What Are the Advantages of Drywall Over Plaster?
When thinking about what materials to cover the interior walls, you need to weigh some options when deciding whether to use plaster or drywall. The two most common ways to finish your interior walls are by using plaster or drywall.
There are critical and valid reasons to choose one of these materials over the other. They both have their plusses and minuses.
The plaster has been used for a long time! This material is prepared by mixing sand, water, lime, and, historically, animal hair that gives an incredibly smooth finish.
Drywall is comprised of 4-foot by 8-foot boards that are cut down to the sizes needed. The drywall is applied with screws and then mudded and taped to cover the seams.
Cost
Drywall is less expensive and simpler to install. It's not complicated to repair, and there is less time to wait before the material is ready to paint.
When installing plaster on the wall it requires to be done in different stages.
This includes a scratch coat, brown coat, and finish coat. This important process takes time which can lead to expensive labor charges. Plaster must be applied by an expert to avoid uneven walls and cracking.
Similarly, there is an enormous amount of skill required to do a good job with plaster. So, it's more expensive to apply.
TIME
Time is money. Drywall can be applied to a wall in less time. It's ready for paint in less time. It is overall a cheaper installation, however plaster can go on some uneven surfaces better than drywall in some cases.
Drywall can last a long time, but plaster may last longer. Of course, both would be damaged if they got wet.
You need also to consider the specific application when deciding which would be better. Factors like budget and time are very important when selecting these materials.
Of course, if you are planning to use metal/steel studs you don't need to worry about these thing: drywall is by far the best and the only de facto solution for steel stud frames.
If you're wondering whether you should use drywall or plaster, check with the experts.
If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about your residential or commercial project, please call us at (604) 532-1991 or email us at info@turnerbros.ca.
Turner Bros Contractors Ltd. has been providing steel-stud framing, drywall, and acoustic ceiling services for residential and commercial applications in the Vancouver area since 1932. The company is family-run with four generations of the family represented in the business.
Links
https://homefixated.com/plaster-vs-drywall/
https://www.thegreenage.co.uk/drywall-vs-plaster-which-is-better/
https://www.gypsumtools.com/blog/drywall-vs-plaster-whats-best/