Plastering and Drywall Repair in Ireland
Looking for plastering and drywall repair in Ireland? Post your job on ShamFix for free and get quotes from local plasterers and drywall contractors — plaster repairs, plasterboard and drywall, skimming and ceilings. Compare profiles and choose who to hire.
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.
- The type of finish you ask for, such as a smooth skim or a textured coat, also affects the time spent.
- Travel to rural parts of a county can add to the quote.
- Ask for a written breakdown so you can see what is labour, what is materials, and what is disposal of waste.
How long drywall and plastering takes
Drying times are a big part of plastering. A skim coat on a small patch may dry overnight, but a full room can take several days before it is ready to paint. Boarding a ceiling or building a stud wall usually takes one to three days, depending on size. Skimming a standard room might take two to four days including drying. Larger jobs, such as a full house or an extension, can run for weeks. Start dates depend on the plasterer's current workload and the weather if external work is involved. In winter, drying is slower because windows are kept closed. Ask for a realistic schedule and build in extra time before decorating. If you are working to a deadline, such as a move-in date, tell the plasterer at the quoting stage.
What to ask before you hire
- 01Before you hire, ask for a written quote that lists the work, the materials, and the timeline.
- 02Ask whether the price includes VAT and whether they are registered for VAT.
- 03Ask about insurance — public liability and, if they have employees, employer's liability.
- 04Ask who will remove old plaster and boards and who will tidy up at the end of each day.
- 05Ask which professional body this Drywall and plastering provider is a member of.
- 06Ask if they will provide a dust sheet and protect your floors.
- 07Ask how they will deal with any unexpected damage found behind the wall, such as damp or old wiring.
- 08Ask for a start date and an estimated finish date in writing.
- 09Ask if they will supply references from similar jobs in your area.
- 10Never pay the full amount upfront; agree a payment schedule tied to stages of the work.
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Plasterers in Ireland: skimming, slabbing and repairs
In Ireland most interior walls are finished by a plasterer rather than taped and jointed, so skimming is the standard way to get a smooth wall or ceiling. Slabbing means fixing plasterboard to walls or ceilings, often with insulated board during an internal retrofit, and it is commonly followed by a skim coat. Demand is strong in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway, especially with older homes being renovated and new extensions being finished. When you post a task, give the number of rooms or the approximate square metres, whether walls are bare block, old plaster or board, any cracks or damp, and if you need external rendering too.
Common plastering jobs
- Skimming walls and ceilings
- Slabbing with plasterboard
- Insulated slabbing for internal retrofit
- Ceiling repair after a leak
- Patching holes and cracks
- Plastering a new extension
- Removing Artex or textured ceilings
- External sand and cement rendering
- Coving and cornice fitting
- Plastering after rewiring or chasing
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.
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