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There is no quick answer for this, as there are several types of plaster. The “best” plaster is one that offers you the best combination of durability, safety for your household members, aesthetic appeal and cost. Gypsum plaster is the least expensive option but isn’t very sturdy. Lime plaster is non-toxic, can regulate humidity in a space, is durable and natural but takes longer to apply and can cost more; spare yourself the hassle by hiring a Tasker!

That depends on the type of plaster, the complexity and scale of the job, and in some cases, the weather conditions. These can all impact how long the job takes. Some plasters need 1 to 2 layers, while others need 7 to 8 layers to complete. Note that each layer needs anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to dry before adding succeeding layers to finish. You can ask your Tasker for an exact estimate.

Most plasterers recommend that the plaster stops at 2.5 cm or an inch before reaching the floor. This is assuming your floor has no skirting or baseboards. There should be some allowance because if the plaster extends to the floor, this can dry the fastest and create unsightly trowel marks that won’t match the colour of the rest of the wall. 

Plaster is the better choice, although it can take longer and cost more than drywall. Drywall isn’t as sturdy as plaster, and plaster has better qualities. Plaster can last longer as it is waterproof, doesn’t allow mould growth and some types of plaster are safe for people with allergies. Plaster can also make rooms and spaces look more aesthetically pleasing and thus add value to your home.  

You can have the wiring installed before having your walls or ceilings plastered. Your electrician may do some rough work installing the wiring, switches and switch plates. The plasterer can mark these off and cover them with plastic, do the plastering then your electrician can come back to finish. If you have the plastering done first, your electrician will have to score plaster to fit wires, plugs and switches; then, your plasterer will have to do a lot of patch-up work.

It would help if you had the plumbing done before plastering - even before the wiring. Remember that it’s easier to bend wires or cables, but it’s more difficult to bend pipes! Your plumber must also test the water pressure and check for leaks. Doing the plumbing after the plastering means breaking plaster to access or mount pipes, and this can mean twice the work and cost of plastering.

Plaster wall repair cost varies accordingly with a lot of factors. These are your wall’s surface size, the quality of your wall’s old plaster, and the difficulty of the job. If your question is how much is it to plaster a wall, contractors usually price at £5 up to £10 per square metre, or a total of £370 up to £1500, depending on the type of service you avail. Keen to know more? Visit our updated plastering walls cost guide.