Pros and Cons of Plaster Walls

Since ancient times, plaster walls have been used for interior walls. However, with the development of new construction materials, plaster is no longer the only option.

There are advantages to having plaster walls, but there are also some disadvantages.

Before deciding to plaster your walls, it's important to think about the benefits and drawbacks of this option.

In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of plaster walls to help you decide if they are the best option for your home.

We'll talk about the benefits and drawbacks of plaster walls, including their longevity, adaptability, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you're renovating an old house or building from the ground up, knowing the benefits and drawbacks of plaster walls will help you make an informed choice.

What is a Plaster Wall?

Plaster walls are a common interior wall finish found in homes and businesses alike.

Layers of plaster, made from cement, sand, and lime, are layered on top of a framework made of wood or metal lath. Plaster walls can be painted or left unfinished with a smooth finish.

Plaster walls are long-lasting, adaptable, and aesthetically pleasing. Plaster is a durable material that stands up well to the elements, including fire and water.

Also, plaster walls can be made to look however you like, from smooth to rough, making them a very flexible material.

As an added bonus, plaster walls are also highly regarded for their aesthetic value, as they have the ability to give any room a classic and enduring look and feel.

The installation, maintenance, and repair of plaster walls, however, are not without their difficulties.

Plaster walls are expensive to have installed and repaired professionally if they are damaged. Also, compared to other options like drywall or wallpaper, plaster walls can be quite pricey.

Plaster walls, despite these drawbacks, are still a popular option for those who care about longevity, adaptability, and aesthetic appeal in their home's decor.

Anatomy of Plaster Walls

The walls were plastered while still damp, using a hawk and trowel and the expertise of a master plasterer. Plaster walls needed up to a month or more to cure before they could be painted, which slowed down the building process significantly in cold climates.

Plaster was applied to traditional wood lath that had been nailed horizontally to the studs with small 1/4′′ gaps between each strip of wood. In this way, the plaster can force its way through and create a "key" that, once dry, will keep the plaster from coming loose from the wall.

Later, other types of lath gained popularity; for example, metal lath is still used as a substrate for stucco applications, and rock lath was an early form of drywall. In the transitional decades of the 1940s and 1950s, rock lath was commonly used; it consisted of 2x8 sheets of early drywall nailed to the studs before the plaster was applied.

Plaster walls were typically finished with three coats applied in a staggered pattern. To prepare for the second coat, known as the brown coat, a rough mixture of sand, lime, and water was applied to the lath and scratched with hand tools to create a good bond.

After the scratch coat had cured, the brown coat was applied in a similar fashion using a trowel to create an even layer between 1/4" and 3/8". The third and final coat, known as the skim or finish coat, was typically skipped in less expensive projects due to its thinner application (about 1/8 inch) compared to the first two.

The skim coat was traditionally made with just lime and water, but beginning in the early 20th century, gypsum was frequently used instead due to its rapid curing time compared to lime plasters.

Plaster Wall Pros

Along with the widespread adoption of drywall, the use of plaster veneer on blueboard and plaster on metal lath walls has largely supplanted the more conventional plaster and wood lath wall construction methods. The ability to create one-of-a-kind plaster kitchen designs is a huge boon, and recent innovations have made it easier than ever for homeowners to do so.

Durability

Rugged and long-lasting, plaster walls are a great investment.

Plaster walls, which often use thin wooden lath, are more resistant to impacts and scratches than drywall. Applying veneer plaster over blueboard shortens the building process and makes it nearly as durable as conventional building methods.

If plaster walls are constructed and cared for properly, they can last for decades.

Plaster has excellent durability and is impervious to most forms of damage, including wear, impact, and water. When applied properly, it may form a strong bond with many materials and leave a uniform, long-lasting finish.

Exposed to excessive temperatures, humidity, and vibrations, however, plaster walls can crack, peel, and chip. Plaster walls can be made to last longer with proper care and maintenance, as well as by applying a protective coating or sealer to make them more water and wear resistant.

Sound Transfer Resistance

Plaster is naturally dense, so it's difficult for sound waves to travel through it. Since drywall is typically much thinner and less dense than plaster, it allows for more efficient sound transmission.

The construction and materials of plaster walls affect the wall's sound transfer resistance, or its capacity to prevent or diminish the transmission of sound. As a result of their thickness and density, plaster walls can absorb and attenuate sound waves, making them a popular choice for those looking for sound insulation.

However, other factors such as the quality of the plaster installation, the presence of air gaps or fractures, and the underlying structure of the wall might affect the degree of sound resistance. Plaster walls can have their already-improved resistance to sound transfer even further enhanced by the installation of insulation or soundproofing materials.

Mold and Mildew Resistance

Mold cannot grow on plaster because it contains no organic material.

