- A flush plastered ceiling is a board ceiling with no visible joints. Joints are taped and filled and the whole surface is skimmed.
- It looks like a solid plaster ceiling and suits living areas, bulkheads and rooms with strong side light.
- This page covers the finish. For board types and general installation, see drywall ceilings.
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Compare QuotesFlush Plastered vs Other Ceiling Finishes
| Finish | What you see | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| H-strip joints | Visible strips between boards | Budget ceilings, garages, outbuildings |
| Taped and filled joints | Flat joints, board face not skimmed | Paint-ready on a budget, can show in side light |
| Flush plastered | One seamless surface | Living areas, bulkheads, feature ceilings |
Typical Projects
- New ceilings in homes and extensions.
- Converting an existing H-strip ceiling to flush.
- Bulkheads and level changes, which are almost always finished flush.
- Rooms with large windows, where side light shows joints.
What a Flush Plastered Ceiling Includes
- Boards fixed with staggered joints and proper support at every edge.
- Joints taped with paper or mesh tape.
- Joints and screw heads filled.
- A full skim coat over the whole ceiling.
- Sanding where needed, ready for primer.
Materials and Finishing Details
- Skim plaster. Gypsum skim plaster such as Rhinolite gives the seamless finish.
- Board edge. Tapered-edge boards make flat joints easier to achieve.
- Cornice or shadowline. A cornice hides the wall junction. A shadowline leaves a neat recessed gap instead.
- Control joints. Large ceilings may need movement joints to reduce cracking.
- Paint. A primer or sealer first, then ceiling paint.
Low-angle light from windows or downlights shows ripples and joints. Ask contractors how they check the surface before handover.
Installation Process
- Check the brandering or frame is level and well fixed.
- Board the ceiling, or prepare the existing board.
- Tape and fill the joints.
- Apply the skim coat.
- Let it dry fully, then sand, prime and paint.
Flush Plastered Ceiling Prices
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Flush plastered ceiling: board, taping and full skim | R300 - R500 per m² |
| Skim plaster only, on existing board | R100 - R160 per m² |
| H-strip board ceiling, for comparison | R150 - R250 per m² |
| Ceiling painting | R50 - R110 per m² |
Ballpark figures, not quotations. Ranges are compiled from price guides published by South African drywall and ceiling contractors in 2025 and 2026, checked 8 October 2026, and rounded. Most do not say whether VAT is included, so confirm VAT on every quote. A site visit and a written quote set the actual price.
What Affects the Cost
- Area. Priced per m² of ceiling.
- New or existing. Converting an H-strip ceiling needs strips removed and boards checked.
- Number of coats. A higher finish takes more coats and sanding.
- Detail. Bulkheads, corners and shadowlines add time.
- Height and access. Double-volume rooms need scaffolding.
What Affects Completion Time
- Boarding and skimming a room often takes 2 - 3 days.
- Skim plaster needs to dry before painting, longer in winter or humid weather.
- Large or multi-level ceilings take longer.
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Compare QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Can an H-strip ceiling be converted to flush?
Usually. The strips are removed or covered, then the joints are taped and the ceiling skimmed. Loose or damaged boards are replaced first.
Do flush ceilings crack?
Joints can crack if the roof moves or the boards are poorly supported. Good framing, taped joints and control joints on large ceilings reduce the risk.
Is a flush ceiling the same as a drywall ceiling?
A flush ceiling is a drywall ceiling with a seamless finish. Drywall ceilings can also have H-strip or taped joints.
How long before I can paint?
Once the skim is fully dry, usually a few days. Ask the contractor.
Do I need a cornice?
No. A shadowline gives a clean modern edge, but it needs a straight wall junction.
For drywall partitions and room divisions, see Drywall Installers South Africa.
Related Services
Drywall Installers South Africa is a free quote-comparison service. Drywall and ceiling work is measured, quoted and carried out by independent contractors, and your agreement is with the contractor you appoint. Ask each one for a written quote, what is and is not included, and the payment terms before paying anything.
Flush Plastered Ceilings South Africa. Describe your ceiling once and compare quotes for a flush plastered finish.
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