Calculating joint compound by eye is one of the most common reasons for having to stop a plasterboard job halfway through finishing, especially when a high level of finish is demanded.
Indicative consumption per m²
As a market reference, a standard finish (level Q2, two coats over taped joints) consumes approximately 0.3–0.5 kg of compound per m² of board surface. A high-demand finish (Q3–Q4, for satin paint or raking light that highlights imperfections) can double that consumption because of the additional touch-up and sanding coats.
Joint tape: metres per m² of partition
As well as the compound, the joint tape (paper or fibreglass mesh) must be calculated, which is laid over every join between boards. As a reference, you need roughly 1 to 1.5 metres of tape per m² of surface, depending on the board layout of the project.
Why the level of finish changes the quote so much
A standard Q2 finish is enough for ordinary matt paint, but if the client wants satin paint, raking lighting or a very smooth finish, you have to go up to Q3 or Q4, with more coats of compound and sanding. Clarifying the level of finish required before quoting avoids disagreements at the end of the job.
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