What is the difference between plaster and drywall?
What is the Difference Between Drywall and Plaster?
- Drywall is characterized by paper on the front and back, with white gypsum between the sheets of paper.
- Drywall is produced at standardized sizes, such as 3/8″, 1/2″, and 3/4″.
- Plaster walls are made by nailing thin strips of wood (laths) over wall studs. ...
- Plaster is harder and less uniform in thickness than drywall.
Is plaster the same as drywall?
Plaster: Drywall: Definition: Plaster is made of gypsum, lime, and cement. The entire process is time-consuming but worth the investment. They are not for building walls, instead, they are used mainly for decoration. Drywall is the ultimate mixture of plaster and gypsum, pressed between two strong, sturdy, and thick sheets. It is later rendered as a panel.
Do you have to plaster over drywall?
Yes, if you are going to hang anything on the wall, you will need to plaster over the plasterboard. What happens if you paint directly on drywall? If you paint directly on drywall, the paint will not adhere to the surface and will likely flake or chip off. It is important to prime or seal the drywall before painting.
How to tell if walls are plaster or drywall?
To determine if your older home has drywall, follow these tips:
- Remove a switch plate or socket cover. Inspect the edges of the hole around the switch itself. A layer of white gypsum sandwiched between sheets of paper indicates drywall.
- Try the pushpin test—if you can push a pin in by hand, you probably have drywall.
- Absence of cracks—drywall does not form long cracks over time like plaster does.
Should I use plaster or drywall?
Plaster is more sound-proof, but drywall usually means better insulation. A dense material, plaster blocks sound transmission much better than gypsum drywall. However, even though plaster is denser, it can't beat the thermal capabilities of standard drywall coupled with modern insulation commonly found today.
How expensive is it to plaster a wall?
How Much Does It Cost to Plaster a Wall per Square Foot? Plasterwork usually costs between $2 and $10 per square foot. The cost depends on whether you want resurfacing work or not. Expect to pay at least $10 per square foot with resurfacing; otherwise, plastering a wall usually costs between $2 and $5 per square foot.
What is stronger plaster or drywall?
Drywall FAQ Drywall is made out of softer material called gypsum which doesn't crack. Sheets of it are nailed into the wooden studs when finishing the interior of a house. Plaster, on the other hand, dries much harder than drywall, and is more labor-intensive and expensive.
Why is plastering so expensive?
Plastering is an expensive process due to several things; however, time and labour is the most significant factor in the cost of getting plastering work done. Plastering is a process that can't be rushed, which means it requires more time on the part of the tradesman or artisan.
How much would it cost to drywall a 1500 sq ft house?
Cost To Hang Drywall Based On House SizeHouse Size (Square Footage)Drywall Square FootageTotal Dryall Installation Cost1,5005,650 – 6,500$5,200 – $20,3002,0006,500 – 7,900$6,650 – $23,7502,5007,900 – 9,400$7,950 – $28,4503,0008,000 – 10,000$8,300 – $29,000
Why do we use drywall instead of plaster?
In thermal insulation, drywall has a slight edge over plaster. You can readily cut holes in drywall to make in-wall repairs, and holes are easy to fix. Drywall is cheaper to install than plaster. It's easier to hang things on drywall.
How much more expensive is plaster than drywall?
For drywall you can expect to pay approximately $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot for both hanging and taping. Plaster on the other hand can cost upwards of $5.50 per square foot.
Is plaster still used for walls?
Plaster and lath wall systems are rarely used now, except to repair existing walls or to refurbish historic buildings. In the mid-century modern era after World War II, drywall, also called plasterboard or wallboard, stormed onto the scene and has remained there ever since.
How much does plaster work cost?
Apply Plaster CostsItemMaterial CostLabor CostPlaster: new application$2-$10 per sq.ft$2-5 per sq.ft.Plaster: refinishing$10 per sq.ft.$4-$10 per sq.ft.Cement: durable, easy to work with$4-$5 per sq.ft.$4-$7 per sq.ft.Gypsum: easy install, good insulation$2-$5 per sq.ft.$2-$6 per sq.ft.1 more row
How do I calculate plastering costs?
