Have you ever run your hand along an old home’s smooth, thick walls and wondered what makes them feel so different from modern construction? For centuries, homeowners relied on plaster to create beautiful, durable wall surfaces.
Craftsmen would carefully apply layers of lime, sand, and horsehair to create walls that could last generations. Then came the 1950s, and drywall changed everything.
This gypsum board made home construction faster and more affordable, quickly becoming the standard choice for builders.
Today, you’re probably facing this same decision. Maybe you’re renovating a vintage home, building new, or simply curious about your options.
The choice between plaster and drywall still matters because each offers distinct advantages that could significantly impact your home’s comfort, appearance, and long-term value.
What Are Plaster Walls?
Think of plaster walls like a cake with multiple layers. Workers install thin wooden strips called lath, then apply wet plaster in three separate coats.
Each layer must dry completely before the next one goes on. This process takes days, not hours. Before 1950, plaster was the only option.
Run your fingers along a plaster wall and feel that slight texture. These walls are incredibly hard once cured and block sound better than modern alternatives. The trade-off? They can crack over time as houses settle.
Step into any home built after 1960, and you’re surrounded by drywall. Most people don’t even think about it.
What Is Drywall?
Drywall is a gypsum sandwich. Two sheets of heavy paper with crushed gypsum rock pressed between them.
Workers cut these 4×8-foot sheets to size and screw them directly onto wall studs. No waiting for multiple coats to dry.
After the mid-20th century, drywall completely changed home construction. Builders could finish entire houses in weeks instead of months.
Touch a drywall surface and you’ll notice how perfectly smooth it feels. Installation is fast, and it accepts paint or wallpaper easily. The downside? It dents easily and doesn’t block sound as well as plaster.
Plaster vs Drywall: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Plaster Walls | Drywall |
| Cost | Higher upfront cost, skilled labor required, and materials are more expensive | Budget-friendly, lower material costs, and widely available labor |
| Installation Time | Days to weeks, multiple coats needed, drying time between layers | 1-2 days typical, quick hanging process, fast finishing |
| Durability | Extremely durable, resists dents and impacts, lasts 70+ years | Dents easily, susceptible to damage, 20-30 year lifespan |
| Soundproofing | Superior sound blocking, dense material, and natural noise reduction | Poor sound blocking, requires additional insulation, hollow sound when tapped |
| Insulation | Good thermal mass, regulates temperature, stores, and releases heat | Works with modern insulation, cavity space available, depending on added materials |
| Appearance | Handcrafted texture, historic character, luxury feel | Smooth, clean finish, consistent surface, modern look |
| Repairs | Difficult repairs, requires skilled craftsman, hard to match texture | Easy DIY fixes, simple patching, inexpensive materials |
| Best For | Historic homes, luxury construction, sound-sensitive areas, long-term investment | New construction, budget projects, quick renovations, modern homes |
How to Tell If You Have Plaster or Drywall
Not sure what’s covering your walls? Here are four simple tests that take less than five minutes.
1. Pushpin Test
Grab a pushpin and try pushing it into the wall. Slides in easily? That’s drywall. Resists and feels hard? You’ve got plaster. This works because plaster is much denser than drywall’s gypsum core.
2. Knuckle Test
Rap your knuckles against the wall. A hollow, drum-like sound means drywall. Solid thud with no echo means plaster. The empty cavity behind the drywall creates that distinctive hollow ring you hear.
3. Look for Lath or Mesh
Remove an outlet cover and peek inside with a flashlight. See thin wooden strips? That’s plaster with lath. See nothing but a flat panel back? That’s drywall. Turn off the power first for safety before removing any electrical covers.
4. Wall Thickness
Check your window sills. Plaster walls are typically 7/8 to 1 inch thick. Drywall measures about 1/2 to 5/8 inches thick. The difference is usually obvious. Plaster creates those deep, substantial window wells that add character to older homes.
Hanging Pictures and Décor: Plaster vs Drywall
Want to hang that family photo without creating a disaster? Your wall type changes everything.
Plaster Walls: Handle with Care
Don’t grab that hammer and nail. Plaster walls will crack. Pre-drill tiny pilot holes first, then use screws with anchors. Toggle bolts work great for heavy items. For lightweight pictures, try specialty plaster hooks with hardened points.
Drywall: More Forgiving
Small nails work for lightweight frames under 5 pounds. Heavier items need wall anchors or screws into wall studs. Use a stud finder to locate the wooden framework for maximum support.
Painting Plaster vs Drywall
Ready to give your walls a fresh coat of paint? The prep work depends on what’s underneath that old color.
Prepping Plaster for Paint
Plaster walls need extra attention. Examine for cracks and fill them with spackling compound. Let dry completely. Apply a high-quality primer designed for plaster surfaces because old plaster is porous and drinks up paint. Sand any rough patches smooth once the primer dries.
Prepping Drywall for Paint
Drywall prep is straightforward. Check joints and screw holes for imperfections. Fill with joint compound and sand smooth when dry. Prime the entire surface with drywall primer to seal porous joint compound.
The key difference? Plaster needs crack repair and special sealing. Drywall just needs smooth joints and standard primer.
When to Choose Plaster Over Drywall
Stuck between plaster and drywall? Your priorities will make the decision clear.
Choose Plaster If You…
Want authentic old-world character and handcrafted texture. Need serious soundproofing between rooms. Plan to stay long-term and value 70+ year durability. Have the budget for quality craftsmanship that adds real value to historic or luxury homes.
Choose Drywall If You…
Need walls finished quickly in days instead of weeks. Want easy DIY repairs with basic hardware store tools.
We are working with a tight budget for materials and labor. Prefer modern, clean lines with perfectly smooth surfaces.
The bottom line? Choose based on your timeline, budget, and long-term goals for the space.
Final Thoughts
After years of working with both plaster and drywall, I’ve learned there’s no universal “best” choice. Your decision comes down to what matters most for your specific situation.
Plaster brings a solid, authentic feel and long-term durability. Drywall wins for speed, budget, and flexibility.
Here’s something many homeowners miss: knowing your wall type saves headaches later. When hanging mirrors or shelves, plaster needs specialty anchors, while drywall works with standard hardware.
Choose what fits your home, timeline, and wallet. Both create beautiful spaces when matched to the right project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install drywall over existing plaster walls?
Yes, you can install drywall over plaster, but it’s often unnecessary and expensive. Most plaster walls just need proper repair and repainting to look great again.
How much more does plaster cost compared to drywall?
Plaster typically costs 2-3 times more than drywall due to skilled labor requirements and longer installation time. However, plaster lasts much longer and adds more value to your home.
Will hanging heavy items damage my plaster walls?
Plaster walls can handle heavy items better than drywall when you use proper hardware. Always pre-drill holes and use appropriate anchors designed for plaster surfaces.
Can I repair plaster cracks myself or do I need a professional?
Small hairline cracks can be fixed with spackling compound and basic DIY skills. Larger cracks or extensive damage typically require professional plasterers for proper repair.
Which wall type is better for reducing noise between rooms?
Plaster walls provide superior soundproofing due to their density and thickness. Drywall requires additional insulation materials to achieve similar noise reduction levels.
