Drywall Vs Plaster: Which Wall Material Is Best For Your Home?

When it comes to interior wall construction, homeowners often face the choice between drywall and plaster. This decision can significantly impact not only the aesthetics of your home but also its acoustics, durability, and overall value. Whether you’re renovating a century home or building a new property, understanding the differences between these two popular wall materials is essential for making an informed choice that suits your needs, budget, and timeline.

Methodology: How We’re Comparing Drywall and Plaster

In this comparison, we’ll evaluate drywall and plaster across several key categories including installation process, cost, durability, sound insulation, aesthetic qualities, maintenance requirements, and environmental considerations. Our assessment is based on industry standards, homeowner experiences shared on platforms like Reddit’s r/centuryhomes, and expert opinions from contractors and preservationists.

Specifications Comparison: Drywall vs. Plaster at a Glance

Installation Process and Timeline

Drywall Installation

Drywall installation is relatively straightforward and quick. Large sheets of gypsum board are attached to wall studs, seams are taped and mudded, and then the surface is sanded smooth. The process typically requires multiple applications of joint compound with drying time between coats. From start to finish, a standard room can be completed in a few days.

Plaster Installation

Traditional plaster walls involve a more labor-intensive process requiring specialized skills. First, wooden or metal lath is attached to studs, followed by multiple coats of plaster applied by hand. Each coat must dry completely before the next is applied, extending the timeline to weeks for completion.

Modern veneer plaster offers a middle ground. As noted by homeowners in renovation forums, “veneer plaster gets finished much quicker than drywall.” It uses a thin layer of plaster over special gypsum boards, combining some benefits of both materials while reducing installation time compared to traditional plaster.

Cost Considerations

Drywall Costs

Drywall is significantly more affordable, both in materials and labor. The standardized installation process requires less specialized skill, making it the budget-friendly option for most new construction and renovations.

Plaster Costs

Plaster walls typically cost 2-3 times more than drywall. The higher expense comes from both materials and the skilled labor required for proper application. However, many homeowners consider this an investment, as one Quora respondent noted, “Plaster adds value – it looks much better than drywall and is known for its high quality.”

Durability and Longevity

Drywall Durability

Drywall is more susceptible to damage from impacts and moisture. It can develop holes from door knobs or furniture bumps relatively easily. However, it’s also easier and less expensive to repair when damaged.

Plaster Durability

Plaster walls are significantly more durable and can last for generations. Many century homes still have their original plaster walls in good condition after 100+ years. Plaster is harder, denser, and more resistant to everyday wear and tear. It also handles moisture better, with fewer issues related to mold and mildew compared to standard drywall.

Aesthetic Qualities

Drywall Appearance

Drywall provides a smooth, uniform surface but often shows visible seams over time. As one homeowner commented on a renovation forum, “Drywall is uneven, has visible seams and is generally lower quality looking.”

Plaster Appearance

Plaster walls offer a distinctive look with subtle texture variations that catch light differently throughout the day. They can be finished with various textures and can even include curves and architectural details that are difficult to achieve with drywall. Many homeowners appreciate the character and craftsmanship evident in plaster walls.

Sound Insulation Properties

Drywall Acoustics

Standard 1/2″ drywall provides moderate sound insulation. Sound transmission can be reduced by using special sound-dampening drywall or adding insulation between walls.

Plaster Acoustics

Plaster walls are significantly better at reducing sound transmission. As noted in a Quora response, “Plaster walls are quieter than regular 1/2″ drywall.” The density and thickness of plaster naturally absorb and block sound more effectively, creating a quieter living environment.

Identifying Your Wall Type

Not sure whether your home has plaster or drywall? Here are five ways to tell the difference:

1. The Tap Test: Plaster sounds solid when tapped, while drywall sounds hollow.
2. Wall Thickness: Plaster walls are typically thicker, especially at doorways and windows.
3. Surface Texture: Plaster often has slight imperfections and a handcrafted look.
4. Nail or Screw Behavior: Nails tend to bounce off plaster but sink easily into drywall.
5. Age of Home: Homes built before 1950 typically have plaster walls, while newer homes usually have drywall.

As noted by Picture Hang Solutions, “You’ll see cracks, texture, flaking paint, and even curves” in plaster walls that help distinguish them from drywall.

Pros and Cons Summary

Drywall Pros and Cons

Pros:
– More affordable
– Faster installation
– Easier to repair
– Widely available materials and contractors
– Good for DIY projects

Cons:
– Less durable
– Poorer sound insulation
– More susceptible to moisture damage
– Less distinctive appearance
– Visible seams may develop over time

Plaster Pros and Cons

Pros:
– Superior durability
– Excellent sound insulation
– Better moisture resistance
– Distinctive, high-quality appearance
– Adds value to home
– Can include custom details and curves

Cons:
– Significantly more expensive
– Requires specialized skills to install
– Longer installation timeline
– More difficult to repair
– Fewer qualified contractors available

Recommendations for Different Situations

Best for Historic Homes: Plaster is the clear choice for maintaining the authenticity and character of historic properties. If you own a century home with original plaster walls, preservation is often worth the investment.

Best for New Construction on a Budget: Drywall offers the most economical solution without sacrificing basic functionality for new builds with budget constraints.

Best for Sound Control: If acoustics are a priority (home theaters, music rooms, or homes in noisy areas), plaster provides superior sound insulation.

Best Compromise Solution: Modern veneer plaster over blueboard offers a middle ground, providing some of plaster’s benefits with less installation time and lower cost than traditional plaster.

The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

The choice between drywall and plaster ultimately depends on your specific priorities, budget, and the nature of your project.

Choose drywall if you’re working with tight budget constraints, need a quicker installation timeline, or anticipate needing to make frequent changes to your space in the future.

Choose plaster if you value superior durability, better sound insulation, distinctive aesthetics, and are willing to invest more upfront for long-term quality. Plaster is particularly worth considering for historic home renovations, high-end new construction, or spaces where acoustic performance matters.

Modern veneer plaster systems offer an attractive compromise for those who appreciate plaster’s benefits but are constrained by time or budget considerations, combining some advantages of both traditional materials.