Ceiling Plastering: What Does It Cost?

Plastering a ceiling costs an average of 34 euros per square meter.

The total price usually ranges between 15 and 52 euros per square meter.

When a room is being renovated, the ceiling often gets a refresh too. One way to do this is to have the ceiling plastered.

The total costs are made up of several components:

• Preparation work

• Labor costs

• Additional costs

What Additional Costs May Arise?

In addition to the costs for the plaster and the craftsman’s labor, there are further material costs for:

Plaster Rails

These rails are attached in a frame along the ceiling and make it easier to achieve a smooth and even surface. They are available in different sizes and cost between 1 and 2 euros per meter.

Primer

To ensure the plaster adheres well to the ceiling, the surface must first be cleaned and then primed. The primer reduces the substrate’s absorbency, stabilizes it, and provides a barrier against stains and moisture.

Common primers include:

• Blocking primer

• Plaster primer

• Adhesion primer

• Deep primer

• Epoxy resin primer

The cost of primer ranges from 1 to 12 euros per square meter.

Tip: You can reduce costs by doing some prep work yourself, such as removing the old coating or covering the floor.

What Does the Craftsman Charge?

Ceiling plastering involves several work steps, divided into preparation and the actual plastering process.

Travel and transport costs are usually between 10 and 50 euros.

What Does the Plaster Cost?

There are two layers of plaster — base coat (undercoat) and finish coat (topcoat).
The base coat is applied directly onto the primed surface to even out the wall and improve adhesion.

Depending on the plaster type, base coats cost between 3 and 13 euros per m².

Important:
The base coat must match the wall material.

Gypsum Plaster

Gypsum plaster is the most commonly used interior plaster. It can serve as both undercoat and topcoat and creates a smooth, glossy finish. It provides a warm, dry indoor climate.
Cost: 5 – 10 €/m²

Lime-Cement Plaster

Often used as a base coat, this plaster is pressure-resistant, durable, and mold-resistant thanks to the lime content. It’s water-repellent and suitable for damp rooms.
Cost: 3 – 9 €/m²

Clay Plaster

A more expensive but eco-friendly option. Clay plaster regulates humidity effectively, removes fine dust and pollutants from indoor air, and is ideal for allergy sufferers.
Cost: 10 – 13 €/m²

Example Calculation: Ceiling Plastering

The table below shows an example for a 20 m² room where the old plaster and wallpaper are removed, and the floor is covered. The new plaster is gypsum-based.
Total cost: 330 euros