What's Included in the Price
- Supply of plasterboard sheets compliant with AS/NZS 2588 (standard 10mm or 13mm, fire-rated, moisture-resistant, or acoustic as required)
- Fixing sheets to existing timber or steel framing
- Jointing, taping, setting, and sanding all joins to a paint-ready finish per AS/NZS 2589 (Level 4 is standard residential)
- Internal and external corner finishing
- Cornice if specified (standard cove at $8–$15/lm or square-set at $15–$25/lm)
Supply-and-fix rates in Sydney sit at $20–$25/m2 for standard wall lining, rising to $28–$35/m2 for ceilings and $35–$45/m2 for fire-rated or acoustic assemblies. Framing is a separate scope. If you need a new partition wall built, the stud frame is typically erected by a carpenter or framer before the plasterer starts. Some plasterers do both, but confirm this at the quoting stage. Insulation, electrical rough-in, and painting are also separate.
What Affects the Cost
- Fire-rated board. In apartments and townhouses, the wall between your unit and the neighbour (the party wall) must meet a fire resistance level (FRL) under the NCC, typically FRL 60/60/60. Fire-rated plasterboard such as CSR Gyprock Fyrchek ($35–$45/sheet) installed in a specific multi-layer system adds $10–$20/m2 over standard board.
- Acoustic board. Noise transmission between attached dwellings is a common complaint. Acoustic-rated plasterboard assemblies (Gyprock Soundchek or Knauf SoundShield at $30–$40/sheet, plus insulation, plus resilient mounts) cost more but reduce sound transfer significantly. Increasingly requested in inner-city terrace renovations.
- Ceiling lining. Ceiling work costs 30–50% more than walls due to overhead handling. High ceilings (2.7m+) common in period homes increase difficulty further, requiring longer sheets and internal scaffolding.
- Total area. Larger jobs (full room or multiple rooms) bring the per-square-metre rate down. Small jobs (a single partition) carry a minimum charge.
- Finish level. Level 4 (standard residential, three-coat system) is the default. Level 5 (full skim coat over the entire surface) adds $5–$10/m2 but produces a flawless surface under the raking light from modern LED downlights.
- Access constraints. Getting full-size plasterboard sheets (2400x1200mm or larger) through narrow doorways, up stairwells, or into lifts in inner-city apartments adds handling time and labour cost.
A single partition wall in a modern apartment with standard board and cove cornice sits toward $800. A multi-room renovation in an older terrace with ceiling lining, fire-rated party walls, acoustic treatment, and Level 5 finishing pushes toward $8,000.
Sydney-Specific Considerations
Sydney's apartment density creates unique plasterboard requirements. In strata buildings, any work on party walls (between units) or fire-rated assemblies requires compliance with the NCC. This means using the correct board type, installation method, and often getting a building certifier involved. Standard plasterboard is not adequate for a party wall. The specific system (e.g., a CSR Fyrchek or Knauf Firestop double-layer assembly with rated compounds) must match the FRL specified by your certifier.
In inner-west terraces across Marrickville, Newtown, and Leichhardt, and in lower north shore Edwardian homes in Mosman and Neutral Bay, renovations often involve lining over old brick or stone walls with plasterboard on furring channels. This creates a flat, paintable surface and allows space for insulation behind the board. The furring channels add cost and a small reduction in room width (typically 25–40mm per wall), but the insulation upgrade is substantial for homes with no existing wall insulation.
Noise attenuation is a growing priority in terraces where party walls were originally single-brick with no acoustic treatment. During a renovation, upgrading the party wall assembly with resilient mounts, acoustic insulation batts, and one or two layers of acoustic plasterboard can reduce noise transfer by 15–20 dB. This is the most cost-effective time to address noise, because the wall is already being opened up.
Compact apartment layouts in Surry Hills, Potts Point, and Ultimo can make board handling difficult. Full-size 2400x1200mm sheets may need to be cut smaller for transport through corridors and lifts, which adds cutting waste and labour time. Plasterers experienced with apartment work factor this into their quotes.
Hiring a Licensed Plasterer in NSW
NSW distinguishes between wet plastering (rendering, solid plaster) and dry plastering (plasterboard). NSW Fair Trading requires a contractor licence for dry plastering work valued over $5,000 (including GST). You can verify a plasterer's licence on the NSW licence search.
A good plasterer will:
- Provide their current NSW contractor licence number upfront
- Confirm whether the quote includes framing or just board supply, fix, and finish
- Specify the finish level in writing (Level 4 standard, Level 5 if requested)
- Explain their dust management approach, particularly for renovation work in occupied homes
- Show you the specific fire-rated or acoustic system they will install, if applicable
Worth checking:
- The licence is current and covers dry plastering (not just wet plastering)
- The quote specifies board type, brand, and thickness for each area
- For fire-rated work, the system matches the FRL specified by your building certifier
- Public liability insurance is current
How We Calculate
Estimates are based on current plasterer rates in the Sydney metropolitan area, adjusted for property age and typical construction in NSW. All prices include GST. Figures cover plasterboard supply, fix, and finish. Framing, insulation, electrical rough-in, and painting are excluded unless noted.