A Homeowner’s Guide to Drywall vs. Plaster

Plaster vs. drywall. While the choice might seem like no big deal, the fact is that these two types of walls can totally change the aesthetic vibe, durability, and even the acoustics of your space.

Whether you’re renovating a fixer-upper, building your dream home, or just curious about what’s behind your walls, you need to have vital information in hand to make the best decision for the walls of your home.

Here, the team at Benson Drywall uncovers the details about drywall vs. plaster, how to choose the best option, and who to call for dependable drywall installation and repair in the Portland Metro Area.

What Is Plaster?
What Is Drywall?
9 Key Differences Between Plaster Wall vs. Drywall
How To Decide Between Drywall vs. Plaster Walls
Commonly Asked Questions About Drywall vs. Plaster
Benson Drywall: Portland, Oregon’s #1 Drywall Contractor

What Is Plaster?

Plaster walls are commonly found in homes built before 1950 and were formed by a combination of:

Lime
Sand
Water

Some modern versions may also include gypsum. Plaster walls are created by applying wet plaster over a base of lath composed of wood strips or metal, which hardens into a dense, solid surface. The process involves multiple layers, including a scratch coat, brown coat, and finish coat.

What Is Drywall?

Also referred to as sheetrock or gypsum board, drywall is fabricated from a gypsum core sandwiched between paper layers. Drywall is installed in large panels that are screwed to framing, and the seams are then taped and mudded.

Drywall became the standard in U.S. homes after the mid-20th century.

If you’re in the market for drywall in Portland, Oregon, Benson Drywall offers a wide range of drywall services, including new construction installations, home additions, and repairs for both residential and commercial properties.

9 Key Differences Between Plaster Wall vs. Drywall

As you’re deciding between plaster vs. drywall, the best decision for the walls of your home involves considering several key factors that include:

Installation
Aesthetic
Cost
Durability and feel
Ease of repair
Fire-resistance
Density and noise control
Insulation and energy efficiency
Ease of hanging items

#1: Installation

Installing plaster is a labor-intensive project that requires a skilled craftsman. Due to the multiple days it takes to dry between each layer, it can take up to a week before a wall is ready to paint.

Drywall, on the other hand, allows for quick installation, and a room can often be completed in just one to two days. Installation is also an easier process and can be done with a lower cost of labor.

#2: Aesthetic

Plaster yields a smooth, high-end finish to walls and is the perfect medium for creating curves, textures, and custom details.

Drywall provides a completely flat, uniform aesthetic, and while texturing is possible, the final look will be less refined.

#3: Cost

When it comes to drywall vs. plaster, cost varies significantly.

Plaster has higher material and labor costs, with drywall often being two to three times less expensive overall.

#4: Durability & Feel

Plaster walls are extremely hard and durable, and are known for being especially resistant to dents. They are also more brittle than drywall and are notorious for cracking with house movement and seasonal temperature fluctuations.

Drywall is a softer material and is therefore much easier to dent. On the positive side, it is also more flexible, which means less cracking during natural house shifting.

#5: Ease of Repair

Repairing plaster can be both difficult and time-consuming due to the specialized skill required to match the various textures.

Drywall, in comparison, is much easier to patch, and with a little skill, the job may even be DIY-friendly.

Whether it’s plaster or drywall, small dings or large holes, Benson Drywall’s team of professionals can get the job done. Reach out today for your free estimate!

# 6: Fire-Resistance

While both drywall and plaster are great choices for fire-resistance, due to their gypsum content, plaster is typically the more fire-resistant option due to its density and thickness.

#7: Density & Noise Control

When choosing between the soundproofing qualities of drywall vs. plaster, its natural density makes plaster the winner.

While drywall comes with a lower density, adding a double layer of the material can improve its performance in the noise control category.

#8: Insulation & Energy Efficiency

Plaster delivers a higher level of air sealing and fewer gaps due to its seamless installation process.

Drywall’s insulation and energy efficiently depends heavily on the type of insulation placed behind it. A mineral wool insulation is the recommended option due to its high density that allows it to absorb sound vibrations and reduce airborne noise.

#9: Ease of Hanging Items

Although plaster walls are known for their strong surface, hanging items can be a tricky process since the material can crack when drilled improperly.

