Plaster and drywall are two materials commonly used to construct walls and ceilings. Both materials have their own advantages and disadvantages, and understanding the differences between them can help you make a more informed decision when constructing or remodelling your home.
The Definition of Plaster
Plaster has been used to coat walls and ceilings since the time of the ancient Egyptians. The outer walls of ancient structures and temples were protected with clay plaster and lime plaster. In the late nineteenth century, workers covered the interior walls of dwellings with cement plaster.
Putty board and wet plaster are the two most common plaster varieties used today. Plaster of Paris, or wet plaster, is made by mixing powdered clay, sand, cement, lime, or gypsum with water. This plaster powder can be reconstituted with water into a slurry or thick paste and then applied to walls with a trowel. Plaster and stucco look similar and share certain ingredients, but stucco is a decorative plaster used to produce a rustic aesthetic, whereas plaster gives a smooth surface when daubed on walls to conceal defects on a final layer.
The Definition of Drywall
Drywall, also known as sheetrock, cement board, wallboard, or gypsum board, can be purchased as either individual panels or as a joint compound. Drywall panels are made from gypsum (calcium sulphate dihydrate) and paper on both sides by manufacturers. This keeps the board in place when drywall screws or other fasteners are used to attach it to the wall.
Traditional drywall panels are used to insulate and protect the studs in a wall in a newly constructed home. Some manufacturers offer specialised drywall varieties with additives to enhance their functioning or conform to varying building requirements. For instance, in comparison to gypsum plaster blue board, the mould and water resistance of green board drywall is much higher. The latter is made from varying thicknesses of paper to resemble plaster. Basements and workplaces can benefit from the availability of soundproof drywall.
The Main Distinctions between the Materials
Before choosing a building material for your next do-it-yourself home renovation job, consider the distinctions between plaster and drywall.
1. Plaster Is More Expensive than Dry Wall to Install
Drywall and plaster have comparable material costs, but drywall installation takes a lot less time and skill to complete. To satisfy increased housing demand and reduce labour costs in the decades following World War II, builders largely phased out plasterwork in favour of drywall. Previously, covering a full wall required the laborious and time-consuming procedure of lath and plaster.
2. Drywall Is Not as Energy Efficient as Plaster
Greater insulation and temperature control can be achieved with plaster walls since they are thicker than regular drywall walls. The inside walls of a home can be made more soundproof or fireproof by increasing their thickness to this extent.
3. Compared to Drywall, High-Quality Plaster Walls Are Far Harder and Longer-Lasting
The walls of an old house can be examined with the help of a thumbtack, as the tack will go through the drywall much more easily than the plaster. Plaster can increase a building’s stability and safety because of its higher tensile strength and longer lifespan as a finished product. If the wall is in bad shape before you repaint it, you can veneer plaster over it or add more skim coats of plaster.
Conclusion
Plaster and drywall are two very different materials. Plaster is much more durable and fire-resistant than drywall. Drywall is much easier to install and repair than plaster. Plaster is the better choice for high-traffic areas or areas that require a lot of wear and tear, while drywall is the better choice for low-traffic areas.
Ultimately, the choice of plaster or drywall will depend on the individual circumstances of each project.
If you are looking for experienced plasterers on the Gold Coast, look no further than our experts here at We Plaster & Recruit. We are a registered plastering company providing the best plastering services with operations throughout Brisbane, Gold Coast and Queensland areas. Call us today, and let us deal with your cracked ceiling in no time!