Licensed Plasterers in Queensland
licensed plasterers
5 cities · 6 licence classes · Data from Queensland Building and Construction Commission
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Browse licensed plasterers across Queensland's major cities.
QueenslandPlasterer Statistics
Breakdown by Licence Class
- Plastering Drywall2,253
- Plastering Solid724
- Plastering Drywall Restricted To Wall Board Fixing11
- Plastering Drywall Restricted To Cornice Fixing7
- Plastering Drywall Restricted To Plaster Setting2
- Plastering Drywall Restricted To Suspended Ceiling Fixing1
Breakdown by Financial Category
- Self Certification - Trade1,243
- Self Certification - Builder/Trade986
- No Financials Required387
- Category 1177
- Category 2152
- Category 339
- Category 55
- Category 45
- Category 74
Plasterer Licensing in Queensland
Plasterers apply plaster, render, and cement-based coatings to interior and exterior walls and ceilings, creating the smooth, flat surfaces that define the finished look of Australian homes. The trade splits into two main streams: solid (wet) plasterers who apply cement render to external walls and set plaster to internal surfaces, and plasterboard (dry) fixers who install and finish plasterboard sheets on timber or steel frames. Both require different skills — solid plastering demands mastery of float and trowel technique to achieve a flat finish across large areas, while plasterboard work requires precise cutting, joining, and sanding to create seamless walls. Homeowners typically need a plasterer for new home fit-outs, renovation wall and ceiling linings, repairing cracks and water damage, external rendering, and creating decorative cornices and ceiling roses.
Queensland Building and Construction Commission — Regulatory Overview
Queensland Building and Construction Commission is Queensland's principal regulator for the building and construction industry, responsible for licensing all plasterers who perform regulated work in the state. The QBCC issues and renews licences, sets minimum requirements for licensees, investigates complaints, and takes disciplinary action against non-compliant operators.
As of February 2026, Queensland Building and Construction Commission oversees 2,998 licensed plasterers across Queensland, covering 6 licence classes. This represents one of the most comprehensive licensing regimes in Australia, designed to protect consumers and maintain industry standards.
Performing unlicensed plasterer work in Queensland carries significant fines. Homeowners who engage unlicensed plasterers lose access to statutory consumer protections and may face voided insurance, failed inspections, and other consequences.
How to Verify a Plasterer in Queensland
Verifying a plasterer's licence in Queensland is straightforward and should be done before engaging any tradesperson for work. You can use TradieVerify's free search tool to instantly look up any Queenslandplasterer by name, licence number, or business name. Alternatively, you can search directly through Queensland Building and Construction Commission at https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au.
When verifying, confirm: (1) the licence is current and active, (2) the licence class covers the type of work you need, (3) there are no conditions or restrictions on their licence, and (4) there is no disciplinary history. A legitimate plasterer will have no hesitation providing their licence number for verification.
How to Hire a Plasterer in Queensland
- 1Clarify whether you need a solid plasterer or a plasterboard fixer
Solid (wet) plastering and plasterboard (dry) lining are different skill sets and often different licence classes. A plasterboard fixer may not be skilled in cement rendering, and vice versa. Confirm the plasterer specialises in the type of work you need before requesting a quote.
- 2Ask about their approach to stopping (joining) plasterboard sheets
The quality of plasterboard finishing is determined by the stopping — the taping, filling, and sanding of joins between sheets. Ask whether they use paper tape or fibreglass mesh tape, how many coats of compound they apply, and what sanding process they use. Three coats with progressive feathering is the standard for a smooth finish.
- 3Check their licence covers the type and scale of work
In Queensland, plastering (both solid and plasterboard) over $3,300 (inc. GST) requires a QBCC licence. NSW requires a licence for work over $5,000. Some states have separate licence classes for solid plastering and plasterboard fixing. Verify the licence matches the specific work you need.
- 4Ask about moisture-resistant plasterboard for wet areas
Bathrooms, laundries, and other wet areas require moisture-resistant plasterboard (green board) rather than standard plasterboard. A knowledgeable plasterer will specify the correct board type for each room without being asked. If they propose standard board in a bathroom, reconsider your choice of tradesperson.
