When choosing a wall finish for interior spaces, understanding the characteristics of drywall and plaster can help in making an informed decision. Each has its unique properties, with advantages and limitations that cater to different construction needs.
Here’s a comparison based on installation, durability, cost, soundproofing, insulation, and more.
Let’s get straight to the point
Drywall and plaster are popular wall finishes with distinct benefits. Drywall is cost-effective, easy to install, and ideal for projects needing insulation and quick repairs, but it is more prone to damage and has less soundproofing.
Plaster offers a dense, durable, and high-end finish with excellent soundproofing and fire resistance, though it is costlier and time-intensive to install and repair. Drywall is suitable for budget-friendly, modern builds with flexibility for décor, while plaster suits traditional designs, superior soundproofing, and long-term durability.
Choose based on your needs for cost, insulation, soundproofing, aesthetics, and repair ease.
Material Composition and Installation
- Plaster is made by mixing cement, sand, water, and sometimes gypsum or other materials, applied in layers over a lath (usually metal or wooden backing). It requires skilled labor, making the installation process time-intensive.
- Drywall consists of gypsum sandwiched between two layers of heavy paper, forming a flat panel that’s quicker and easier to install. It’s often cut to fit, mounted to framing, and secured with nails or screws.
Cost
- Drywall is generally more affordable, costing between $1 and $3 per square foot. It is also more DIY-friendly, which can further reduce costs.
- Plaster is more expensive due to the labor-intensive process, with costs ranging from $2 to $10 per square foot. A professional installer is often necessary to ensure quality.
Durability
- Plaster is a dense material, making it more resistant to dents and wear. It can last for decades without needing replacement.
- Drywall, though quicker to install, is thinner and more susceptible to damage from impact, moisture, and mold, requiring more frequent repairs.
Soundproofing
- Plaster offers superior soundproofing due to its thickness and density, making it ideal for multiunit buildings or creating private, quiet spaces.
- Drywall tends to allow sound to pass through more easily due to its hollow spaces. Enhanced soundproofing can be achieved by adding acoustic plasterboard or fiberglass insulation.
Insulation and Energy Efficiency
- Drywall is advantageous in colder climates as it accommodates insulation easily in the hollow space between the framing and the drywall. This improves energy efficiency significantly.
- Plaster is naturally insulating but lacks the flexibility to add insulation easily without professional modification.
Fire Resistance
Both materials use gypsum, a naturally fire-resistant component. However, plaster has higher fire resistance than drywall due to its density and sometimes added water content, which slows down fire spread.
Detailed Installation Process
- Drywall Installation:
- Precut gypsum boards are secured to framing with nails or screws. Corners are reinforced with metal or plastic corner beads, while seams are taped, covered with joint compound, and sanded after each application.
- This process, while labor-intensive, generally takes only a few days for a full house, making it feasible for larger construction projects with tight deadlines.
- Plaster Installation:
- Plaster is applied in several coats, usually three: the scratch coat, brown coat, and finish coat. Each layer must dry thoroughly before applying the next, making this process longer and highly reliant on skilled labor.
- Plaster also bonds well to curved or unconventional surfaces, enabling diverse design options.
Repair and Maintenance
- Drywall is generally easier to repair, with simple patch kits available for small holes or cracks.
- Plaster repairs can be more challenging and require professional assistance for significant damage. Small chips can be fixed with repair kits, but extensive cracks may need a full reapplication.
Aesthetic and Finish
- Plaster offers a more classic look and accommodates textured finishes like stucco, Venetian plaster, and other polished styles. It’s also ideal for creating custom shapes like arches, curves, and intricate moldings, popular in traditional or historic home designs.
- Drywall is versatile for various finishes, from smooth to textured, like orange peel or knockdown. While it doesn’t achieve the same natural luster as plaster, drywall can still be painted or wallpapered to suit most design aesthetics, often with a more modern look.
Hanging Décor
- Drywall allows for easier mounting of items with nails or screws, which is more challenging with plaster due to its hardness and brittleness. Special hardware or adhesive may be required for plaster walls.
Deciding Factors: When to Use Plaster vs. Drywall
Choose Plaster if:
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- You prefer a higher-end, polished appearance or are restoring a historic home where consistency with original materials is important.
- You’re looking for superior soundproofing in music studios or multifamily residences.
- You prioritize long-term durability over short-term costs.
Choose Drywall if:
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- You need a budget-friendly, quick-to-install option for a new build or remodel.
- You want flexibility for interior insulation to improve energy efficiency.
- You expect to frequently change wall décor, as drywall allows for easier mounting and patching.
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Conclusion
Plaster and drywall offer distinct advantages tailored to specific needs. Plaster stands out for its longevity, aesthetic versatility, and soundproofing, making it ideal for unique, higher-quality interiors. Drywall, on the other hand, is valued for its cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and compatibility with modern construction needs, especially when energy efficiency and insulation are priorities.
FAQs About Drywall & Plaster
How Do You Blend Plaster And Drywall?
Skim-coating with all-purpose joint compound is an effective way to blend the two materials. To skim coat, you lay a thin coat of mud on the entire wall and scrape it flat with a drywall knife. Another way to match the surfaces is to roll dilute mud on the wall with a paint roller to create a mottled texture.
Is Plaster Thicker Than Drywall?
Lath and plaster walls are usually thicker than most drywall sheets. Fire-rated, or Type-X, drywall is 5/8-inch thick. Plaster is often thicker than this. When lath is figured into the thickness, then lath and plaster walls are considered to be thicker than drywall.
Which Is Cheaper Plaster Or Drywall?
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.
Does Drywall Mud Stick To Plaster?
Drywall mud will adhere to plaster walls, making it simple to patch plaster with a standard joint compound. By taping joints and applying multiple coats of joint compound, you’ll quickly fill holes and patch larger areas.
Why Do We Use Plaster On Walls?
By applying plaster, you will give your walls a strong, smooth, durable finish. Not only that, but a well-plastered room will help to keep old walls in good condition, provide the perfect base for paint and help with soundproofing.