Even if mould and mildew are able to feed on the paint or dirt on a plaster wall, the wall itself will not be damaged. You will be left with a smooth wall after the offending growth has been eliminated.

If plaster walls are built and maintained correctly, they can resist mould and mildew growth. Plaster's inherent moisture resistance and its ability to act as a barrier against the formation of mould and mildew make it a useful building material.

On the other hand, if the wall is subjected to high humidity or moisture, it might foster the growth of mould and mildew. To avoid this, make sure the wall gets enough air flow and any moisture problems get fixed right away.

Plaster walls' natural resistance to mould and mildew growth can be increased by using mould and mildew inhibitors or a specially formulated plaster.

Plaster Wall Cons

When compared to drywall, plaster walls have a number of drawbacks that should be taken into account during construction.

Costly to Build

Plaster walls are more expensive than drywall walls because they require more specialised labour to install. Drywall compound has a longer drying time than plaster does and can extend a project by several days, but it requires less manpower to install. There are three stages to installing drywall, the middle of which is a very dusty sanding. Plastering doesn't require sanding, and it can usually be finished in a day, but it requires more work overall.

Inconvenience

Problems with plaster walls are common in homes. Anchors and pilot holes are required for hanging heavy objects like televisions or paintings. Cleaning textured plaster walls is a pain. Cutting up a wall to install new wiring or gain access to pipes behind the wall is a more simplistic solution. Installing insulation behind an existing outside plaster wall is difficult because the plaster will eventually penetrate the lath used to secure the insulation.

Develops Cracks and Sags

Because plaster continues to cure and hardens, it gets more rigid and brittle with time, which increases the likelihood of surface cracking. Large fissures in the wall's plaster are an easy sign of a sinking foundation and usually necessitate professional patching. Moreover, if the old plaster has been damaged beneath the surface, it will start to sag.

Costly to Repair

Drywall damage may usually be patched or replaced without anyone noticing. Yet, expert hands are necessary for plaster repair or replacement. Fixing sagging ceilings or huge cracks requires the expertise of a professional and maybe both costly and time-consuming.

Plaster wall repairs can be expensive since they require expert labour and unique supplies. Plaster wall repair costs can vary widely based on a number of criteria, such as the size of the affected area, the type of plaster used, and the depth of the damage.

Filling tiny cracks or holes, for example, is a reasonably inexpensive fix.

However, hiring a qualified plasterer to do extensive repairs or restore plaster walls can be rather expensive, as it may include major structural work.

Plaster repair costs may rise since it's difficult to match the material's texture and colour to the original.

Plaster wall repair costs are highly variable and depend heavily on the difficulty of the job and the experience of the contractor.

Uses of Plaster Walls

The durability, adaptability, and aesthetic appeal of plaster walls have made them a popular choice in building for generations. Plaster walls are typically used for the following purposes:

Interior Walls

Interior plaster walls are common, especially in older or historic structures. Smooth and polished plaster can be contrasted with textured and rough plaster. This opens up a lot of design options, and it's easy to make plaster walls suit any taste.

Ceilings

Plaster is frequently used for ceilings, especially when elaborate patterns are desired. Ceilings made of plaster can be decorated in a wide variety of ways, including by painting, stencilling, or gilding the surface.

Fireproofing

Since plaster is not flammable, it can be used to protect walls and ceilings from fire.

Plaster's ability to slow the spread of fire is an important safety feature that can save lives and keep buildings intact in the case of a fire.

Soundproofing

The thickness and solidity of a plaster wall make it a good sound insulator.

Plaster's ability to absorb and attenuate sound waves can be used to lessen the amount of noise that travels through walls or comes from outside.

Moisture resistance

Plaster's inherent resistance to moisture makes it a suitable material for use on walls in damp or humid environments like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. A comfortable and healthy indoor environment is easier to maintain when plaster walls absorb and release moisture as needed.

Repair and restoration

Because they can be brought back to life using time-tested techniques and supplies, plaster walls are frequently used in the preservation industry.

If a wall is made of plaster, it can be patched, retextured, or repainted to blend in with the rest of the structure, all of which contribute to preserving the building's original look and feel.

In conclusion, the benefits and drawbacks of plaster walls depend on the specific application. Their resilience, adaptability, fireproofing, soundproofing, and resistance to damp and mildew are only some of their many benefits.

Walls made of plaster can also be decorated in ways that would be impossible with any other material. They may also be restored and mended with common tools and techniques, making them a desirable option for preservation efforts.

Plaster walls, on the other hand, may require specialised labour and supplies, which can drive up the cost of installation relative to alternatives like drywall.

Plaster also has a longer drying time than other wall materials, which might add time to the installation procedure. Plaster walls, especially those in places with high-temperature changes or vibrations, might eventually crack or chip.