Subtotal material cost = cement cost + sand cost = 28 + 25 = INR 53. step 4 :- labour rate and charges:- labour rate and cost for internal wall plastering is INR 15 to 18 per sq ft or INR 161 to 193 per sq m, consider labour rate and cost in this calculation is INR 180 per sq meter. Total cost = 233 + 35 = INR 268.
How much is labor for plastering?
step 4 :- labour rate and charges:- labour rate and cost for external wall plastering is around rs 15 to 25 per sq ft or rs 193 to 269 per sq m, consider labour rate and cost in this calculation is Rs 18 per sq foot. Labour cost for 100 sq ft plastering= 100 × 18 = Rs 1800.
How much more expensive is plaster than drywall?
Cost Comparison Labor accounts for 35 to 60 percent of the overall cost for drywall. For plaster, it's more like 70 to 90 percent. A typical drywall job might cost between $1 and $3 per square foot. But a plaster job costs from $2 to $10, according to 2022 data from Home Advisor.
Drywall is the standard wall covering in North America, but plaster is making a comeback. Compare them before starting an interior wall project
At the turn of the 20th century, plaster was the most popular interior wall covering in North America, and it remained so for the next several decades. But things have changed since then. Drywall, first introduced in 1916 by United States Gypsum (USG), has largely replaced plaster.
Plaster Vs. Drywall: Construction Methods
The traditional method of installing a plaster wall requires covering the framing studs with wood lath, i.e. thin strips of wood nailed horizontally to the studs and spaced closely together. The worker lays a base coat of plaster to cover the gaps, then topcoats with two or three more layers to create a smooth surface.
Cost Comparison
Skilled plasterers, when you can find them, charge premium prices. The ratio of labor to materials costs is much more skewed toward labor when you install plaster. Labor accounts for 35 to 60 percent of the overall cost for drywall. For plaster, it’s more like 70 to 90 percent.
DIY Installation for Plaster vs. Drywall
If you’ve got a wall stripped down to the studs and you’re not sure whether to install drywall or plaster, consider the following:
Painting Plaster vs. Drywall
Plaster is more porous than drywall, and the lime it contains can cause stains to bleed through the topcoat. You need a different primer than you do for drywall.
Hanging Things on Plaster and Drywall
Most of the handy hanging implements available today, such as self-drilling screw anchors and conical anchors, are designed for drywall. If you need to hang something heavy, you can drive a screw or nail into a stud or use a toggle bolt that anchors itself to the back of the drywall.
What about the Drywall vs Plaster Cost?
The cost to install drywall is ultimately cheaper per sq. ft than that of plaster due to the labor involved, the same can be said for the cost of drywall repair also. The following table shows a comparison of plaster vs drywall costs:
Can you use screws on plaster walls?
Moreover, you might even chip or crack the plaster if you force something too much against it. If you still need something to hang on your plaster wall, it is recommended that instead of using nails, you should use screws.
Is plaster better than drywall?
Considering plaster is a dense material, it is able to block sound transmission much better than drywall, which is manufactured from gypsum. However, even though plaster happens to be denser, it is unable to beat the thermal capabilities that modern insulation commonly found in drywall provides. And the reason for the insulation capabilities has to be because of the process due to which it is built in such a way that it allows for it to insulate properly. If you want to retrofit an original plaster wall with insulation, it might prove to be more challenging as compared to drywall with insulation. Moreover, the drywall vs plaster wall is also going to be less energy-efficient.
Is plastic or plaster better for curved walls?
However, you should keep in mind that if you have curved walls, plaster would be a better choice as drywall does not bend. If you are repairing walls or are making new additions to your existing home and you want to make sure that you match the aesthetic of the old walls, then using plastic would be a better option as a skilled plasterer would be able to match the new plasterwork to the one you already have.
Can you retrofit a plaster wall?
