At the beginning of the 20th century, plaster was the predominant choice.
interior wall covering
In North America, this trend persisted for many subsequent decades. However, circumstances have altered since that time. Initially launched in 1916 by United States Gypsum (USG), drywall has predominantly supplanted plaster. The majority of homes now see fewer instances of plaster as drywall becomes increasingly prevalent.
plaster walls
were built before 1940.
The advantages of drywall, such as its reduced expense, straightforward installation process, and durability, gained recognition from those in the construction industry during wartime and the subsequent surge in housing development after the war. Nowadays, plastering has become a specialized craft, making it challenging to locate proficient laborers.
If you’re struggling to choose
plaster vs drywall
, be aware thatDIY enthusiasts can manage
plaster repairs
Keep in mind that DIY enthusiasts can manage plaster repairs, but they should undertake a complete installation only after getting expert guidance and gaining experience. Although crafting plaster walls demands greater expertise, it offers several distinct benefits compared to using drywall. This is precisely why it is experiencing a resurgence in popularity.
What is plaster?
Plaster stands as one of the most ancient construction materials used by humanity, tracing its roots back to the prehistoric era. The majority of plasters can be created by combining substances like lime, gypsum, or even cement with water and sand.
The resultant mixture adheres to nearly any surface it’s applied to—whether it’s wood or otherwise.
brick
, stone, or metal lath. Despite feeling smooth like velvet, dry plaster is robust enough to endure for generations.
In addition to being widely available and sturdy, plaster stands out as an exceptionally breathable substance that soaks up dampness during humid periods and then returns this moisture when conditions become drier. Although handling it can be quite untidy, the advantages offered by a plaster wall contribute positively to the indoor climate of your house, thus positioning it as a strong candidate for your upcoming renovation endeavor!
What is drywall?
Drywall
The omnipresent but often overlooked champion of modern building techniques is none other than drywall. This versatile material consists of a gypsum core encased within durable paper facings and finds application in constructing walls and ceilings. Despite being robust, drywall remains light enough to handle easily, facilitating the creation of seamless and consistent finishes characteristic of current construction standards. Its adaptability allows for effortless cutting, molding, shaping, and transporting, which makes it highly preferred among experts as well as hobbyist builders.
Drywall’s consistency enables it to take well to various finishes like paint, wallpaper, or textures, making it ideal for contemporary designs. Its ease of cutting combined with good holding power when installed properly makes it practical. Additionally, fire resistance and excellent noise reduction properties are significant advantages that have established drywall as the preferred construction material throughout much of the past hundred years.
Plaster versus Drywall: Significant Distinctions
Construction methods
The conventional approach to setting up a plaster wall involves coating the surface
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. Meticulous layering helps with insulation and soundproofing, as well as the visually seamless finish.
Today, a metal mesh backing is usually used instead of wood lath. While the application procedure is similar to
applying stucco
For external walls, the mesh improves toughness and resistance against structural movements and fissures.
On the contrary, drywall comes in big sheets made of pressed gypsum covered with paper. It can be nailed or screwed directly onto the studs; however, screwing is advised. After installation, you must apply a paste-like substance known as joint compound.
joint compound
(frequently called mud) along the seams to form a seamless surface. This method is quicker and requires significantly less filler material compared to working with plaster walls. Such streamlined techniques are one of drywall’s major benefits, enabling faster construction and reducing expenses.
Since drywall panels have predetermined dimensions (typically 4×8 feet), wall studs should be correctly positioned during construction so that the edges of these panels align with them. The typical distance between studs is 16 inches center-to-center; however, this measurement doesn’t apply when applying plaster as the underlying lath, rather than the studs, holds up the plaster layer.
This makes plaster a perfect option for an older house with uneven stud spacing. Additionally, should ornate architecture and design be what you’re after—plaster is the way to go, as it can infuse your project with both skillful workmanship and charm.
Pros and cons
Below are the pros and cons of using plaster versus drywall.
Plaster wall advantages
-
Wood lath, covered by several layers of plaster, provides better sound insulation than drywall.
-
Plaster is more fire-resistant than drywall, especially when laid over metal lath. You can also opt for fire-retardant
coating
.
-
Because plaster is more contour-friendly than drywall, it’s easier to apply to
curved walls
.
-
The textured feel of plaster is preferred in historical houses or those with traditional Old World aesthetics.
Plaster wall disadvantages
-
A significant drawback of using plaster is the additional exertion and expertise required for installation.
