Drywall vs Plaster: Choosing the Right Wall Material for Your Home

When deciding on wall materials for your home, the choice often comes down to drywall vs plaster. Drywall consists of gypsum board, while plaster is gypsum plaster pressed between two thick sheets of paper, forming drywall panels. Plaster walls are applied in layers over a lath, creating a smooth surface, whereas drywall panels are fixed in place with joint compound.

But which option is superior, and in what scenarios does each have an edge? Find out in this guide.

Understanding Plaster
Understanding plaster is crucial when comparing it with drywall panels. While both are used for walls and ceilings, plaster creates a smoother surface and is often likened to the sturdiness of granite countertops. However, it’s not as easy to install than drywall and can be more prone to plaster cracks.

Composition and Application
Plaster is a paste applied in layers over a lath substrate, hardening to a solid form that is part of the structure of a home.
Pros of Plaster
● Offers a high-quality finish.
● Harder and more resistant to dents and noise than drywall.
● Especially suitable for creating curved walls in exterior walls.
Cons of Plaster

● Requires skilled labor for installation
● More prone to developing cracks over time
● May require professional repair

Exploring Drywall
Drywall panels have revolutionized the building industry, offering a quicker and less labor-intensive option compared to traditional plaster. While plaster vs drywall debates continue, drywall’s ease of installation and versatility keeps it a popular choice in modern home building.

Manufacturing and Installation
Drywall is manufactured in panels and installed using joint compound to bind them together and fill in seams.
Pros of Drywall
● Less labor-intensive than plaster
● Cost-effective choice
● Comes in a variety of sizes
● Easier to install than plaster
● Excellent for thermal insulation when combined with fiberglass insulation
● Creates a dead smooth finish for holes in drywall repair.
Cons of Drywall
● More susceptible to impact damage
● May not offer the same level of soundproofing as plaster walls.

Comparing Plaster and Drywall
When comparing plaster or drywall, consider factors such as finish quality,
installation time, and durability to make the best choice for your home.

Aesthetic Differences and Finish Quality
Plaster is renowned for its artisanal quality and the ability to form curved walls, a feat more challenging to achieve with drywall. The skill of the plasterer can result in a range of textures, from a rustic stucco to a polished Venetian look, offering a level of customization that drywall simply can’t match.

Conversely, drywall provides a consistently smooth canvas that complements the clean lines of modern design. Its flatness is ideal for homeowners interested in a minimalist aesthetic. It’s also great for DIYers, even those still at the “what is a table saw used” stage because of its flexibility and easy fixing.

Durability and Longevity
When assessing wall materials, the durability and longevity are paramount factors to consider. Plaster is known for its resilience and can last decades without showing signs of wear if maintained properly.

Its hard, durable surface resists dents and scratches, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. On the other hand, installing drywall offers a quicker renovation option but may not withstand the same level of abuse before needing repair or replacement.

Despite this, modern drywall has improved in strength and can have a long lifespan when installed correctly. Factors such as humidity levels and structural movement can affect both materials, but overall, plaster provides superior longevity, with some historic homes showcasing plaster that has lasted over a century.

Installation Complexity and Time
Installing drywall is a more straightforward process compared to plastering and can often be completed much faster. Drywall comes in sheets that are screwed directly to the framing studs of your home, making it a feasible DIY project. In contrast, plastering requires a skilled hand, as it involves multiple layers that need to be applied and smoothed out, which takes time to dry and cure between applications.

This complexity means plastering is typically more labor-intensive and time- consuming, which can be a significant factor when deciding on a wall finish, especially if you are on a tight schedule for completing your renovation or construction project.

The Cost Implications of Each Option
Cost is a critical element in the decision-making process when choosing wall materials. Drywall is generally less expensive than plaster, both in terms of materials and labor. The quicker installation time of drywall also translates to lower labor costs, making it a budget-friendly option for many homeowners.

