How much does plastering cost in Canada?
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Key takeaways
- Most plastering jobs in Canada land between CA$250–CA$6,500 — known locally as plastering and skim coating.
- Plaster and texture coatings in Canadian homes built before about 1990 frequently contain asbestos; provincial OH&S rules require testing before disturbance. Quebec's RBQ licence is mandatory for most contracted renovation work; other provinces rely on municipal licensing.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
Plastering prices by job size in Canada
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patch repair Repair cracks or damaged sections, blended smooth | CA$250 | CA$450 | CA$750 |
| Skim coat one room Skim walls of an average room | CA$800 | CA$1,300 | CA$2,200 |
| Full re-plaster one room Remove failed plaster and re-plaster an average room | CA$2,200 | CA$3,800 | CA$6,500 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| per hour | CA$60 | CA$85 | CA$120 |
| per sq ft (skim coat) | CA$2 | CA$4 | CA$7 |
What affects the price
- Job size and scope — bigger or more complex jobs move you up the ranges above.
- Access and condition — hard-to-reach areas, older properties or neglected maintenance add labour time.
- Materials and quality level — where materials are involved, the grade you choose often matters more than labour.
- Urgency — same-day or out-of-hours work usually carries a premium.
- Where you live — large metros in Canada typically run above the national range; smaller towns below it.
How to save
- Get at least three quotes and compare like-for-like scopes, not just totals.
- Be flexible on timing — off-peak slots are often cheaper.
- Bundle related tasks into one visit to spread call-out costs.
- Agree the scope in writing up front to avoid change-order surprises.
How to hire a plastering pro in Canada
- In Quebec, confirm RBQ licensing for contracted renovation work; elsewhere check municipal licensing and insurance
- For pre-1990 homes, ask about asbestos testing before disturbing old plaster or texture coats — common in Canadian plaster of that era
- Ask for WSIB/WCB and liability insurance proof
- Get a written estimate with taxes itemized
- Confirm drying expectations in winter — cold, sealed houses slow plaster drying
- Ask for photos of comparable finished work
Red flags
- Sanding old plaster or texture without asbestos awareness
- Cash deal to skip taxes
- Skimming over efflorescence or damp without fixing moisture
- No insurance
- Vague day-rate-only pricing
How Handld researches prices
These are researched estimates, not quotes and not our transaction data. We compile ranges from published sources — national statistics, trade bodies and incumbent cost guides — normalise them to CAD, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: HomeStars plastering estimates; Canadian renovation cost guides.
Frequently asked questions
How long does plaster take to dry before painting?
A skim coat is touch-dry in a day but needs roughly a week to fully dry before painting; full re-plaster can take several weeks depending on thickness, ventilation and season. Paint too early and you trap moisture, causing peeling. Use a mist coat (diluted emulsion) first.
Can you plaster over old plaster or paint?
Yes, if the substrate is sound — plasterers key the surface and use bonding agents. But blown (hollow-sounding), crumbling, or damp-stained plaster must come off first. A good plasterer taps the walls during the quote to check; be wary of anyone who doesn't.
Why is my new plaster cracking?
Fine crazing usually means the plaster dried too fast (heat, draughts) and is cosmetic — fill and paint. Straight-line cracks along boards or above doors indicate movement at joints. Wide or recurring cracks are worth a builder's inspection before redecorating.
Is plastering messy? How do I prepare the room?
It is one of the messiest trades — expect splatter, dust and high humidity. Empty the room if possible, or centre furniture under sheeting. Floors should be fully covered. Ask whether the quote includes protecting surfaces and cleaning up.
What is rendering versus plastering?
Rendering is exterior plastering with cement- or silicone-based mixes to protect and finish outside walls; plastering refers to interior walls with gypsum or cement finishes. Many plasterers do both, but exterior render is priced and scheduled differently (weather-dependent).
Can plastering fix damp walls?
No — plaster over damp fails within months. The moisture source (rising damp, leaking gutter, condensation) must be fixed first, then damaged plaster cut back and replaced, sometimes with a salt-resistant renovation plaster. Any plasterer who skips the cause is selling you a repeat job.
Does old Canadian plaster contain asbestos?
It can — asbestos was added to plaster, stucco and drywall compound into the 1980s. A lab test on a small sample costs little and is required before contractors legally sand or demolish suspect material in most provinces.
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