Renovations & RestorationsBrisbane

Queenslander Renovation Experts

QBCC Licence 15576119

Free, no-obligation quotes

25+ years’ experience

5-star Google reviewsFrom Brisbane homeowners

Restored decorative ceiling in a Newmarket Queenslander

Plastering for Renovations & Queenslanders

Queenslanders are an iconic style, and a well-renovated one is a much sought-after home. Restoring them is our favourite kind of work.

We love working with character details, bringing these homes into the modern age while keeping the features that make them special. Before you start, check whether your home is in a Character Protection Area or on the Heritage Register, as a council permit may be needed for the work.

Queenslander renovations

Plasterboard walls

Ceiling roses

Ornamental cornices

Decorative ceiling panels

Crack repairs

Renovation & Restoration Plastering

Everything from new plasterboard walls to the decorative details that give an older home its character.

Plasterboard Walls

New plasterboard walls in bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms during a renovation.

Raised & Lower Levels

Clean plastered walls for new rooms built underneath a raised house.

Ceiling Roses & Panels

Ceiling roses and decorative panels to make the most of high ceilings.

Ornamental Cornices

Cornices chosen to suit the era of the home, the room size and the ceiling height.

Period Features

Picture rails and wainscoting to bring character back to renovated walls.

Crack Repairs

Cracked walls repaired, with the right board used to help prevent them returning.

Plasterboard Walls in a Renovation

Queenslander walls were usually VJ boards, which are still readily available. Many renovations keep both.

Keep

Keep the Character

Consider keeping VJ walls in hallways and living areas, and bring back period features such as picture rails or wainscoting on new walls.

VJ wallsPicture railsWainscoting

Plaster

Plasterboard Where It Works

Replace walls in bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms with plasterboard. If you are raising the house, the clean lines of plaster suit the lower rooms, where natural light is lower.

BedroomsKitchens & bathroomsLower levels

Asbestos is common in older homes. The Queensland Government advises that asbestos in good condition is safest left alone, so the first question is whether the renovation needs to disturb it. If it does, we can arrange for it to be removed quickly and safely.

Choosing the Right Cornice Size

A large cornice in a room with low ceilings looks out of proportion and makes the room feel smaller. As a general guide, match the size of the cornice to the height of the ceiling.

Ceiling 4.3m+: 200 mm cornice

For ceilings 4.3 metres (14 feet) or higher.

Ceiling 2.75m+: 90–120 mm cornice

For ceilings above 2.75 metres (9 feet).

Ceiling <2.75m: 50–70 mm cornice

For ceilings lower than 2.75 metres. Smaller cornices also suit rooms with built-in cabinetry, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

How to Choose an Ornamental Cornice

Cornices are the mouldings where the walls meet the ceiling, also called coving or crown moulding. There is no limit to the styles available, so these points make the choice easier.

Choosing a cornice

Choose what you like, as you have to live with it

Suit the style or era of the home with a timeless design

Larger rooms can take larger designs

You don’t need the same cornice in every room

Keep cornices simple in darker rooms

The higher the ceiling, the bigger the cornice

A matt paint finish hides imperfections; gloss highlights them

Cracks in walls

Cracks usually appear at changes in direction or where the wall moves

Use the right plasterboard in wet or humid areas

Keep plasterboard isolated from structural elements

Keep joins at the recommended distance from floors and ceilings

Recent Renovation Projects

Queenslander renovations, decorative ceilings and restorations across Brisbane. Tap any image to view it full size.

Swipe to see more

How Your Renovation Works

Start With a Free Quote

Tell Us What You Need

Call us or send the form with a few details, and photos of the work if you have them.

We Assess the Work

We'll discuss your requirements and arrange an assessment where needed.

Receive Your Quote

We'll provide a clear quote based on the work required, with no obligation.

We Complete the Job

Our experienced team completes the work with care, then cleans up before we leave.

What Our Clients Say

Real feedback from Brisbane customers we’ve helped with new walls, ceiling replacements and storm damage repairs.

5-star Google reviews

“Recently used these guys to replace a ceiling that collapsed after water damage from a storm. They were easy to deal with and would use them again for plastering work.”

Chester Roberts

Storm-damaged ceiling replacement · Google review

“Very happy with the job Matt did. New wall installed and all neat and tidy with the clean up. Thank you.”

Kerrie Goodall

New wall installation · Google review

“Great plastering team to deal with from the start. Had new [walls] and a ceiling installed. Work was done on time and they left the area pretty clean considering it is plaster and dusty. Now just need to get it painted.”

Dani South

Walls & ceiling installation · Google review

“Had water damage after a storm and they fixed up the damaged ceiling area. Was happy with the service and the work done. Would recommend.”

Rose Johnson

Water damage ceiling repair · Google review

“Blocked off an area upstairs with a new wall so we could block out the noise. The plastering team came on time and did the work with minimum fuss. They also cleaned up the area to a great standard. Would use them again.”

Cooking Gods

Soundproof partition wall · Google review

Renovation Plastering Across Brisbane

We work on renovations and restorations across Brisbane and the surrounding areas, from the Redlands to Ipswich and down to the Gold Coast.

Get a Free Quote Call (07) 3064 0686

Areas we regularly work in

Brisbane & surrounding areas

Capalaba

Wellington Point

Ormiston

Cleveland

Victoria Point

Redland Bay

Bayside

South East Brisbane

Logan

Western Suburbs

Ipswich

Gold Coast

Not sure if we service your area? Get in touch and we'll be happy to discuss your project.

Renovation & Restoration FAQs

Common questions about plastering in older homes and Queenslanders.

Still have a question?

Our team is happy to talk through your project and answer any questions.

Call (07) 3064 0686

Do you work on Queenslander renovations?

Yes. Queenslanders are our favourite style of home to restore, and we are experienced with the character details that make them special.

Do I need a permit to renovate my Queenslander?

If your home is in a Character Protection Area or listed on the Heritage Register, a council permit may be needed before work starts. It is worth checking early.

Should I keep my VJ walls?

Many renovations keep VJ walls in hallways and living areas and use plasterboard in bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms. Plasterboard also suits lower levels when a house is raised.

How do I choose the right cornice?

Consider what you like, the era of the home, the size of the room, how much light it gets and the ceiling height. As a guide: 200 mm for ceilings 4.3 m or higher, 90–120 mm above 2.75 m, and 50–70 mm below 2.75 m.

Can you install ceiling roses?

Yes. Queenslanders have high ceilings, and ceiling roses and decorative ceiling panels make the most of that space.

What if asbestos is found during the renovation?

Asbestos is common in older homes. If it's in good condition and won't be disturbed, the Queensland Government says it's safest left alone. If the renovation has to disturb it, we can arrange for it to be removed quickly and safely before the work continues.

Why do cracks appear in plasterboard walls?

Cracks usually appear where the wall changes direction or moves. Using the right board in wet or humid areas, isolating plasterboard from structural elements and spacing joins correctly all help.

Can I do the plastering myself?

Minor DIY plastering is possible, but sheets are heavy and brittle, need two people to handle, and the dust can irritate eyes. For large areas or ceilings, we can create a perfect finish for you.

Get Your Project Started

Planning a Renovation?

Tell us about your project and the walls or ceilings you need done. We’ll get back to you to discuss the job and arrange a free quote.