When it comes to building materials, there are a lot of choices out there. Unfortunately, it can take a lot of work for the average homeowner to know which material is best for their needs. In this blog post, we’ll closely examine two popular choices: drywall and plaster.
We’ll compare and contrast the two materials in terms of their composition, benefits, and drawbacks. By this post’s end, you should better understand which material is best suited for your next home improvement project.
Let’s get started on this plaster vs drywall comparison with the composition of the materials…
Difference Between Drywall and Plaster: The Composition
One of the most significant difference between drywall and plaster is their composition.
Drywall comprises gypsum plasterboard, a combination of plaster and wood fiber. It then adheres to a wall or ceiling with a strong adhesive. The plasterboard is then covered with paper or fabric printed with a design.
On the other hand, plaster is a mixture of lime, sand, water, and sometimes animal hair. It is applied to walls and ceilings with a trowel in thin layers. Once it dries, it forms a hard surface that can be painted or wallpapered. Plaster is also used to make decorative plasterwork, such as cornices and moldings.
Why People Choose Drywall
When it comes to plaster vs drywall benefits, drywall and plaster both have a lot to offer. Here are the benefits of drywall, aka drywall plaster board.
Drywall is Cheap and Easy to Install
Drywall is cheaper and easier to install than plaster, making it a popular choice for homeowners and contractors alike. In addition, while plaster offers a more finished look, drywall can be painted or textured to achieve a similar effect.
In addition, drywall is often considered more durable than plaster, making it a better option for areas subject to moisture or high traffic.
Drywall is typically easier to install than plaster. It’s also more forgiving when it comes to mistakes-plaster takes a long time to dry, so any mistakes made during installation are permanent.
Drywall is Fire-Resistant
Drywall is a better insulator than plaster and is less likely to burn, making it more fire-resistant. In a fire, drywall will char on the surface but will not likely ignite or continue to burn. Plaster, on the other hand, is more likely to ignite and continue to burn in a fire.
Drywall is Stronger
Plaster is more likely to crack than drywall. Drywall is also less susceptible to impact damage, making it a better choice for areas with a lot of traffic or activity, such as around doorknobs.
Drywall is Versatile
Drywall can be painted, textured, or covered with wallpaper. Plaster, on the other hand, is more challenging to paint because it will require a few layers to cover adequately; it also does not adhere well to wallpaper.
In addition, plaster is not as quickly repaired as drywall-if plaster cracks or chips, it will need to be replaced entirely.
Drywall is easier to hang items on
Because drywall is more robust, it can better support the weight of heavier items like pictures and mirrors. In addition, plaster is more likely to crack under the weight of these items, making drywall a better choice for homes with rich décor.
Why People Choose Plaster
Plaster has been used as a building material for centuries and offers several benefits. Here are some reasons why plaster might be the right choice for your next project.
Plaster Is More Soundproof
Plaster does a better job of blocking sound than drywall. This is because plaster is denser and has a higher mass, which prevents sound waves from passing through as quickly.
Plaster is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a material to help reduce noise in your home.
Plaster Can Last Longer
Plaster is also more durable than drywall. Plaster walls can last centuries if correctly cared for, while drywall usually lasts only 50 years. This means you won’t have to worry about replacing your plaster walls as often as you would with drywall.
Plaster Has a Better Finish
Plaster can be polished to a smooth, shiny finish that drywall cannot match. Plaster can also be textured in various ways, giving you more design options for your space.
Plaster is the way to go if you’re looking for a high-end material that can give your home a high-end look.
Plaster is Better Suited For Historic Homes
While both plaster and drywall can achieve a smooth finish, plaster is the better choice for older homes. This is because plaster was the original material used in homes before drywall became popular in the mid-20th century. Therefore, plaster was likely used in construction if your home was built before drywall became common.
Considering renovating an older home, it’s essential to know that plaster can be repaired much more quickly than drywall. Plaster can also be patched without needing complete replacement, which is often necessary with drywall.
The rough texture of plaster is desirable in historic homes or ones with old-world designs. Plaster can create a textured, rustic look that drywall cannot match. Plaster is also better at hiding imperfections in walls, which can be helpful if your home’s walls need to be perfectly straight.
Easily Applied to Curved Walls
Plaster is an excellent material for curved walls because it can be easily applied and molded to the desired shape. In addition, unlike drywall, plaster doesn’t require a lot of adhesives to stay in place. This makes it a good choice for walls that are not straight.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
So now the difference between drywall and plaster are clear, it’s time to figure out which is going to be best for you.
It depends on your budget and needs. If you’re looking for a quick and easy installation, drywall is the way to go. However, plaster can provide a much more polished look if you’re willing to pay more and put in a little extra effort.
Plaster is also better at hiding imperfections, so if your walls are not perfectly straight, plaster may be the better option.
What is the Most Popular To Use? (It’s Drywall)
Drywall is cheaper and hassle-free than plaster, boasting many other advantages, from its thermal qualities to its flexibility, making it the most popular choice of material when adding it to a home.
Although that does not mean people never use plaster, if they can afford it and are willing to pay the money for a professional to apply it, then plaster can offer a much more polished and finished look.
Final Words
There you have it! A comprehensive guide to plaster vs drywall – two of the most popular building materials on the market today.
We hope this guide has helped you better understand the difference between these two materials and how they might best (or not best) suit your needs.
As always, consult with a professional before beginning any home improvement project to ensure that your vision becomes a reality-safely and within budget!
