It dries to a hard, polished finish that can look great without priming or painting.
Drywall comes in pre-cut panels that are relatively easy to install.
It is generally less expensive than plaster and well-suited to newer homes with standard stud spacing.
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Construction Method
Installing plaster and installing drywall involve two different processes.
Metal mesh backing can also be used instead of wood lath for a more uniform base.
Since drywall comes in pre-cut panels, the panels need to be mounted to the studs with nails orscrews.
“Plaster requires more labor-intensive installation, making it a more expensive choice upfront,” Qian says.
DIY Installation
Drywall is more suitable for beginner DIYers when it comes toinstallation.
Drywall is relatively affordable, so if you make a mistake, drywall is more affordable to fix.
Plastering the walls requires more skill than drywalling, and is easy to mess up.
Durability
One of the main benefits of choosing plaster over drywall is the superior level of durability.
Plaster is also fire-resistant and mold-resistant, helping to keep the home protected.
Drywall isn’t as hard as plaster, so it is more vulnerable to abrasive and impact damage.
However, drywall doesn’t crack or break as easily when using nails to hang wall decor.
“For ease of maintenance, drywall generally has the advantage,” Qian says.
Plaster also requires periodicre-plastering to address cracksor other damage."
Another tell is whether the paint is cracked or flaking.
Generally, paint is more likely to crack and flake on plaster.
One of the best methods to tell if the wall is plaster or drywall is with a pushpin.
Simply take a pushpin or thumbtack and attempt to push it into the wall.
Plaster vs. Drywall: Which Is Better?
Mold will typically grow on any surface where the roots can settle into, like drywall.
It can also grow on plaster, though this building material is more resistant to mold growth than drywall.
For instance, gypsum plaster doesn’t generally need to breathe, but lime plaster does.
Plaster vs. Drywall: Dissecting the Differences.
