If you’ve spent as much time as we have looking at drywall and plaster, you know that there is no clear-cut winner. Both are useful for their purposes; drywall for its durability and plaster for its versatility. Both sometimes require plaster or drywall contractors to help with the process. They both come in different materials, from which brand to choose and how they interact with one another. So, which material is better? Both materials can be used effectively in a home construction project so long as they are used properly. Though some differences between them may give you an edge for your finished product.
Let’s look at the two of them to see if drywall or plaster is the right material for your home project.
What is Drywall?
Drywall is often confused with plank or 2×6 wallboard. Drywall is the dried, ready-to-use board commonly used to build walls, especially in homes. It is often made of wood but can also be made of sheetrock or other materials. Drywall is printed or has patterns and is often used for drywall construction, but there are many different types, such as tongue-and-groove and linear.
What is Plaster?
Plaster is a lightweight, cheap alternative to drywall. It is made of fine materials, often sand and water, though other mediums can be used. Although it has a reputation for being cheap and flimsy, it can be an incredibly strong, durable material that bonds well with many different types of construction. Plaster can also be used to decorate and finish walls and ceilings in both residential and commercial applications.
Differences between Drywall and Plaster
Drywall is heavier than plaster and often requires a special tool to remove. If a wall is drywalled, then the hydraulic batter will have to be removed, often by a specialized machine. Drywall is often painted to give it a more finished look compared to the dirt-coloured or tan wall paint used on plasters. Drywall requires less maintenance than plaster, as there are no fine motor skills required to install drywall. However, it requires more work to remove, and removing it often requires a specialized machine. On the other hand, plaster needs less maintenance but can be removed with normal cleaning tools.
Pros of drywall
- Drywall is inexpensive compared to plasters, it costs about half as much to build with. And, if you’re using it in a window, it is half the thickness of plaster.
- Drywall is also lightweight: it may be half as heavy as a traditional frame compared to plasters
- Drywall is a known material: it is almost always the same type of drywall that is used in every house. It is also possible to buy ready-made drywall, but this is rarely quality
- Drywall is easy to work with: it does not require a professional to install, and you can do it by yourself. Drywall is sold in sheets, making it easy to store and transport
- Drywall is also easy to work with: it does not require a professional to install, and you can do it by yourself.
- Drywall is sold in sheets, making it easy to store and transport
- Drywall is also easy to work with: it does not require a professional to install, and you can do it by yourself. Drywall is easy to work with: it does not require professional drywall contractors to install, and you can do it by yourself.
Pros of plaster
- Easy to work with: You don’t need a professional to install plaster compared to drywall
- Plaster is lightweight: it is only as heavy as the average person’s joist compared to drywall
- Plaster is also easy to clean: unlike drywall, which can be messy, the application is easy to take apart and clean
- Plaster is affordable: compared to drywall, it is one of the most affordable materials you can use for a house
Both drywall and plaster have their place in home construction and can be used effectively in various settings. However, there are certain areas where the drywall has the edge over plaster. For example, if you’re planning a large renovation or want to finish a room in a different colour, drywall is the way to go. However, if you’re only planning a small project and prefer to stick with one material, you should probably go with plaster.