Plaster walls, with their distinctive qualities and appealing aesthetics, remain a popular choice for construction and remodelling projects despite these drawbacks. Architects, builders, and homeowners can make an educated decision about whether or not plaster walls are the best option by weighing the pros and negatives in the context of a certain project.

Conclusion

Plaster is a popular interior wall finish that can be made from cement, sand, and lime. They have a smooth surface that can be painted or left unfinished, and they last a long time, are versatile, and look good in any setting.

A professional installation or repair can be costly, and it may take a month or more for the material to cure before it can be painted. Those who value durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal in their home furnishings still choose them despite these drawbacks.

Traditional wood lath, with 1/4-inch gaps between each strip of wood, was nailed horizontally to the studs, and plaster was then applied to the wall.

They can also get saggy and crack, requiring expert patching and repair. Sagging ceilings and large cracks often necessitate the assistance of a professional, who can add significant cost and delay to the project.

It can cost a lot to fix damage to a plaster wall, depending on the size of the damaged area, the type of plaster used, and the extent of the damage.

Plaster has been widely used for walls, ceilings, and other interior surfaces due to its long lifespan, versatility, and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The walls and ceilings of a building can benefit from plaster's fireproofing, soundproofing, moisture resistance, repair and restoration, and seamless integration.

Plaster walls can have both positive and negative effects, depending on the situation. Due to their durability, versatility, fireproofing, soundproofing, and resistance to damp and mildew, plaster walls are frequently used in construction and remodelling projects. However, unlike other wall materials, they take longer to dry and necessitate specialised labour and supplies. Homeowners, architects, and builders should all consider the benefits and drawbacks before making a final choice.

Content Summary

• Since ancient times, plaster walls have been used for interior walls.
• Before deciding to plaster your walls, it's important to think about the benefits and drawbacks of this option.
• Whether you're renovating an old house or building from the ground up, knowing the benefits and drawbacks of plaster walls will help you make an informed choice.
• Along with the widespread adoption of drywall, the use of plaster veneer on blueboard and plaster on metal lath walls has largely supplanted the more conventional plaster and wood lath wall construction methods.
• Plaster walls, which often use thin wooden lath, are more resistant to impacts and scratches than drywall.
• Applying veneer plaster over blueboard shortens the building process and makes it nearly as durable as conventional building methods.
• If plaster walls are constructed and cared for properly, they can last for decades.
• Plaster walls can be made to last longer with proper care and maintenance, as well as by applying a protective coating or sealer to make them more water and wear resistant.
• The construction and materials of plaster walls affect the wall's sound transfer resistance, or its capacity to prevent or diminish the transmission of sound.
• As a result of their thickness and density, plaster walls can absorb and attenuate sound waves, making them a popular choice for those looking for sound insulation.
• However, other factors such as the quality of the plaster installation, the presence of air gaps or fractures, and the underlying structure of the wall might affect the degree of sound resistance.
• Plaster walls can have their already-improved resistance to sound transfer even further enhanced by the installation of insulation or soundproofing materials.
• Even if mould and mildew are able to feed on the paint or dirt on a plaster wall, the wall itself will not be damaged.
• If plaster walls are built and maintained correctly, they can resist mould and mildew growth.
• Plaster walls' natural resistance to mould and mildew growth can be increased by using mould and mildew inhibitors or a specially formulated plaster.
• When compared to drywall, plaster walls have a number of drawbacks that should be taken into account during construction.
• Plaster walls are more expensive than drywall walls because they require more specialised labour to install.
• Plaster wall repairs can be expensive since they require expert labour and unique supplies.
• Plaster wall repair costs can vary widely based on a number of criteria, such as the size of the affected area, the type of plaster used, and the depth of the damage.
• However, hiring a qualified plasterer to do extensive repairs or restore plaster walls can be rather expensive, as it may include major structural work.
• Plaster wall repair costs are highly variable and depend heavily on the difficulty of the job and the experience of the contractor.
• The durability, adaptability, and aesthetic appeal of plaster walls have made them a popular choice in building for generations.
• Since plaster is not flammable, it can be used to protect walls and ceilings from fire.
• The thickness and solidity of a plaster wall make it a good sound insulator.
• Because they can be brought back to life using time-tested techniques and supplies, plaster walls are frequently used in the preservation industry.
• Walls made of plaster can also be decorated in ways that would be impossible with any other material.
• Plaster walls, on the other hand, may require specialised labour and supplies, which can drive up the cost of installation relative to alternatives like drywall.
• Plaster also has a longer drying time than other wall materials, which might add time to the installation procedure.
• Plaster walls, with their distinctive qualities and appealing aesthetics, remain a popular choice for construction and remodelling projects despite these drawbacks.
• Architects, builders, and homeowners can make an educated decision about whether or not plaster walls are the best option by weighing the pros and negatives in the context of a certain project.