Hanging items on drywall requires studs or wall anchors, and if the right method is not followed, you may be left with a sizable hole.

While ultimately, both drywall and plaster require specific techniques, drywall is the more predictable choice.

How To Decide Between Drywall vs. Plaster Walls

Now that we’ve covered the differences between drywall and plaster, let’s narrow in on the most effective use of each type of wall covering so you can make an informed decision for your home.

Opt for plaster walls if:

You want a high-end, solid feel.
You are restoring a historic home.
Soundproofing and aesthetics are important to you.

Opt for drywall if:

You need a fast installation timeline.
You are remodeling or building on a budget.
You value easy repairs and the flexibility for DIY fixes.

Commonly Asked Questions About Drywall vs. Plaster

Is Drywall as Good as Plaster?

In general, drywall is the best option for most modern residential projects due to its:

Speed of installation
Affordability
Ease of repair

Plaster’s premium, solid feel wins for superiority when it comes to:

Durability
Soundproofing
Restoring historic homes

Ultimately, plaster is better for luxury or traditional builds, while drywall is the standard choice for most projects.

How Can I Tell If I Have Plaster Walls vs. Drywall?

If you’re trying to distinguish between plaster vs. drywall, the process is fairly easy when you consider these three factors:

The age of your home: Drywall’s popularity in residential construction began in the early 1950s, but didn’t hit full force until after the 1960s. This means:
- If your home was built before 1950, it likely has plaster.
- If your home was built between 1950 and 1969, your walls could be either plaster or drywall.
- If your home was built after 1970, you likely have drywall.
Flaking paint and cracks: If your walls are free of flaking paint or cracks, it’s a good sign you may have drywall. While drywall doesn’t typically crack, if it does, it will be in smaller areas or around joint seams.

Plaster is more prone to cracking, and when it does, you’ll see it in larger areas, with multiple smaller cracks splintering off from a larger one. You’ll also more commonly find flaking paint on plaster walls.<

The “pushpin test”: If the age of your home and the condition of the walls don’t provide the clues you need, try the pushpin test. Take a thumbtack and, using only your thumb, try to push it through your walls:
- If the pushpin enters the wall, you have drywall.
- If the pushpin is unable to enter the wall, you have plaster.

Which Handles Moisture Best, Plaster or Drywall?

Plaster is exceptionally durable and moisture-resistant. Lime-based plaster, in particular, resists mold since it acts as a breathable, solid barrier that holds up well to high humidity.

Traditional plaster is somewhat resistant to minor moisture, but can crack over time when exposed to excessively damp conditions.

Standard drywall is highly susceptible to water damage. While another form of drywall, known as green board or purple board drywall, is designed to be more water-resistant, it is still less durable than plaster when exposed to moisture over time.

Which Is Easier To Clean, Drywall or Plaster?

In general, plaster is easier to clean and more durable overall because it is denser, harder, and more tolerant to washing.

Drywall’s paper coating can be easily damaged by the use of excessive moisture.

Both drywall and plaster walls can be washed with a mixture of warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap or a gentle, pH-neutral cleaner. Use a damp (not soaking wet) microfiber mop, rag, or sponge, clean in sections, and immediately dry the wall with a clean cloth.

Can You Replace Plaster With Drywall?

You can, and many homeowners choose to do so during renovations to reduce cost and simplify future repairs.

There are two methods to choose from for the process, including:

Entirely tearing out the old plaster and wood lath
Installing drywall directly over the old plaster in a process called “overlaying”

Placing drywall on top of old plaster may require longer screws to hit studs, and can affect the thickness of the trim, and you also may sacrifice some soundproofing and character.

Overlaying is commonly done when the plaster is cracked but still structurally sound, and/or you want a smoother finish without going through a full demolition process.

Benson Drywall: Portland, Oregon’s #1 Drywall Contractor

At Benson Drywall, we’re well known for our attention to detail and our unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality results on every project, large or small.

Our skilled and personable team members are not only superstars at meeting deadlines, but we also take pride in exceeding our clients’ expectations, ensuring both commercial and residential projects are completed on time and within budget.

If you’re looking for a reliable and trustworthy drywall contractor in Portland with years of experience in the industry, you’ve found us.

Request a free estimate today.