There’s a lot of debate for homeowners on choosing plaster or drywall. Are they that different? Is one remarkably better than the other, or is it simply an aesthetic choice? Ultimately, the value and difference between the two options are up to the homeowner. We will go through the benefits and cost difference between the two in this blog so you can make an informed decision.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Drywall
Drywall is a very common house finishing option. It is used in homes regularly, and for good reason. It is easy to install and fairly low cost. That cost is a great benefit for many homeowners who don’t want to invest unnecessary funds into a more expensive wall finishing and are content with a simpler wall design. The cost and labor for drywall are relatively low, so it’s often the de facto choice for any wall finishing.
Drywall is also not great at blocking sound. It’s much thinner than its plaster counterpart, so it doesn’t do a great job of blocking out sound between rooms. If this is important to you, or you need better sound dampening for a business location, then drywall may not be the choice for you.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Plaster
Plaster, unlike drywall, is unique to the client. With plaster, you can have custom wall finishes and designs that are unique to your home or business! Custom textures add a unique and altogether stylized feel to your home—something you can’t achieve with drywall. However, achieving these effects takes a skilled crew with the knowledge and ability to manipulate and lay plaster.
This means that plaster is the more expensive and time-consuming option of the two. Plaster, unlike drywall, requires a very experienced crew to properly mix and coat the walls. This means that the labor and material costs for plaster will be higher, but the finish quality and design will be worth that cost. Plaster is also more soundproof, so for businesses or homes that need walls that prevent sound from escaping, it’s a great choice.
Making a Choice
So, how do you choose one or the other? There’s not necessarily a clear winner, but it’s clear why plaster is the more expensive option of the two. We urge you to choose based on your home or business needs, what design you would like your home to have, and how important the finish on the wall is to your goals.
Our teams are incredibly experienced with plaster and the processes involved in laying and creating plaster textures, so we know that the finished product is often worth the cost. Drywall, while cheaper and easier to mount, doesn’t give a unique feel anywhere close to plaster, so it’s not a great choice if you’re looking for a unique home or business design. When choosing to use drywall or plaster for your final look, you need to consider what meets your needs best. Cost isn’t necessarily as big of a factor as finding a finish that gives your home the look and feel you want.
If you’re having trouble deciding between drywall or plaster, talk to our team! We have years of experience with both and can give you a better idea of what to expect from the products in your home or business.