What is better and cheaper: plaster or drywall

Plaster versus drywall is a topic of discussion among builders and homeowners when it comes to finishing interior walls. Each material has pros and cons of its own, and the choice can be influenced by a number of elements such as price, ease of installation, longevity, and the desired aesthetic result.

Gypsum board, sometimes referred to as drywall, is a common material option for many contemporary building projects. It is quick to complete with paint or wallpaper, reasonably priced, and simple to install. Generally lightweight and easy to handle, drywall sheets are easily cut to size using basic tools. For this reason, drywall is a practical choice for both experts and do-it-yourselfers.

Conversely, plaster has been around for centuries and is renowned for its high-quality finish, smoothness, and durability. It entails covering a lath or solid surface with a wet mixture of cement, gypsum, or lime. Plaster offers superior strength and can be molded into decorative shapes and textures, adding a touch of elegance and character to a room, but it can be more labor- and time-intensive to install than drywall.

In the discussion between plaster and drywall, cost is an important consideration. Because it requires less time to install and requires fewer materials, drywall is typically the less expensive option. Even though plaster is frequently more expensive up front, it can offer a finish that lasts longer and may require fewer repairs and upkeep down the road.

In the end, the homeowner’s particular requirements and preferences will determine which option—plaster or drywall—they choose. For those seeking a more durable and aesthetically pleasing finish, plaster may be more appealing than drywall, but drywall may be a quicker and less expensive option. Taking into account the prospective disadvantages and long-term advantages of every material can aid in decision-making.

Consider the costs and advantages of both plaster and drywall when making your choice for your building or remodeling project. Drywall is a common option for many builders and homeowners because it is usually less expensive and easier to install. Though it costs more and takes longer to install, plaster offers a more resilient and soundproof finish. You can choose the material that best fits your needs and budget by being aware of the variations in cost, installation, and long-term benefits.

Pros and cons of materials

Every material has benefits and drawbacks of its own.

Drywall (GKL) on the wall

The surface of gypsum board can "breathe."

Disadvantages of plasterboard

1. Fragility of the material. Contrary to appearance, plasterboard has low resistance to mechanical damage (this is the biggest disadvantage of the product). In addition, such exposure can lead to the formation of mold and mildew on internal surfaces.
2. Danger of rodents and insects (in the space between the tiles and the wall surface).
3. The appearance of cracks due to improper installation. It is extremely important to glue plasterboard sheets carefully and as accurately as possible. Failure to comply with this rule can lead to vertical cracks in the joints.
4. The material is not suitable for some rooms. Gypsum plasterboards should not be installed in rooms with high air humidity (more than 70%). For bathrooms and kitchens, it is better to use special gypsum board with waterproofing impregnation or traditional plaster.
5. It should be taken into account that gypsum board can cause corrosion when in contact with steel elements, so nails, frames, corners and other similar parts used when installing sheets must be galvanized.
6. The material does not tolerate contact with water. Gypsum board, even with waterproofing impregnation, cannot be used in rooms where the humidity exceeds 80%.
7. Gypsum boards are not suitable for finishing very small rooms.

Plastering walls

1. Easy maintenance and installation. Plaster on interior walls after damage is easier to restore, unlike gypsum board.
2. Good vapor permeability. The material helps to regulate humidity in the room, thereby improving the microclimate. Plaster perfectly absorbs and removes accumulated moisture in the room (which makes it advantageous for finishing bathrooms, kitchens and basements).
3. High thermal insulation. From this point of view, traditional plaster is better than drywall. It is safe to say that the material has no equal: it helps to maintain heat in winter and pleasant coolness in the summer.
4. Resistance to mechanical damage. Cement mixtures are more resistant to impacts and other influences than drywall sheets. The plaster mixtures serves in many apartments and houses for many years.
5. The walls are plastered manually or mechanized.
6. The mixture provides high adhesion, perfectly suits as the basis for painting, wallpaper, decorative coating.
7. Plaster has a high pH, ​​which makes it resistant to microbial corrosion.

• strength;
• durability;
• resistance to scratches and atmospheric influences.

The plaster mix’s primary drawback is how long it takes to dry—the procedure can take up to three weeks.

More plaster crumbles than plasterboard-sheet walls do over time.

