 years, Canberra Painting Company is trusted by homeowners as well as major builders for new home builds and developments.
Canberra Painting Company’s staff are fully licenced and insured. Its teams take on plastering jobs of all sizes for existing homes, new homes, commercial premises and industrial buildings.
You won’t be left waiting either. Canberra Painting Company prides itself on a fast turn-around, offering quotes within 24 hours and a start date in as little as 7 days. And while plastering is an infamously messy job, Canberra Painting Company keeps things clean by providing full professional cleaning before every job is completed.
As Neal Evans writes in their review, "Great crew led by Amir, thank you, the place looks a million dollars. Will certainly get you back and recommend you to others."
If you’re looking for more of Canberra’s construction contractors to help you build or renovate your space, check out our articles on the best tilers, the best carpenters, the best flooring specialists and the best painters in Canberra. Or, if you’re after a more specific service for your area, check out our recently updated articles on the best kitchen renovators and the best bathroom renovation companies our city has to offer.
Your experience with plasterers in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the plasterers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a plasterer do?
A plasterer's job is to paste layers of plaster onto walls, floors and ceilings. The plaster is a protective layer, making buildings more durable, as well as having an aesthetic function as it makes paint application easier, smoother, and more long-lasting.
Why should I hire a plasterer?
While it may seem like applying a layer of paste on walls is an easy job, it actually requires great attention to detail and know-how. Being able to apply a smooth and completely even layer of the plaster will prove extremely difficult, and the potential costs of having to repair a poorly plastered wall later make hiring a professional for the job absolutely worth it.
Is it expensive to hire a plasterer?
The cost of hiring a plasterer depends entirely on the job you hire them for. Like most contractors, plasterers charge by the hour, and the rate may vary depending on the type of job. Make sure your plasterer is completely transparent with you about their rates and quotes, and don't be afraid to shop around for comparisons.
What is the best plastering material to use?
There is a wide variety of plastering materials available, and all are suited to different purposes and materials. Gypsum plaster, for example, has a fine finish and is often used as a topcoat in plastering projects. It's less prone to cracking, making it a great choice for your walls' longevity. On the other hand, a smooth finish might not suit your tastes if you're looking at undercoats for brickwork or breeze blocks, in which case you might want to consider Browning or Bonding plaster which adheres better to those sorts of materials. It's worth having a conversation with your plasterer about what they think will work best for the space both functionally and aesthetically.
Is plaster environmentally friendly?
Like most construction materials, there are many options for materials that vary in environmental impact. Lime plaster is generally considered to be the most environmentally friendly, as the CO2 emissions from producing this material are comparatively low, while processing Gypsum plaster releases sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide, and carbon monoxide.
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