- 5Confirm the finish level they will deliver
Plasterboard finishes are graded from Level 1 (basic for concealed areas) to Level 5 (premium for highlight and gloss paint finishes). Most residential work requires Level 4. Ask which level is included in the quote, as a Level 3 finish that looks adequate under matt paint will show every imperfection under semi-gloss or when lit by raking light.
Red Flags When Hiring a Plasterer
- Visible joins and screw pops in finished plasterboard walls:If you can see the lines where plasterboard sheets meet after the plasterer has finished, the stopping was inadequate — insufficient coats, poor feathering, or inadequate sanding. Screw pops (raised bumps over plasterboard screws) indicate the screws were not set to the correct depth or the wrong compound was used.
- Applies render in extreme heat without wetting the substrate:Cement render applied to dry masonry in hot weather loses moisture too quickly, resulting in a weak bond and cracking within weeks. A professional plasterer will dampen the substrate before rendering and may decline to work on days above 35°C unless shade and water misting are available.
- Uses standard plasterboard in wet areas instead of moisture-resistant board:Standard plasterboard in bathrooms, showers, and laundries will absorb moisture, swell, and eventually fail, regardless of waterproofing over the top. The National Construction Code requires moisture-resistant plasterboard in wet areas. A plasterer who cuts this corner is creating a hidden defect.
Typical Plasterer Costs in Queensland
Common Plasterer Jobs & Estimated Costs
| Job | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Plaster repair (per patch) | $100 – $300 |
| Full room plaster and set | $500 – $1,200 |
| Cornice installation (per room) | $200 – $500 |
| Ceiling repair and re-plaster | $300 – $800 |
| External rendering (per sqm) | $30 – $60 |
Plasterer Complaints & Disputes in Queensland
Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)
How to Lodge a Complaint
- 1Write to the tradesperson detailing the issue and requesting rectification within a reasonable timeframe (usually 14 days)
- 2If unresolved, lodge a complaint online via the QBCC website or call 139 333
- 3QBCC will assess the complaint and may arrange an inspection
- 4If the complaint is substantiated, QBCC can issue a direction to rectify the work
- 5If the tradesperson fails to comply, QBCC may take disciplinary action or use its insurance fund to cover rectification
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between plastering and rendering?
Plastering generally refers to applying a smooth gypsum-based finish to interior walls and ceilings, while rendering refers to applying a cement-based coating to exterior walls (and sometimes interior feature walls). Rendering is thicker, harder, and designed to withstand weather. A solid plasterer typically does both, but the materials and techniques are different.
How much does plastering cost per square metre?
Plasterboard supply and installation (including stopping and sanding) typically costs $30–$60 per square metre for standard walls and ceilings. Cement rendering costs $30–$50 per square metre for a plain finish and $50–$80 for acrylic or textured render. Ornamental plasterwork (cornices, ceiling roses) is priced per linear or per unit and ranges widely depending on complexity.
Can cracked plaster walls be repaired or do they need replacing?
Hairline cracks can usually be filled, taped, and recoated without removing the existing plaster. Larger cracks that recur after repair may indicate structural movement that needs addressing first. Water-damaged plasterboard that is soft, swollen, or shows mould should be cut out and replaced rather than patched, as the gypsum core loses its strength when saturated.
How many licensed plasterers are there in Queensland?
As of February 2026, there are 2,998 licensed plasterers registered with Queensland Building and Construction Commission in Queensland. This includes all licence classes: Plastering Drywall, Plastering Solid, Plastering Drywall Restricted To Wall Board Fixing, Plastering Drywall Restricted To Cornice Fixing.
How do I verify a plasterer's licence in Queensland?
You can verify any Queensland plasterer's licence using TradieVerify's free search tool or directly through Queensland Building and Construction Commission at https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au. Enter the plasterer's name or licence number to confirm their registration status, licence class, and any disciplinary history.