Plastering is a widely preferred option for finishing interior walls due to its durability, smooth finish, and versatility.
Whether you’re working on a new construction or renovating an existing space, plaster can offer a polished, elegant appearance that enhances a room’s aesthetic and functional qualities.
However, as with any material, there are pros and cons to consider before deciding if plastering is the best fit for your project.
This article will examine plastering walls’ key advantages and disadvantages, helping you make an informed decision.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Plastering walls offer several advantages, including durability, a smooth, elegant finish, soundproofing, insulation, fire resistance, and a wide range of design possibilities. They’re also easy to clean and produce less dust during installation.
However, plastering has its downsides: It’s expensive to install, difficult and costly to repair, prone to cracking, and challenging to retrofit. The process requires skilled labour and can be complex, with limitations for certain surfaces.
Plaster is a great option if durability and aesthetics are priorities, but drywall may be more practical for those seeking affordability and easier maintenance.
Advantages Of Plastering Walls
1. Durability And Strength
One key benefit of plastering is the durability it provides to walls. Plaster creates a thick, sturdy surface that can withstand daily wear and tear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
When it dries, plaster undergoes a chemical reaction that strengthens the material, making it long-lasting.
2. Easy To Paint
Plastered walls offer a smooth surface, making them easy to paint over. Since plaster does not easily absorb moisture, it prevents the development of damp patches that can damage paintwork.
Painting over plaster creates a clean, even finish.
3. Simple To Clean
Another advantage of plaster is its ease of cleaning. The tough surface of plastered walls allows you to clean them without damaging the material.
You can wipe down plastered walls multiple times without worrying about cracks or chips, which makes it an excellent choice for areas that get dirty easily.
4. Aesthetic Appeal
Plaster is often chosen to enhance a room’s appearance. Compared to other finishes, it gives walls a more refined, elegant appearance.
Plaster’s smooth texture makes it suitable for creating decorative elements like cornices, arches, and columns. It is also commonly used in older homes or buildings that aim for a traditional, high-end appearance.
5. Soundproofing And Insulation
Plaster is naturally thicker than drywall, which helps with both soundproofing and insulation. This can be particularly beneficial in homes or buildings where reducing noise from neighbouring rooms is important.
Additionally, plaster provides a degree of thermal insulation, helping regulate the temperature inside.
6. Fire Resistance
Plastered walls are more fire-resistant than drywall. The material can slow down the spread of fire, providing an added layer of safety.
This makes it a popular choice in public buildings, such as schools, hospitals, and government offices, where safety regulations are strict.
7. Wide Range Of Designs
Plaster can be shaped and moulded into various designs, making it a versatile material for creating architectural features. From ornate ceilings to detailed wall textures, plaster allows for creative designs that add character to a space.
8. Reduced Dust During Installation
Unlike drywall, which produces a lot of dust when it’s cut or sanded, plaster creates much less mess. It does not require sanding; multiple layers can be applied before the first coat dries, making installation faster and less disruptive.
Disadvantages Of Plastering Walls
1. High Installation Costs
One of the main disadvantages of plastering is the cost. While plastering might be less expensive than other wall-finishing methods, the labour involved can increase the overall cost.
Skilled workers are needed to apply plaster properly, and this expertise usually comes at a higher price.
2. Difficult To Repair
Plaster walls can be difficult and expensive to repair if they become damaged. When plaster cracks or crumbles, the expertise of a professional is required to restore it properly. Repairing plaster often involves:
- Removing a significant portion of the wall.
- Replacing damaged sections.
- Blending the repair with the existing surface.
This can make plaster maintenance more challenging than other materials like drywall.
3. Prone To Cracking
Despite its durability, plaster can develop cracks over time, particularly in buildings that settle or shift. These cracks can affect the wall’s appearance and may require regular maintenance to keep the surface looking its best.
4. Installation Complexity
Although plastering creates a durable and attractive finish, the installation process is more complex than other wall materials. It requires a certain level of expertise and can only be applied by someone with experience.
Additionally, plaster needs a proper substrate to adhere to, such as wood lath or metal mesh, adding another step to the installation process.
5. Painting Over Plaster Can Be Challenging
While plaster provides a great surface for painting, achieving the desired finish can sometimes be tricky. Because plaster is a porous material, more than one coat of paint is often needed to achieve an even look.
This can add time and expense to the project, especially if multiple layers of paint are required.
6. Susceptible To Drooping
Plaster can become more brittle as it ages, causing sagging or drooping. This can happen if the plaster has separated from its backing or the building’s structure has moved.
Once plaster begins to droop, it cannot be easy to fix without removing and replacing large wall sections.
7. Inconvenient For Retrofitting
Plaster walls can make adding new elements like wiring or plumbing more difficult. Cutting into a plaster wall is much more involved than cutting into drywall.
Retrofitting a house with plaster walls often requires more time and effort, as the plaster and lath can interfere with insulation or other installations.
8. Limited Suitability For Certain Surfaces
Not all surfaces are suitable for plastering. Some walls must be prepared or primed before the plaster can adhere properly.
This adds additional time and cost to the installation process, especially if the underlying surface requires significant work before plastering can begin.
Conclusion
Plastering walls provides various benefits, including durability, aesthetic appeal, and enhanced soundproofing. Its ability to create smooth, refined surfaces makes it popular in homes and public buildings.
However, plastering also has drawbacks, such as higher installation costs, difficulty with repairs, and the potential for cracking.
Plastering may be the right choice if you’re looking for a long-lasting, high-quality wall finish and are willing to invest in professional installation.
Conversely, if cost and ease of repair are top priorities, consider alternative wall-finishing options like drywall.
Either way, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of plastering to determine what best suits your project’s needs.
FAQs About Plastering
Are Plastering Walls More Expensive Than Other Wall Finishing Options?
Yes, plastering walls can be more expensive upfront due to the cost of materials, skilled labour, and additional preparation and application time required compared to some alternative wall finishing options.
Can Plastered Walls Be Prone To Cracking Or Delamination?
Yes, plastered walls can be prone to cracking or delamination if not properly applied or maintained, especially in areas with high humidity or structural movement. Proper surface preparation, application techniques, and maintenance can help mitigate these issues.
Are Plastered Walls Susceptible To Moisture Damage?
Plastered walls can be susceptible to moisture damage if exposed to excessive moisture or water infiltration. Proper waterproofing measures and regular maintenance are essential to prevent moisture-related problems.
Do Plaster Walls Require Regular Upkeep?
Yes, plastered walls may require periodic maintenance such as repainting, patching cracks or imperfections, and addressing any signs of moisture damage to ensure their longevity and appearance.
Are There Alternatives To Plastering Walls That Offer Similar Benefits?
Yes, alternatives to plastering walls include drywall, wood panelling, wallpaper, and decorative wall coverings, each with its advantages and disadvantages depending on the desired aesthetic, budget, and maintenance requirements.
