Once a wall is framed, it must be finished with drywall or plaster.
Drywall and plaster both work well as materials for interior walls, but they offer different characteristics and benefits. Plaster is a coating that spreads easily and creates a solid wall surface once it dries. Drywall panels are hung on wall studs, then the joints and gaps are filled in with joint compound.
Durability
Plaster wins against drywall in the category of overall strength and durability, according to This Old House. Plaster, made from the same gypsum used in drywall boards, dries out to a thin layer that resists knocks and damage from door knobs. A well-placed elbow easily puts a hole in drywall. Older plaster wall finishes were not as durable due to the thin wooden strips, or laths, that were used as backing. Modern lathing is applied over moisture-resistant sheet rock or metal laths.
Acoustics
Plaster and drywall surfaces reflect sound differently. Plaster creates a louder echo due to the harder finish, says Home Fixated. Softer drywall absorbs sounds created in the home and dampens echoes. If you're concerned about noise levels, special sound-proofing materials such as adhesives and foams can be applied under the plaster. Rooms with carpet may not be noticeably louder if you use plaster, but this changes if the room has hard tile or wood floors.
Higher Cost
Although labor times are usually shorter for plaster jobs, they also tend to cost more, says Ask the Builder. A typically plaster application costs about 25 percent more than drywall. Plaster takes less time to apply because one or two coats provide a very smooth finish that takes five or more coats with drying and sanding between them on drywall. However, skilled plaster workers charge more for their time due to their specialization. The plaster and backing board also costs more than drywall and joint compound.
Cleanup
Cutting drywall panels, sanding and spreading joint compound all create large volumes of lung-irritating dust. Once plaster is mixed with water, there is no dust. Plaster is spread on smoothly and doesn't need to be sanded unless a major mistake occurs, according to Ask the Builder. This cuts down on the mess and makes cleanup easier. Drywall dust is difficult to remove from the cracks between floor boards or carpeting, so plaster may be a better idea if you are remodeling instead of working in an unfinished home.
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