Ceiling plastering / Ceiling finishing
Sheet under review by our engineersIt's the application of a special plaster on ceilings to make them perfectly smooth, flat, and ready for painting. Plaster, plasterboard (BA13), or decorative plaster (staff) are often used.
Why it matters for your home
Good plastering gives your home's interior a neat, attractive finish, and improves thermal and sound insulation. A poorly done ceiling will look bad, might show cracks, and could even sag.
The African context
Often done with basic tools, leading to uneven surfaces or visible joints between plasterboards. The materials chosen are sometimes not suited for the humid climate, which can cause mold and peeling.
Red flags
- ⚠ Ceiling isn't flat, showing waves, misalignments, or visible differences in levels.
- ⚠ Visible cracks along the plasterboard joints or within the plaster itself.
- ⚠ Mold or damp patches appearing soon after installation, indicating poor waterproofing.
- ⚠ The contractor suggests plastering without allowing enough drying time before painting.
Questions to ask
- 1. "What type of material will you use for the plastering (traditional plaster, BA13 plasterboards)?"
- 2. "How do you ensure the ceilings are flat and free of cracks?"
- 3. "How will the joints between plasterboards be treated to be invisible and long-lasting?"
Cost hint (indicative)
Generally included in interior finishing work, it can represent 3% to 7% of the total finishing cost (materials and labor).
At this stage of your project?
An independent DiasporaBuild inspector can verify on site before you pay.