69. Plastering on plain surfaces, such as walls and ceilings, is always measured by the square yard. In determining the cost of plastering walls and ceilings, measure the surface actually plastered, making no deduction for grounds or for openings less than 7 superficial yards. For surfaces of domes or groined ceilings, beams, coves, paneling, etc., a unit price is fixed by the linear or the superficial foot, according to the character and disposition of the work. Round corners and arrises should be measured by the linear foot.
On interior work, increase the price 5 per cent. for each 12 feet above the floor after the first. For outside work, add 1 per cent. for each foot above the lower 20 feet. All repairing and patching should be done at agreed prices.
70. Stucco Work.—In estimating stucco work, cornices composed of plain members and panel work are measured by the square foot. Enriched cornices with carved moldings are measured by the linear foot. When moldings are less than 12 inches in circumference, measurement is taken by the linear foot; when over 12 inches, superficial measurement is used. For internal angles or miters, add 1 foot to the length of cornice, and for exterior angles add 2 feet to the length. Sections of cornice less than 12 inches measure as 12 inches. Add one-half for raking cornices.
For cornices or moldings abutted against a wall or plain surface, add 1 foot to the length of cornice; if against the soffit of stairs or other inclined or covered surface, add 2 feet to the length of cornice. Octagonal, hexagonal, and similar cornices, less than 10 feet in single stretches, take one and one-half times the length.
For circular or elliptical work, charge double price; for domes and groins, three prices. Enrichments of all kinds should be estimated at an agreed price.
71. Cost of Plastering.—The following analysis of the cost of plastering for 100 square yards, for both three-coat and two-coat work, will be of assistance in making estimates. These costs are exclusive of the lathing, which will be taken up later.
Cost of 100 Square Yards of
Three-Coat Plastering
| Scratch Coat | |
| 6 bushels of lime, at 25 cents per bushel | $ 1.50 |
| 9 pounds of hair, at 4 cents per pound | .36 |
| ¾ cubic yard of sand, at $1.50 per cubic yard | 1.13 |
| 5 hours, plasterer’s time, at 50 cents per hour | 2.50 |
| 5 hours, laborer’s time, at 25 cents per hour | 1.25 |
| Total | $ 6.74 |
| Brown Coat | |
| 6 bushels of lime, at 25 cents per bushel | $ 1.50 |
| 3 pounds of hair, at 4 cents per pound | .12 |
| 1 cubic yard of sand, at $1.50 per cubic yard | 1.50 |
| 13 hours, plasterer’s time, at 50 cents per hour | 6.50 |
| 6½ hours, laborer’s time, at 25 cents per hour | 1.63 |
| Total | $11.25 |
| Finishing Coat | |
| 3½ bushels of finishing lime, at 35 cents per bushel | $ 1.23 |
| ½ barrel of plaster of Paris, at $1.75 per barrel | .88 |
| ⅜ bushel of white sand, at 27 cents per bushel | .10 |
| 18 hours, plasterer’s time, at 50 cents per hour | 9.00 |
| 4½ hours, laborer’s time, at 25 cents per hour | 1.13 |
| Total | $12.34 |
The total cost of 100 square yards of three-coat plaster, then, is $30.33, or about 31 cents per yard.
Cost of 100 Square Yards of
Two-Coat Plastering