-
Plaster is fragile and has a higher tendency than
drywall to crack
when a home settles.
-
It’s considerably harder to cut through plaster walls when you have to undertake plumbing or electrical updates or fixes.
-
Since plaster walls are thicker, they have the potential to obstruct Wi-Fi signals at times.
Drywall benefits
-
Drywall becomes perfectly smooth when correctly finished, and you can
add a texture
, if you want.
-
When it comes to thermal insulation, drywall has a minor advantage over plaster.
-
You can readily
cut holes in drywall
To perform in-wall repairs, and fixing holes is quite simple.
-
Drywall installation costs less than plaster.
-
It’s simpler to mount items on drywall.
Drywall disadvantages
-
Drywall sheets
They are quite weighty. Their installation typically demands at least two individuals and specialized tools like drywall jacks to hoist and properly place the panels prior to securing them.
-
Moving drywall panels can be difficult, and they should always be kept in a location free from moisture.
Expense of Plaster Compared to Drywall
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.
A typical drywall job might cost between $1 and $3 per square foot. But a plaster job costs from $2 to $10, according to 2025 data from Home Advisor.
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
When selecting plaster for renovation projects, keep the following points in mind:
-
In an older home where the studs aren’t spaced conventionally, you may apply plaster directly without needing to reframe. This isn’t possible when using drywall.
-
Plastering demands expertise and can be easily botched. Companies like USG provide corner beads and trims that simplify the process, yet errors remain challenging to correct. This is due to plaster solidifying through a chemical reaction rather than drying, making it harder to smooth out compared to regular drywall compound.
-
In addition to setting up the lath, you must apply a minimum of three layers of plaster. The tools required for this process are comparable to those utilized for
drywall finishing
, but you need a full set of
carpentry tools
To set up a wood lathe, follow the instructions provided with your equipment. For installing drywall, the essential tools include a utility knife or drywall saw, a T-square, a measuring tape, and a screw gun.
-
Plastering requires considerably more time compared to installing and finishing drywall. Since plaster gets rigid and unworkable once it sets, it’s essential to establish achievable objectives. With drywall, you typically can complete taping and applying joint compound across an entire room within just a few hours, particularly if you employ techniques designed for efficiency.
tool like a banjo
It could take a day or longer for an inexperienced worker to put one layer of plaster on the identical space.
Painting plaster vs drywall
Plaster is more absorbent compared to drywall, and the lime within it may lead to stains seeping through the finish coat. Therefore, you require a distinct type of primer as opposed to what you would use for drywall.
Painting plaster
A stain-blocking primer—preferably oil-based—is best for plaster. If the plaster is old and you have to patch cracks, you can usually do it with a flexible, paintable caulk before priming. Once the primer dries, you can apply any topcoat compatible with the primer.
Painting drywall
Drywall primers contain PVA adhesives and are water-based, inexpensive and emit few volatile organic compounds (VOCs). After the primer dries, you can apply any compatible water- or oil-based topcoat.
Hanging things on plaster vs 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.
You cannot pound nails into plaster as it will cause cracks. To hang heavy objects, use screws that are long enough to reach the lath supporting the wall from behind or locate a wooden stud. If you lack access to a stud and your wall has metal lathing, toggle bolts serve as another solution. When using them, drill holes precisely to prevent fracturing the plaster.
FAQ
Is plaster more long-lasting than drywall?
Yes, plaster is indeed more durable. It is resistant to dents, cracks and other forms of wear. This makes plaster a good choice if you’re going for longevity.
What is the cost difference between plaster vs drywall?
Plaster is significantly pricier than drywall. While plaster can cost between $2 and $10 per square foot, drywall is much cheaper — priced at $1 to $3 per square foot. Labor is another aspect of the expense you should account for, since plaster requires more skill and expertise to handle.
Which is better for older homes, plaster or drywall?
For older homes, plaster is preferable because of its flexibility. It can adjust to uneven surfaces and still mimic the visual appeal and surface textures typical of historic buildings.
Can drywall mimic the appearance of plaster?
Although drywall can mimic certain aspects of plaster with the use of joint compound and textured finishes, it fails to equal the craftsmanship or richness of true plaster, particularly noticeable in complex patterns.
Sources:
-
Exploring History Through Plastering: A Journey Into Plastering Throughout the Eras
-
Home Advisor
How much will plastering walls cost in 2025?
-
National Gypsum
: “
Drywall Terminology: Key Terms Explained
-
Science Direct
: “
Gypsum Plaster”