Which type of technology is cheaper

1. You can plaster internal walls or cover them with plasterboard. The choice depends on your budget and time. Plasterboard material is easy to use and relatively inexpensive. However, it is less resistant to damage and moisture, has low heat and sound insulation properties.
2. Plaster is a more expensive and labor-intensive solution. In addition, the correct application of the product requires the help of specialists. The mixture dries for a long time, which extends the time of construction work. For large volumes, it is advisable to use a mechanized application method, this allows you to more effectively cover the walls in the maximum time.

When is it better to use drywall instead of plaster

Repairs begin with even, smooth walls. When assembled correctly and the sheets are carefully connected, gypsum plasterboards give you a speedy and efficient outcome. They help to conceal a variety of flaws in addition to leveling the surface.

You can use sheets with water-repellent impregnation if the room is very humid. Even rounded edges and a wooden base can be used to place the material. GKL is also appropriate for covering small wall fragments, suspended ceilings, and finishing a variety of partitions.

GKL sheets that are at least 12.5 mm thick are used for walls. While it’s less common in apartments, moisture-resistant material (with specific impregnation) is frequently used for finishing commercial spaces.

After priming, products can be affixed to the wall right away. Because gypsum plasterboard sheets are pre-cut to the desired size—standard gypsum boards on the market are 120×200 or 120×300 cm—they are simple to connect to one another. It is important to remove all of the previous plaster from the base before gluing the sheets (this also applies to other coatings).

Installation of the material on different bases

1. Panels are attached directly to the surface using gypsum glue.
2. Glue is applied at several points (it is not necessary to cover the entire surface of the plate).
3. Press them against the walls, wait until the glue dries, then putty the joints.
4. The surface can be painted, pasted over with wallpaper or covered with decorative elements.

The glue can be purchased as a dry mixture. Mix the powder with water to make the solution (it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions). The ideal temperature range for the room where the boards are glued is +10–+35°C. An excessive indicator can cause the glue to dry too quickly, which will lower the coating’s quality. Using a spatula, the solution is applied to the wall and the plasterboard.

1. As for the ceilings, you can do the finishing both from plasterboard and plaster. If gypsum boards are used, they should be laid on special frames. Gluing panels to the ceiling, as is done for walls, can lead to peeling of the sheets.
2. For rounded surfaces, depending on the radius of the circle, different materials are used. Flexible plasterboard sheets are only suitable for slightly curved surfaces; they are not used if the base is strongly rounded.
3. For more curved surfaces, you can use semicircular metal panels, which will allow you to install drywall (on rounded corners of walls, arched openings, etc.).

When is it better to use plaster for finishing walls

It is advised to use durable cement-lime plasters when plastering garages, technical rooms, and other walls that will be subjected to mechanical stress. Mainly living rooms and hallways are good places for clay and other mixtures.

The mixture is frequently used for interior decoration because it is long-lasting, moisture-resistant, fire-resistant, controls indoor humidity, and has excellent thermal insulation qualities. When building a house, you should wait until the plaster is completely dry before applying the plaster composition.

Plaster with high vapor-permeable properties is advised for finishing the surface of aerated concrete. If not, this will cause moisture to build up inside the walls.

• strength;
• thermal insulation properties;
• good adhesion;
• resistance to temperature changes.

Enables you to conceal the walls’ unevenness. The product is suitable for completing any type of space, indoor or outdoor. Suitable for both damp and dry rooms. However, three layers must be applied in order to achieve a smooth surface, which comes at an additional expense. The development of microcracks, which can occur as a result of the cement drying and shrinking and loading the material, is another drawback.

It’s crucial to weigh cost and practicality when choosing between drywall and plaster. In general, drywall is more cost-effective and simpler to install. Many builders and homeowners choose it because it’s lightweight, simple to shape and cut, and requires less work. This indicates that using drywall is a more cost-effective and time-efficient solution for many projects.

However, plaster provides special advantages that may make up for its higher cost for some. It offers a finish that is more resilient to wear and noise. Plaster’s timeless, smooth appearance can give a room a sense of elegance that drywall just cannot match. Plaster may be a better choice for people looking for a high-end finish and are prepared to spend money on skilled labor.

The decision between plaster and drywall ultimately comes down to your budget and particular requirements. For those on a tight budget or in need of a fast turnaround, drywall is probably the best option. Plaster, however, might be worth the extra money if you want a high-quality, long-lasting finish and don’t mind paying a little bit more. Every material has benefits of its own, and the best option will rely on your project’s requirements and priorities.

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