Conversely, plaster, while offering a higher-end finish, is costlier due to the skilled labor required for its application and the longer installation period. If you are considering the long-term investment, plaster might be more cost-effective due to its longevity, but the initial outlay is significantly higher than that of drywall.

Soundproofing and Insulation Qualities
When it comes to soundproofing and insulation, both plaster and standard drywall possess inherent qualities that contribute to a home’s comfort. Standard drywall can accommodate insulation, like fiberglass insulation, in the cavity between the studs, which enhances its sound dampening and thermal retention capabilities.

This improvement can be crucial for energy efficiency and noise reduction.
Plaster walls, while solid, generally offer less insulation than drywall with added insulation. However, plaster’s density can provide a slight edge in reducing sound transmission. For optimal soundproofing and insulation, additional materials and techniques may be necessary regardless of whether you choose plaster or drywall.

Maintenance and Repair Considerations
Maintenance and repair are inevitable aspects of owning a home, and the wall finish you choose can impact the ease of these tasks. Drywall repair is generally straightforward; small holes and cracks can typically be patched up by homeowners themselves. However, larger damages might require replacing entire sections of drywall.

On the other hand, plaster walls can be more challenging to handle plaster repairs, as it requires a certain level of skill to blend the new plaster with the existing surface seamlessly. While plaster is more durable, any necessary repairs are likely to be more labor-intensive and could require professional assistance.

Fire Resistance Features
Fire resistance is an important safety consideration for any building material. Plaster walls, especially when applied over metal lath, provide a robust barrier against the spread of fire. The metal lath beneath the plaster can act as a reinforcement, slowing down the penetration of heat and flames.

While drywall is also fire-resistant to some degree, the level of protection depends on the type of drywall used. Some specialized types of drywall offer enhanced fire resistance features, but standard drywall without these enhancements will not perform as well as plaster over metal lath in a fire scenario.

Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency of your home can be influenced by the finishing method of your walls. Drywall, when combined with effective insulation, can create a tight envelope that helps maintain the desired indoor temperature, reducing the strain on your heating and air conditioning systems. This combination can result in significant energy savings over time.

Conversely, because plaster is a denser material, it can potentially help stabilize indoor temperatures by absorbing and releasing heat slowly. However, for the best results in energy efficiency, the expertise of a drywall contractor may be required to ensure proper installation and insulation techniques are utilized.

Hanging Décor
When it comes to hanging décor, drywall might seem easier to work with because you can insert a nail or screw directly into it at any point, provided you use appropriate anchors for heavier items.

Plaster, however, requires a bit more finesse since it can crack or crumble if not handled carefully. For heavier objects, it’s advisable to locate the wood studs behind the plaster and secure the nail or screw into the stud rather than the plaster itself.

Identifying Plaster vs Drywall in Your Home
To differentiate between plaster and drywall, look for key characteristics. Here are some ways you can determine between the two:

Visual Inspection and The Pushpin Test
When trying to determine whether you have plaster or drywall, visual inspection and the pushpin test can be helpful. Examine the wall’s texture; plaster often has a more varied, rough texture compared to drywall’s uniform smoothness.

For the pushpin test, see if you can easily push a pin into the wall. If it goes in easily, it’s likely drywall. If you encounter resistance, it’s probably plaster. These tips for hanging pictures or other items can be useful, too.

Age of Your Home and Historical Clues
The age of your home can provide historical clues about the wall materials used. In the realm of residential construction, plaster was the standard until the mid-20th century when drywall began to gain popularity due to its ease of installation and cost- effectiveness.

If your home dates back to before the 1950s, there’s a higher likelihood that plaster as used, while homes built after this period are more likely to contain drywall.

Final Verdict
When deciding on the right wall material for your home, particularly in a remodeling project, both plaster and drywall have their own set of advantages and drawbacks. Plaster offers a classic look with robust durability, yet requires skilled labor for installation.

Drywall, on the other hand, is more cost-effective and quicker to install, making it a practical choice for many homeowners.