If you want to retrofit an original plaster wall with insulation, it might prove to be more challenging as compared to drywall with insulation. Moreover, the drywall vs plaster wall is also going to be less energy-efficient.
Is plaster more labor intensive than drywall?
Today, installing plaster requires a lot more specialized labor work than installing drywall, which is precisely why you should keep an eye out on skilled laborers to do the work for you.
Can you hang posters on drywall?
Hanging items on drywall is easier, but it’s impossible with plaster. Plaster material happens to be harder and more brittle than drywall. With drywall, if you want, you can push a thumbtack into the wall so you can hang posters. However, a plaster wall would not allow you to do that.
What are Plaster Walls?
A plaster wall consists of a coating of a mixture of a mineral compound, binding agent, and water applied on a thin strip of wood, called lath. This mixture is applied directly to brick or concrete walls.
What is Drywall?
Drywall is a pre-made wall constructing material comprising of gypsum set between two sheets of paper.
Is wall plastering expensive?
For high walls, expect to pay an additional $0.40 to $2 per square foot for scaffolding. Plastering walls costs between $2 and $10 per square foot.
What can I use instead of drywall?
Wood planks are a traditional drywall substitute that have undoubtedly withstood the test of time well.
Is plastering a wall difficult?
Plastering is not difficult, but like most trades, it takes a lot of practice to perform it to a high standard.
What is plaster?
Plaster is a paste made from cement, sand, water, and minerals. It is used as a coating to either protect or decorate walls. This paste is applied in layers onto narrow strips of wood or metal known as laths and allowed to dry after application.
What is drywall?
Drywall is made by pressing gypsum plaster between two layers of heavy paper and is sometimes referred to as gypsum board, sheetrock, wallboard, or cement board. There are two kinds of drywall: drywall panels and joint compound. The main ingredient in drywall panels is calcium sulfate dihydrate, also known as gypsum.
Summary
Interior walls are a vital part of any construction, but people often overlook them. Plaster and drywall are the main walls covering materials in construction. Each of these materials has its benefits, and the choice ultimately comes down to look and cost.
FAQs
Below are the answers to the frequently asked questions on plaster vs. drywall.
What is drywall and plaster?
Newer homes tend to feature drywall, a material comprised of gypsum sandwiched between two sheets of paper and usually sold in 4-foot-by-8-foot panels. Drywall installs quickly and fairly easily by screwing it into ...
Why is drywall so popular?
In fact, the shortage of workers during WWII is one of the reasons for drywall ’s spike in popularity. Today, plasterers are more specialized tradesmen than drywall installers, so having the skilled laborers available in your area is the first thing to check before committing to the high-maintenance material. As far as repairs, they can run the gamut from being as simple as touching up a little bit of plaster to rebuilding the wall, especially in cases where electrical or plumbing work needs to be done behind the walls. Drywall repair, on the other hand, while it is a multi-step process, tends to be more straightforward and easier for handy homeowners to complete themselves.
What is plaster and lath?
Plaster and lath, on the other hand, is a more labor-intensive but high-end wall treatment where workers nail lengths of wood called lath to the studs and then apply several coats of plaster over top, used in most homes built before World War II.
Is plaster better than drywall?
A dense material, plaster blocks sound transmission much better than gypsum drywall. However, even though plaster is denser, it can’t beat the thermal capabilities of standard drywall coupled with modern insulation commonly found today. The drywall installation process allows for such flexibility to accommodate those layers. Retrofitting original plaster walls with insulation—as with most work on plaster walls—can prove challenging and still offer less energy-efficient payoff than drywall with insulation.
Can you hang posters on plaster?
Plaster is harder and more brittle than drywall. Whereas with drywall it’s possible to push thumbtacks into the wall to hang up posters, you likely couldn’t pierce a plaster wall with the flimsy point of a tack. More importantly, you run the risk ...
Can you use a hammer on plaster?
