Plaster vs Drywall – Difference Between Plaster and Drywall

Plaster

Plaster is considered something of a high-end finish for walls. A plasterer is often well paid because it is a skilled job that takes a lot of practice. Installing a wall is very labor-intensive. People often texture their plaster walls and ceilings and then paint over them instead of having wallpaper. It is often advisable to have some form of wall insulation if you have plaster on your walls, as it is not as good at keeping heat or cold out or in respectively. It is quite good when it comes to sound insulation. It is often the most expensive option when considering having drywall or plaster.

plastering wall
plastering wall

Drywall

Drywall is often cheaper to install. This is mostly because it is quicker and not as labor-intensive to install. It also does not require the work of such as skilled person, though correct installation cannot be done by just anyone. Drywall can be installed very quickly and is more popular in North America than plaster. Drywall is not as good at plaster when it comes to sound insulation because it is often a lot thinner. You can purchase varieties that allow for various levels of heat insulation. Drywall does not tend to last as long as plaster, unless the plaster is subject to prolonged moist conditions. Both plaster and drywall may be protected against moisture.

drywall - difference between drywall and plaster
drywall

Difference Between Plaster and Drywall

Plaster and dry wall has many differences in various aspects which are listed below as plaster vs drywall table.

Plaster

Drywall

Plaster is often more expensive to install. Drywall is the cheaper to install of the two.
Plaster may or may not be thicker when on the walls, but often has a far denser mass. Drywall panels tend to be thin, but may be larger if insulation and extras are added.
Plaster walls are very labor-intensive for installation. Installing drywall can be done quite quickly and is not as labor intensive as plaster.
Plaster is a good sound insulator. It may be installed so it is a good heat insulator.
Plaster installation takes the work of a skilled professional. Professionals need not be as skilled if they want to install drywall.
It takes three times longer to install than drywall. Due to the fact it comes in panels, it is often far quicker to install drywall when compared with plaster.
It may be used as the final wall coating, with the exception of paint. It does not look as good on its own as plaster does unless it is covered or modified in some way.
Plaster is slightly more durable in the right conditions. Drywall is far easier to damage than plaster, especially as the result of a concentrated impact.

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