Drywall and Plastering in Ireland

Drywall and plastering in Ireland covers everything from patching a hole in a bedroom wall to skim-coating a full room, building stud partitions, and repairing water-damaged ceilings. Plasterers and dryliners work on new builds, extensions, and older properties where lath-and-plaster or uneven blockwork needs attention. The work is dusty and messy, so most jobs involve covering floors and furniture before any board is cut. A quote usually follows a visit because the condition of the wall, the height of the room, and the finish you want all change the labour and materials needed. In Irish homes, common requests include fixing cracks above door frames, replacing blown plaster around windows, and drylining garage walls. You can post your task on ShamFix and describe what you need, then browse provider profiles by county and contact them directly.

What shapes the price of drywall and plastering

The price a plasterer or dryliner charges depends on several things.
Volume matters: a single patch is priced differently from a full room or an entire house.
Access is a factor too — high ceilings, stairwells, and rooms above ground floor take longer to set up and reach safely.
The condition of the existing surface is important: loose plaster, damp patches, or old wallpaper must be removed before new work can start.
Materials vary — standard plasterboard, moisture-resistant board, fire-rated board, and different plaster finishes all carry different costs.

Drywall and plastering questions people ask

How long does plaster take to dry before I can paint?

A skim coat usually dries in 24 to 48 hours, but full curing takes longer. You can often paint after a few days if the surface feels dry and has lightened in colour. Damp or cold weather slows drying. Ask your plasterer when the wall is ready for primer.

Can I plaster over old wallpaper?

No, old wallpaper must be removed first. Plaster needs a clean, sound surface to bond to. Wallpaper paste and paper will stop the plaster from sticking and can cause bubbles or peeling later. Removing wallpaper is usually part of the preparation and should be included in your quote.

What is the difference between drylining and plastering?

Drylining means fixing plasterboard to walls or ceilings without a wet plaster finish. Plastering involves applying a wet mix, often as a skim coat over board or onto bare masonry. Drylining is faster and creates less mess, while plastering gives a traditional smooth finish. Many jobs use both methods.

Do I need to move furniture before the plasterer arrives?

Yes, you should clear the room as much as possible. Plasterers will cover floors and remaining items with dust sheets, but moving furniture, pictures, and electronics yourself saves time and reduces the risk of damage. Ask if they need a clear path to the work area.

How do I find a plasterer in my county?

Browse provider profiles by county and contact them directly to discuss your plastering or drylining work. Ask which professional body they are a member of, request a written quote covering materials and labour, and check insurance before hiring. Your task stays open for 30 days. Providers registered in this category can see it.

Will plastering fix damp walls?

No, plastering alone will not fix damp. You must find and fix the source of the moisture first, such as a leak, rising damp, or poor ventilation. If you plaster over damp, the new finish will likely fail. A plasterer can advise on the condition but may recommend a damp specialist.

Drywall and Plastering in Ireland