Written by

Jennifer Carlson

June 5, 2025

Edited by

Tara Farmer

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

Drywall vs. plaster

When choosing between plaster and drywall for walls or ceilings, homeowners and builders must weigh factors like cost, durability, installation, and appearance. Each material offers unique advantages and drawbacks, making the decision important for both new construction and renovations. Understanding their differences helps ensure the best results for your project.

What is plaster?

Plaster, or lathe and plaster, is a building material made from mixing water, cement or sand, and lime or gypsum. Workers apply it as a paste, and it hardens to form a protective or decorative surface. Pros can also mold plaster for ornamental elements or use it for casting.

The most common types include gypsum plaster (plaster of Paris), lime plaster, and cement plaster. Each type offers unique properties, such as fire resistance or breathability. Plaster remains popular for its smooth finish and versatility in construction, art, and even medical applications.

What is drywall?

Drywall is a construction material made from a core of gypsum plaster sandwiched between heavy paper or fiberglass sheets. Manufacturers produce it in large panels, which builders cut and fasten to wall and ceiling frames, creating smooth surfaces ready for painting or finishing.

Drywall offers affordability, ease of installation, and fire resistance, making it the standard for modern interior walls and ceilings. It supports a variety of finishes and textures, and specialized types provide added moisture, mold, or sound resistance for different building needs.

Pros and cons: plaster wall vs. drywall

Choosing between plaster and drywall is a key decision for any construction or renovation project. Each material offers distinct benefits and drawbacks, affecting durability, cost, installation time, and overall appearance. The table below outlines the main pros and cons of plaster and drywall to help guide your selection.

Cost

Drywall installation costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot, including materials and labor for hanging, taping, mudding, and finishing the walls or ceilings. The average cost to drywall a 12'x12' bedroom would be $580 to $1,800, for example. Adding texture to drywall costs $0.80 to $2.00 per square foot extra.

Plastering walls costs $2 to $10 per square foot or $1,200 to $6,000 for a 12'x12' room, including the ceiling. This costs a lot more up front than drywall, and plaster requires a surface of wood, drywall, concrete, or breeze block underneath.

Installation process

Plaster requires skilled labor and multiple coats, making installation time-consuming. Contractors must mix, apply, and smooth each layer by hand.

Installers can cut drywall panels to size and screw them directly to wall frames, allowing faster, less labor-intensive installation by smaller crews.

Finish and appearance

Plaster provides a high-end, smooth, and seamless finish. Skilled workers can create decorative textures or glossy surfaces, ideal for historic or luxury spaces.

Drywall offers a uniform look but usually shows seams unless finished with joint compound. It supports various textures but rarely matches plaster's polish.

Durability

Plaster forms a dense, hard surface that resists dents and wear, often lasting decades or even centuries. Drywall, while durable for most uses, is more prone to damage from impacts or moisture and may require more frequent repairs.

Soundproofing and fire resistance

Plaster's density gives it superior soundproofing and fire resistance, making it suitable for studios or fire-rated construction. Drywall can be enhanced with special panels for sound or fire resistance, but standard drywall provides less protection than plaster.

Energy efficiency

Drywall works well with modern insulation, improving energy efficiency. Plaster, while more expensive, offers better thermal mass and can help regulate indoor temperatures.

Repair and maintenance

Repairing plaster requires specialized skills and can be challenging, especially when matching a certain texture. Drywall repairs are simpler and more accessible for DIYers, involving patching and taping joints with joint compound.

Drywall vs. Sheetrock vs. plaster

Drywall and Sheetrock are essentially the same product—gypsum boards with paper facing—used widely in modern construction for quick, affordable wall installation. Sheetrock is a popular brand name often used interchangeably with drywall. Both offer moderate durability, fire resistance, and ease of installation.

Plaster differs significantly as a traditional wall finish made from gypsum, lime, and sand applied in multiple wet layers. It requires skilled labor and more time but provides superior durability, soundproofing, and a smooth, high-end finish. Plaster suits older homes and decorative applications.

FAQs about drywall and plaster

Can you plaster over drywall?

Yes, you can plaster over drywall to create a smooth, durable surface. Proper preparation—cleaning, priming, and applying mesh tape over joints—is essential for good adhesion and crack prevention. This method offers enhanced durability and decorative finishes but requires more time and skill than standard drywall finishing.

Can you drywall over plaster?

Yes, you can drywall over plaster. To do this, locate the wall studs behind the plaster and use screws long enough to penetrate both the plaster and drywall, securing the new drywall to the studs. This method avoids the mess and higher cost of removing old plaster and provides a smooth, modern surface.

However, you must cover the entire wall, and uneven plaster may cause issues with trim or alignment. While drywalling over plaster is often quicker and less expensive than full plaster removal, consider the condition of your existing plaster before proceeding.

Is plaster better than drywall?

Plaster is better for projects needing longevity, soundproofing, or a premium finish, while drywall is preferable for budget-friendly, quick, and energy-efficient construction. The best choice depends on your priorities and project requirements.

Plaster is more expensive, requires skilled labor, and is time-consuming to install. Drywall is the standard for most modern construction projects and allows for better integration of insulation, but it's not nearly as durable as plaster.

When did drywall replace plaster?

Drywall began to replace plaster in residential construction after World War II, with its popularity surging in the late 1940s and especially throughout the 1950s. This shift occurred because drywall offered a faster, less labor-intensive, and more cost-effective alternative to traditional lath and plaster walls.

By the 1950s, drywall had become the standard for new homes, largely due to its ease of installation and reduced construction time compared to plaster. Plaster remained common in older homes, but most new construction from the mid-20th century onward used drywall as the primary wall material.

Getting estimates from drywall or plaster installers

Follow these suggestions to get accurate estimates from local drywall installers or plasterers near you:

• Read reviews of plasterers or drywall installers on HomeGuide and Google.

• Get quotes from at least three contractors to compare. Provide precise measurements of your walls and ceilings or ask for an in-person estimate.

• Request detailed estimates that specify costs for drywall panels, mudding, taping, sanding, labor, and any extra materials or finishes.

• Confirm the installer will manage permits, debris disposal, and site cleanup, as these factors can increase total expenses.

• Ask about the project timeline and payment schedule to ensure clear expectations and prevent confusion during the process.

Questions to ask a plasterer or drywall installer

Before hiring a contractor, ask these important questions:

• What experience do you have with plastering/drywall installation on projects similar to mine?

• Are you licensed and insured? Can you provide proof?

• Can you provide references or examples of past work?

• What type of plaster or drywall materials do you recommend for my project and why?

• How do you prepare surfaces before applying plaster or drywall?

• What is your estimated timeline for completing the job?

• Will you handle permits, waste removal, and site cleanup?

• How do you manage dust and debris during the work?

• What steps do you take to prevent cracks or imperfections?

• Do you provide a warranty or guarantee on your work?

• How will you protect surrounding areas and furniture during installation?

• What is your payment schedule? Are deposits required?

• How do you handle unexpected issues or additional costs that may arise?

• Can you accommodate special finishes or textures?