Horsehair ceilings,
made safe again.
We pull a sagging horsehair ceiling back up and fix a brand-new ceiling underneath it, or replace it completely.
Book an inspectionA sag in a horsehair ceiling usually means the old plaster has pulled away from the joists, while the timbers above are still in good condition.
Warning signs
- A sag where the plaster has pulled away
- Cracking across the ceiling
- Plaster dust or crumbs falling
- Cornice pulling away from the wall
- Old patches that keep cracking
- Uneven or wavy ceiling
Tell us what you’re seeing. If it needs a closer look, one of our experienced team will come out, check the ceiling and roof space, and give you a fixed price in writing.
How we fix it
90 × 35 pine battens fixed through the old ceiling into the joists with 100 mm bugle screws, pulling it back up and locking it in.
New plasterboard glued and screwed to the battens, every joint back-blocked.
No strip-out, so far less dust through your home, and the existing insulation stays where it is.
Where a full strip-out is the better option, we rebuild the ceiling from the joists down.
The process
- Inspection
One of our experienced team measures every room, check the ceiling and the roof space, and photograph everything.
- Fixed price in writing
A clear proposal with exactly what is included. Say yes and we lock in your date.
- Protect your home
Floors, furniture and the rest of the house are covered before we start.
- Build the new ceiling
Insulation, new plasterboard glued and screwed, every joint back-blocked.
- Flush, square set or cornice
Fibafuse tape and a Level 4 finish, with a square set or your chosen cornice.
- Clean-up and walkthrough
We clean up and walk you through the finished room before we leave.
Recent horsehair plaster jobs
Latest Google reviews
“Great to deal with. Quality job by quality tradesmen. Very tidy. Highly recommended. Thanks”
Mick D. · Google · Oct 2026“Thoroughly recommend Adelaide Ceiling Replacements. Sean responded promptly to all calls, emails and messages. He forwarded a quote with a very detailed explanation of the job and what needed to be done along with a guide booklet about ceiling replacements. The job was booked in and done promptly and of a high standard. The workers were friendly, polite and thoroughly cleaned up before they left. Absolutely no regrets using this company and would definitely use them again!”
Lyn K. · Google · Oct 2026“Sean and his team were amazing from their initial quoting to job completion. We had our bathroom ceiling replaced, new lights, fan and painted and it looks amazing. We also had bedroom cornices replaced and we couldn’t be happier.”
Giovanna B. · Google · Oct 2026Questions
Anything else you’d like to know? Call or text us on 0402 252 511.
Will I lose ceiling height?
Only about 45 mm when we batten out. Most homes from this era have ceilings well above 3 metres, so you won’t notice it.
Does the old insulation need to come out?
No. When we batten out, the existing insulation stays where it is.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. House ceilings carry a 5-year workmanship warranty, and materials are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
How do you decide between batten out and replacement?
We check the ceiling and the timbers above at the inspection, and tell you which method your ceiling needs and why.
Start with a conversation.
Tell us about your ceiling, and add a few photos if you can. One of our experienced team will call to talk it through and, if it needs a look, book a time to inspect it. You can also text photos to 0402 252 511.