Short answer: sometimes, but it is usually not a good DIY job unless you know exactly what you are dealing with. Lath and plaster walls can hide wiring, pipes, asbestos-containing materials, and plenty of dust and debris.
In Auckland homes, especially older villas and character properties, removing these walls often creates more problems than expected. If your goal is a smooth, paint-ready finish, it pays to plan the job properly before you start swinging a hammer.
What makes lath and plaster tricky to remove?
Lath and plaster is different from modern gib or plasterboard. The plaster is usually hard, brittle, and bonded to timber laths, so it tends to break off in chunks rather than coming away neatly. That makes the work noisy, dusty, and physically demanding.
The biggest issue is what is behind the wall. In older Auckland homes, you may find old electrical wiring, patch repairs, uneven framing, insulation, or even materials that need testing before disturbance. Once you start removing the wall lining, you are committed to fixing whatever is revealed.
- very dusty and messy
- can uncover unsafe wiring or plumbing
- may contain asbestos in some associated materials
- often needs repair to framing and surfaces afterwards
Can a homeowner do it themselves?
If you are confident with demolition, have the right protective gear, and the wall is definitely non-structural and free of hidden services, you may be able to remove a small section yourself. But that does not mean it is the best choice for the whole room.
For most homeowners, the safer approach is to treat lath and plaster removal as a prep job that needs careful assessment first. You should know whether the wall is load-bearing, whether there are services in it, and what finish you want afterwards. A rushed DIY removal can lead to costly delays when it comes time to repair and repaint.
- turn off power to the area before any demo
- wear a proper mask, eye protection and gloves
- check for asbestos before disturbing old materials
- avoid removing anything structural without advice
What happens after the wall comes down?
Removing the wall is only part of the job. You then need to make the area safe, tidy, and ready for plastering and painting. That can include replacing gib, fixing framing, stopping dust transfer, setting joints, sanding, and sealing the surface properly before topcoats go on.
This is where many DIY jobs get stuck. If the prep is not done well, imperfections show through the paint, especially under natural light in premium homes with large windows and clean finishes. Good preparation is what makes the final paintwork look professional.
When to call Steve
If you are unsure whether your lath and plaster wall is safe to remove, or you want the result to look crisp and professional, call Steve. He is a Kiwi and a trade-qualified painter who understands the prep needed before any quality repainting or restoration work.
Steve can assess the wall, talk through the safest approach, and help you avoid common mistakes that create more repair work later. For Auckland homeowners and property managers, that means less stress, better finish quality, and a smoother path from demolition to painting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lath and plaster removal always a DIY job?
No. Small sections may be manageable for an experienced DIYer, but many walls involve hidden risks, dust, and repairs that are better handled with professional advice.
Do I need to test old wall materials before removing them?
Yes, if there is any chance of asbestos-containing materials or other hazardous components, get them checked before you start. Do not rely on guesswork with older homes.
What should I do if I want the wall painted after removal?
Make sure the surface is properly patched, sanded, sealed and prepared before painting. If you want a premium finish, contact Steve, a Kiwi and a trade-qualified painter, for advice or the full job.
Need a hand with your project?
Happy to tackle some of it yourself? Great — but for anything you’d rather leave to a professional, Steve Lunjevich is a Kiwi and a trade-qualified painter with 20+ years’ experience. Call or email for honest advice or a free, no-obligation quote.