Finding a Plasterer in Amsterdam: Prices, Tips, and Checklist

If you want to renovate your home or business premises in Amsterdam, sooner or later you will have to deal with the walls and ceilings. Well-finished, smooth walls immediately make an interior look fresher and more modern. This applies to both new-build homes and old canal houses that are being renovated. For this work, you will need to hire a plasterer. But how do you find a reliable plasterer in Amsterdam? What types of plasterwork are there and what can you expect in terms of price?

In this comprehensive guide, we answer the most important questions. You can read about average prices, get practical tips on choosing the right professional, and find a handy checklist to help you avoid surprises.

Factors that determine the price

The cost of plasterwork in Amsterdam can vary greatly, because every project is different. Below, we list the most important factors that influence the price:

• Condition of the walls: If the surface is uneven, damaged, or porous, the plasterer must first carry out preparatory work, such as leveling or repairing. This can increase the total cost.
• Type of plasterwork: Smooth plasterwork requires more precision and time than decorative plaster, for example, which means the price per square meter is higher.
• Accessibility of the home: In Amsterdam canal houses or upstairs apartments, it is not always easy to get materials inside. Extra time and logistics are often charged.
• Surface area of the project: The larger the space, the lower the price per square meter, because the plasterer can work more efficiently.
• Desired finish: Plasterwork that is ready for wallpapering is cheaper, but if you want a smooth wall that is ready for painting (ready for painting), you will pay a little more.

By taking these factors into account, you will get a more realistic picture of the final costs and avoid any surprises when you receive the invoice.

Different types of stucco

There are many types of stucco, and there is a suitable finish for every project.

Wallpaper-ready stucco: smooth enough to wallpaper directly, but not suitable for painting.

Decorative plaster (Spachtelputz): decorative, grainy finish that is durable and scratch-resistant.

Paint-ready stucco (smooth): evens out walls so that they are smooth; often used in renovations or as preparation for further finishing.

Ceiling plastering: work above head height, more intensive and usually slightly more expensive than wall plastering.

Plastering (thin): thin, smooth layer of plaster that makes walls and ceilings smooth; suitable as a finishing layer for painting or wallpapering.

Rough plastering (thick): thick layer of plaster that camouflages cracks and unevenness; often the basis for further finishing.

Sanding: light, wavy texture; ideal for ceilings or accent walls; provides subtle light reflection.

Spray plastering (machine plastering): applied with a machine; quick and efficient for large surfaces; result just as smooth as hand plastering.

By choosing the right type of plastering, you can not only determine the look of your interior, but also accurately estimate the price and the work required.

Average costs

The tighter or more specialized the stucco work, the higher the costs. Below you will find an overview of the average prices charged by plasterers in Amsterdam:

Please note that the prices quoted are averages. Small areas are usually relatively more expensive, because the preparation and drying time remain the same. For larger projects, the price per square meter can drop significantly.

Tips for saving money

Want smooth walls without a sky-high bill? Good news: with some smart preparation and timing, stucco can be a lot cheaper. These 9 tips will help you get the most out of your budget:

1. Opt for machine-applied stucco for large surfaces. This saves a lot of time and can be up to 30% cheaper than traditional handwork, without compromising on quality.
2. Combine multiple rooms in one project. If a plasterer can work through the entire project in one go, this significantly reduces the price per square meter.
3. Do small preparatory work yourself. This includes removing old wallpaper, loose paint, or nails, so that the plasterer can get started right away.
4. Plan your project during a favorable period. Many plasterers have less work in winter and can therefore work faster and sometimes cheaper. Plastering can also be cheaper in summer because the drying time is shorter.
5. Keep the surfaces clean and accessible. Remove furniture or cover the floor well; an easy workspace saves time and therefore money.
6. Limit difficult corners or extra finishes. Straight walls are cheaper than walls with lots of corners, curves, or ornaments.
7. Use standard sizes and materials. Special colors or more luxurious finishes can significantly increase costs.
8. Ask about package prices. Sometimes total package prices (e.g., stucco + ceilings + plastering) are cheaper than separate jobs.
9. Consider a little preparation by an experienced handyman. For example, filling small cracks or holes so that the plasterer can focus entirely on the finish.

Checklist: What to look for when choosing a plasterer? oor? 

Want to be sure that your walls will have a smooth and durable finish? Then go through this checklist before hiring a professional:

• Always request multiple quotes

By comparing at least three quotes, you will get a good idea of the average price and be in a better position to negotiate.

• Check their registration with the Chamber of Commerce

This ensures that you are dealing with an officially registered company and not an unlicensed handyman.

• View previous projects

Ask for photos or visit a reference project to see for yourself how smooth the walls are finished.

• Read online reviews

Platforms such as Google Reviews, Werkspot, and Trustpilot often provide a reliable picture of other customers’ experiences.

• Ask about experience with your type of home

Especially in Amsterdam, where many houses are over a hundred years old, specific experience is important to achieve a lasting result.

• Make clear agreements about planning and drying time

Stucco must cure properly and can sometimes take a week or longer to dry. Discuss this in advance so that you don’t encounter any surprises.

• Put everything in writing

Quotes, prices, and guarantees: the more that is set out in black and white, the less chance there is of discussion afterwards.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about stucco

1. How much does a plasterer charge per hour in Amsterdam? On average, a plasterer charges €25–€40 per hour. It is often cheaper to pay per square meter, as it is clearer what you are paying for the entire project.
2. What is the difference between wallpaper-ready and paint-ready stucco? Wallpaper-ready stucco is flat enough to wallpaper, but not completely smooth. Paint-ready means that the walls can be painted immediately, which looks nicer but is also more expensive.
3. How long does plasterwork take to dry? A rule of thumb is that plasterwork needs about one day of drying time per millimeter of thickness. For a standard wall, that means 1 to 2 weeks before it can be painted or wallpapered.
4. Can stucco be applied to a damp wall? No, if there is moisture, this problem must be solved first. Otherwise, the stucco will not adhere properly and may peel off or become moldy over time.
5. Why is stuccoing often better in the summer? In the summer, stucco dries faster and more evenly due to warmer temperatures and lower humidity. This results in fewer cracks and a smoother finish.
6. Is machine stuccoing as good as manual stuccoing? Yes, provided it is done by an experienced stuccoer. For large surfaces, it is often even smoother and more even, and also considerably faster.

Grand Renovation: Uw Stucadoor in Amsterdam

Bij Grand Renovation werken we al meer dan 3 jaar in Nederland en hebben we ons ontwikkeld tot het snelste renovatiebedrijf van het land. Onze vakmensen en handymen hebben elk meer dan 20 jaar ervaring en zorgen ervoor dat uw muren en plafonds altijd perfect worden afgewerkt. Dankzij een slimme mix van traditioneel vakmanschap en moderne technieken zoals machinaal stucwerk kunnen we efficiënt, snel en betaalbaar werken, zonder dat dit ten koste gaat van de kwaliteit. 

Of het nu gaat om een kleine slaapkamer, een complete woning of een kantoorruimte in het hart van Amsterdam, wij zorgen altijd voor een strak en duurzaam resultaat. Klanten waarderen ons om onze snelheid, duidelijke communicatie, transparante prijzen en de zorgvuldige afwerking die in elk project terug te zien is. 

Wilt u uw plannen met ons bespreken en direct inzicht krijgen in de kosten? Neem vandaag nog contact met ons op, dan plannen we snel een overleg zodat we samen alle details kunnen doornemen en uw ruimte precies zo maken als u wilt.