Plaster vs. Drywall: What’s the Difference?

Plaster and drywall are two common materials used to finish interior walls. While both serve the same purpose, they differ in terms of installation, durability, aesthetics, and cost. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide which is best for your project.

Plaster vs drywall

Feature Plaster Drywall
Material Composition Lime or gypsum + sand + water (applied in layers) Gypsum core sandwiched between paper sheets
Installation Hand-applied over lath or mesh; labor-intensive Pre-made sheets screwed to studs; faster install
Finish Smooth, seamless, or textured; flexible design Flat or textured; uniform appearance
Durability Harder surface, more crack-prone Softer surface, easier to dent or damage
Soundproofing Better due to wall thickness Moderate
Insulation Slightly better thermal and acoustic insulation Good, especially with insulation behind
Fire Resistance High (burns slower) Standard fire resistance
Repair Difficulty Harder; often requires a professional Easier DIY repair with patch kits
Cost (Installed) $2 – $10 per sq. ft. $1 – $3 per sq. ft.
DIY Friendly Not recommended Yes
Best Use Historic restorations, high-end interiors Standard modern construction

Plaster is applied wet over wood lath or metal mesh in multiple coats. It requires more time, skill, and curing.

Drywall consists of gypsum boards screwed into studs, then finished with joint compound over seams.

Plaster

Pros:
  • Superior soundproofing and fire resistance
  • High-end finish with custom textures and curves
  • Long-lasting when installed correctly
Cons:
  • Expensive to install
  • Time-consuming and labor-intensive
  • Can crack with home movement

Drywall

Pros:
  • Affordable and widely available
  • Easy to install and repair
  • Compatible with modern construction standards
Cons:
  • Less durable than plaster
  • Visible seams if not finished well
  • Limited design flexibility

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose plaster if you want a premium, traditional finish or are restoring a historic home.

Choose drywall for cost-efficiency, faster installation, and easier maintenance in modern builds.

The post Plaster vs. Drywall: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Homedit.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What Height Should You Hang a Towel Bar?

Image
Installing a towel bar at the right height makes your bathroom more functional and keeps towels off the floor. The standard height is 42 to 48 inches from the floor to the bar. In compact spaces like RVs, 42 inches works better, while hotels often use 48 inches for extra clearance. Towel Type Typical Size Ideal Bar Height Bath Towel 27″ x 52″ to 30″ x 58″ 44–48 inches from floor Bath Sheet 35″ x 60″ to 40″ x 70″ 48 inches or more Hand Towel 16″ x 28″ to 18″ x 30″ Use a towel ring (50–52″ high) Washcloth ~13″ x 13″ Use shelf or hook Towel Bar vs. Towel Ring Towel Bar: Best for bath towels and sheets; install near the shower or tub. Towel Ring: Ideal for hand towels; usually placed near the sink, around 50–52 inches high. Height Adjustments for Kids or This makes your article more inclusive: For kids: Lower the bar to 36–40 inches. Accessibility (ADA Standards) For ADA-compliant bathrooms: Towel bars should be mounted between 15″ and 48″ above t...
Read more

Get Rid Of Wood Mites

Image
Wood mites are not considered dangerous or toxic. An infestation is unsightly and annoying. Some people have allergic reactions to the tiny hairs and skin that wood mites shed. Symptoms are similar to those caused by dust mites–including itching, skin redness, and respiratory issues. Wood mites are more difficult to spot than to eliminate. What Are Wood Mites? Wood mites are tiny (less than 1/16 inch long) and white–almost translucent–and are bugs related to spiders and ticks. Individual mites are difficult to spot but gather in groups that look like white spots. Wood mites are attracted to damp wood where they feed on cellulose, dead insects, and mold. Identifying Wood Mite Infestations Wood mites do not cause major structural problems but over time they damage furniture and other wood items. Their size makes them difficult to spot but here are some signs that may indicate mite infestations. Dust-Like Particles . May be mite feces and/or shed skin on wood surfaces. White Or Br...
Read more

Porch vs. Patio – What’s the Difference?

Image
Porches and patios both create outdoor living spaces, but they serve different purposes and have distinct structural features. Whether you’re planning to build or simply want to identify what you have, here’s a quick guide to help you understand the difference between a porch and a patio. Feature Porch Patio Attachment Attached to the home Typically detached or adjacent at ground level Roof Always has a roof Usually uncovered, can have added shade Typical Location Front, side, or back of the house Backyard or side yard Elevation Slightly raised with steps Built at ground level Materials Wood, composite, or matching home finishes Concrete, pavers, gravel, or stone Design Purpose Transition space, welcoming entry Recreational space for dining or lounging Privacy Less private (often front-facing) More private (typically backyard) Cost Higher due to roofing and attachment Lower and often DIY-friendly Maintenance Needs regular cleaning, e...
Read more