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Plaster is material classically used for creating interior wall surfacing. This material requires intensive work by an experienced worker. Plaster is laid by hand over thing wooden strips, needing a steady hand and a lot of time. Drywall is much less time and labor intensive, quickly making it the preferred method for wall surfacing. It consists of gypsum pressed between sheets of heavy paper, typically in 4' by 8' sheets. An entire home can be drywalled quickly and inexpensively as these panels only need to be screwed into place. Taping, spackling, and sanding the seams and screw holes finishes the process. Experienced drywall installers can make seams nearly invisible, so ensure that you hire reputable and reliable installers for your drywall projects for the best results.

Drywall and Plastering Article Archive:

"Finding the Right Drywall & Plaster Contractor" Drywall and plaster repair and renovation is a common project in any home. Unfortunately, it is not a project for the do-it-yourselfer and should be left to a professional. Finding a drywall and plaster contractor will save you time, money, future repairs, and add value to your home.

"Repainting Your Plaster Walls" Repainting plaster walls involves different techniques than just repainting drywall walls. This can be a complex, detailed and time-consuming project. Special techniques and patching need to be done to ensure a consistent and professional look.

Featured Drywall and Plastering Articles:

Drywall and Plaster

Text by Dierdra Doran

Plastering was an ancient craft, beginning centuries ago when early people covered sticks with mud to protect a structure. Eventually a system called lath and plaster developed using a series of wooden strips attached to the framework of a structure that was covered with plaster. This plaster then hardened into a surface covering. Plastering was considered a very skilled craft that was learned by apprenticing to a master tradesman for years. Fibers like horsehair were eventually added to strengthen the finished plaster wall.

Plastering is not used as much as it was, but there is still some need for this skill. In older homes, conventional plaster walls and ceilings often need repair, in addition to ceiling medallions and crown moldings. There is also a Venetian plaster "faux" technique that creates a texture that can resemble other finishes, like stucco or marble.

Following the Second World War, most homes used a wall covering called drywall or gypsum board. Drywall was found to be a strong material, resistant to fire but also easy to repair. This wallboard was quick and simple to install, and cost much less than the labor-intensive plastering. Because of its versatility, drywall became used almost exclusively since it looked like a plastered wall but didn't crack as plaster inevitably did.

The production of drywall typically involves a layer of gypsum powder mixed with water and other materials pressed between two thick sheets of paper. This is rolled into sheets and kiln dried. Sizes of the drywall sheets vary, but most are 4' x 8'. The drywall sheets are fastened to structural studs with screws. After the walls are completed, a gypsum compound called "mud" is applied to the holes left by the screws and on the seams which are covered with drywall tape. The mud is sanded and the compound reapplied until is a smooth surface. The drywall can be primed and painted.

While plaster had a beauty and character, it also had the downside of cracking after a period of time. Drywall offered a suitable solution to having a finish surface on the walls that is attractive, affordable, and easy to install.