More importantly, you run the risk of chipping or cracking the plaster. If you need to hang an item like a picture frame on a plaster wall, use screws instead of nails to avoid potential damage—using a hammer on a plaster wall could be disastrous.
Is plaster more expensive than drywall?
Plaster costs more than drywall. Because plaster requires more of a specialized skill than drywall installation and takes longer to complete, the labor alone will usually run about three times higher or more than drywall installation. The material costs are comparable. Advertisement.
The differences between drywall and plaster walls
Each of these wall treatment methods has its own characteristics. Here are pros and cons to both of them, so choose wisely:
Is it cheaper to drywall or plaster?
Time, cost, and expertise will play a large role in your decision. Eventually, you should choose the look and feel you'd like.
Painting plaster and drywall
You will want to be able to repaint the walls in the future. Here are some tips on how to paint plaster or drywall.
Why is veneer more expensive than plaster?
Plaster veneer is way more expensive than plaster or drywall, simply because you’ll need more materials for the installation process. Complicated installation process. It’s hard to find professionals competent to do the job. Longer installation process.
What is plaster made of?
Plastering is one of the oldest building techniques. Plaster is made of lime or gypsum. It’s a white material which hardens when drying and it’s mostly used for covering ceilings and walls. Plaster is used as a protective cover over stone and brick masonry, but it can also be used for creating finish looks. Plaster is a powdered mixture that you’ll ...
What is the best finish for a wall?
Veneer plaster is the most effective wall finish, but it comes at a much higher cost. You’ll need more materials, and at least two coats of plaster as a finish, which means that the cost for finishing one room can be almost the same as if you use drywall on three of your rooms.
How many coats of paint do you need for plaster?
Plaster is porous and absorbs moisture easily. That means that painting over it can be hard to do. You’ll definitely need more than two coats of paint to achieve the desired look.
What thickness is drywall?
Drywall is available in two thicknesses – 9.5mm and 12.5mm. The front side of the drywall is usually white, so you can paint it over. Drywall can be noise and humidity resistant.
Is dry wall as flexible as plaster?
Drywall weights, so you’ll need a partner to help you with the installation. Drywall is not as flexible as plaster so it can be difficult to bend it to achieve the desired result. Lower durability than plaster. If not installed correctly, the joints between the sheets are visible.
Can you put dry wall in a bathroom?
Drywall is not water and moisture resistant, so it can’t be installed in bathrooms
How much does it cost to replace plaster walls with drywall?
Replacing plaster walls with drywall will cost well over $10000 for a 2000 square foot home. Since plaster is considered a higher quality material than drywall anyway, it should not be replaced with drywall in most situations. The one exception is if you’re pulling down the walls to replace the plumbing and electrical systems anyway.
How much does it cost to plaster a wall?
Multiply the total square footage by $6.50, and you’re looking at over $19,000. This doesn’t even include things like reinstalling molding, or any extra fees if your plaster walls contain asbestos (many do.)
What can I use to cover up plaster?
Fabric and wallpaper isn’t the only thing you can use to cover up unsightly plaster. I used pegboard in the laundry room, and installed a mudroom in the kitchen.
Why does my wallpaper have a gap?
If your house is shifting and the crack gets bigger , it might ultimately cause a gap underneath your wallpaper. That would take a few years, so don’t be afraid of this happening immediately. But using wallpaper that’s easily removed means if this does happen, you can easily change out the wallpaper.
Does replacing plaster walls raise the value of a house?
In most cases, homeowners aren’t considering the wall type when they’re shopping, and as a result replacing plaster with drywall isn’t going to raise the home price.
Is it cheaper to reinstall walls or plaster?
Taking them out isn’t going to add to the cost of your project. And when it’s time to reinstall the walls, it’s much cheaper to go with drywall rather than plaster.
Is plaster better than drywall?
Plaster is thicker than drywall, and therefore provides better insulation, both for temperature and sound. It’s also more durable, and more water-resistant than drywall. In a new construction, they’re easier to make smooth, and even in older homes many people consider them part of the charm. In fact, if you spend much time in Houzz ...
