When building their dream homes from scratch or repairing interior walls, homeowners have an important choice to make: Should they loosen their purse strings and go with plaster walls? Or should they opt for the more versatile and cost-effective drywall?
The answer often comes down to affordability. For instance, someone who’s been saving up for their “forever home” may spare no expense, whereas someone who’s investing in a rental property might want to pinch pennies here and there.
Existing wall components can also affect the choice between plaster and drywall. If homeowners are repairing walls that already contain plaster, they might want to salvage what’s left and repair the damage. Alternatively, they can choose to knock out the remaining plasterwork and install drywall instead. This option could save the homeowner a lot of money and time. But it won’t make for a more solid and durable build.
In this article, we’ll go over the differences between plaster and drywall to make the choice between them as painless as possible. We’ll also review the pros and cons of each.
But first, let’s take a brief stroll down history lane.
Plaster Walls: The Traditional Choice
Plasterwork dates back to the time of the pharaohs, with Ancient Egypt particularly known for using it to build houses, pyramids, and tombs since at least 2000 B.C.
Back then, plaster was divided into two categories. One was made out of clay and mud and frequently included straw. The other was a type of gypsum, which is a natural sulfate mineral that hardens when mixed with water. Both plasters were used to create the ornate murals and wall decorations left behind on the structures of Ancient Egypt.
Today, homeowners are rediscovering the beauty of plasterwork to create unique crown moldings and other decorative elements carved into the walls and ceilings of their homes. They’re also seeing the value of plaster in conserving energy and cutting costs in the long run, given its superior thermal properties over drywall.
Drywall: The Upstart Choice
Developed in the early 1900s, drywall is the construction industry’s newcomer. Also known as gypsum board or sheetrock, drywall is made by sandwiching gypsum between two pieces of paper, which is then dampened, pressed, dried, and baked for strength.
Unlike plaster walls, which usually require skilled labor and special tools to install, drywall is easier to work with and more cost-effective. It’s also lighter and quicker to dry, making it a popular choice for homebuilders and contractors who are racing against the clock.
But drywall has its drawbacks. For starters, it’s not as aesthetically pleasing as plaster. It’s also not considered a good choice for humid environments because drywall tends to absorb moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew problems over time.
The Pros and Cons of Plaster and Drywall
As with any decision, there are pros and cons to weigh when choosing between plaster and drywall. Although these two materials serve the same basic function of covering up bare walls, they differ significantly in their cost, durability, appearance, and ease of use.
Below are some of the pros and cons of plaster and drywall that homeowners and contractors should take into consideration.
Plaster Wall Pros
- Highly durable and solid
- Improved thermal properties
- Better sound attenuation
- More fire and moisture-resistant than drywall
- Decorative Old-world charm
Plaster Wall Cons
- More expensive and labor-intensive than drywall
- Solid surfaces are prone to cracking over time
- Much longer drying process compared to drywall
- Harder to hang paintings and decor items
- Wall thickness can block Wi-Fi and mobile signals
Drywall Pros
- More affordable and easier to work with than plaster
- Lightweight material can cover large spans of interior walls
- Much quicker to dry and finish interior walls
- Easier to hang wall paintings and install recessed lighting
- Better signal transmission for WiFi and mobile devices
Drywall Cons
- Can be easily damaged on impact or by erosion
- Not as durable or fire-resistant compared to plaster
- Susceptible to water damage and mold
- Less insulation and sound attenuation properties
- Colors and finishes may appear duller than plaster
Choosing Between Plaster and Drywall
When a construction project is free of financial constraints, plaster is often the better choice because of its durability, insulation qualities, and resistance to moisture, not to mention its potential for decorative Old-world charm.
That said, some homeowners may prefer drywall to plaster while renovating or building their homes from the ground up, even if they have a healthy budget for construction or repairs. This is because drywall is much easier to handle and install than plaster, making it a popular choice for homebuilders and DIY pros who are looking to complete their projects as quickly as possible.
Furthermore, drywall is often the de facto choice for homebuilders on a tight budget. A 4’x8′ piece of sheetrock goes for about $25 or $30, while a similar-sized piece of plasterboard costs almost double that amount. The difference might not seem like much at first glance — until you factor in the cost for labor and other expenses.
Plasterwork, for instance, requires a highly skilled technician who can work with the material’s unique properties to achieve the desired effect. Moreover, because plaster takes longer to dry and finish compared to drywall, it may require more days on-site before a contractor can move on to the next construction phase, adding time and cost to the project.
By contrast, drywall can be easily hung and finished in a matter of days, saving homeowners money by spending less time on a construction site waiting around for the walls to dry. Then again, a solid argument can be made in favor of plaster. If the home construction or repairs are in a location with high levels of humidity, the project could end up costing the homeowner more money in the long run. Remember, drywall retains moisture more so than plaster. If a mold infestation breaks out, replacing the drywall can be expensive.
The Bottom Line of Plaster Vs. Drywall
To recap, plaster and drywall are both suitable interior wall coverings. However, they differ in their cost, durability, appearance, and ease of use.
Before making a final decision, homeowners should weigh the differences based on their budgets, intended use of the home, and personal tastes. Doing so can save them a whole lot of money and time in the process, plus avert a costly crisis down the road.
