Is It Cheaper to Install Drywall or Plaster?

This might seem like a simple question, but it doesn't exactly have the simplest answer. Because drywall comes in big pre-rendered sheets and can be installed so quickly, it tends to have a reputation for being cheaper than the painstaking process of hand plastering a wall. In fact, in many markets, plaster is becoming synonymous with a luxurious and handcrafted finish.So which one is cheaper? The answer is, as you expected that it depends. When it comes to the pure cost of the raw materials, drywall is more expensive than wet plastering.

Does Plaster Go On Drywall?

Drywall usually has some finishing material over the top, and typically you'll find that most people use a compound for this purpose. Whichever finishing material you choose to use will affect the overall appearance of the drywall.There's absolutely no reason you can't apply a plaster skim over the top of the drywall. This will give the drywall the visual appearance of a wet plastered wall.If you want wet plaster finished walls, you don't need to put down drywall first. Instead, the plaster is applied directly to the wall.

Why Would You Plaster over Drywall?

You may live in a home that already has drywall installed but like the aesthetic appearance of a plaster wall.Drywall is very smooth, unlike plaster which has a textured surface when finished.It's not uncommon for a homeowner to apply a thin plaster veneer over the top of their drywall walls to replicate the finish of an authentically wet plastered wall.

Should I Replace Plaster Walls with Drywall?

Many people who purchase an older home for the first time are surprised to find the walls are finished with a traditional plaster method. Many of them ask if they should replace the plaster walls with drywall?In most cases, if the original plaster walls are still in good condition, there is no need to replace them with drywall.Removing plaster walls is labour-intensive, which means that it's expensive. It's also an incredibly messy process, which generates a lot of dust and debris. If you're replacing plaster walls with drywall, you have to be committed to it.

What's Veneer Plaster?

Veneer plaster offers the look and durability of the plaster and the strength of drywall. Plaster veneer is a technique for surfacing interior walls. The base is a gypsum board with moisture and adhering qualities (similar to drywall). After installing the board, one or two layers of plaster are applied.

Where Do Drywall and Plaster Differ?

Drywall is an affordable, fast, and lightweight option for modern builds, making it ideal for quick renovations and cost-effective projects. Plaster, on the other hand, is more durable, soundproof, and energy-efficient, often used in high-end or heritage homes. Veneer plaster offers a balance of both, providing a durable plaster finish with quicker installation.

Written by: Plastering National Team

Last Updated March 26, 2026

When renovating or building a home, one of the first questions you’ll face is whether to choose drywall or plaster for your walls. This decision impacts not only the look of your home but also the cost, installation time, and long-term durability of your space. Having worked in both drywall installation and plaster restoration for years, I’ve seen how each material has its place in Australian homes. Let’s break down the differences between drywall and plaster so you can make an informed choice that suits your budget, timeline, and aesthetic preferences.

Understanding the Basics – What Are Drywall and Plaster?

Before diving into the pros and cons of each, it’s important to understand the key differences in the composition of drywall and plaster. Each material has distinct properties that affect installation, performance, and overall finish.

Drywall Composition – A Modern Solution for Speed and Efficiency

Drywall, also known as gypsum board or Sheetrock, is made from gypsum, a mineral that’s mined from the earth. This mineral is sandwiched between two sheets of heavy paper. The lightweight construction of drywall makes it easy to handle and install, and it’s known for its fast installation process.

Key Benefits of Drywall:

Lightweight: Easy to transport and handle, reducing installation time.
Quick installation: Ideal for large-scale projects where time is limited.
Cost-effective: Significantly cheaper than plaster in both material and labour costs.

In my experience, drywall is perfect for modern builds and renovations, where speed is a priority. For instance, I worked on a renovation project in Melbourne where the entire room was covered with drywall in less than two days, allowing the team to move on to the next phase of the project quickly.

group of builders with tools indoors

Traditional Plaster – A Timeless Classic with Depth and Durability

In contrast, plaster has been around for centuries. It’s made from a mixture of lime, water, and sand or gypsum, which is applied when wet and hardens over time. Plaster is known for its density and thickness, which gives it its superior durability and soundproofing qualities.

Key Benefits of Plaster:

Durability: Harder and more robust, ideal for high-traffic areas.
Superior soundproofing: Great for keeping noise in or out of rooms.
Thermal mass: Helps regulate indoor temperatures, keeping rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

I once worked on a restoration project in Sydney’s inner suburbs, where the original plaster walls in a 1920s home were still in excellent condition. The density of the plaster meant that the walls were solid and insulated, and they withstood the test of time remarkably well.

Installation Process – Time and Expertise at Play

One of the most significant factors in choosing between drywall and plaster is the installation process. Both materials require skilled professionals, but the time involved can vary greatly.

Drywall Installation – Fast and Efficient

Drywall is often chosen for its speed of installation. The process is relatively straightforward: hang the panels, tape the joints, mud them, and then sand the surface smooth. Here’s how drywall installation generally breaks down:

Day 1: Hang the drywall panels.
Day 2–3: Tape the joints and apply the first layer of mud.
Day 4: Sand the mud, apply additional layers, and smooth the joints.
Day 5–6: Final sanding and painting.

Drywall Installation Timeline:

Step	Time Required
Panel installation	1 day
Taping and mudding	1-2 days
Sanding and finishing	1-2 days

I’ve found that for typical room renovations, drywall can be fully installed and ready for paint in about 5 to 6 days. The speed and simplicity make it the best option for tight deadlines.

Plaster Installation – A Labour of Love

Plastering, on the other hand, is a much slower process that requires skill and patience. The application of plaster involves multiple layers—each one needing to dry before the next can be applied. Depending on the project, this process can stretch over several days or even weeks. Here’s how plaster installation typically works:

Step 1: Apply the base coat (lath or blue board) and wait for it to set.
Step 2: Apply the finish coat and wait for it to dry.
Step 3: (Optional) Add a decorative layer for texture or detailing.

Plaster Installation Timeline:

Step	Time Required
Base coat application	1–2 days
Finish coat application	2–3 days
Drying and touch-ups	1–2 days

While this installation method results in a solid, durable finish, it’s clear that plastering is a more time-consuming process than drywall. I once worked on a historic project in Melbourne’s suburbs, where the plastering took two full weeks to complete, but the result was absolutely stunning.

Veneer Plaster – The Best of Both Worlds

For those who want the finish of plaster but need something quicker, veneer plaster is the perfect solution. Veneer plaster is a thin layer of plaster applied over blue board (gypsum board), offering the aesthetics of traditional plaster without the lengthy installation process. I’ve installed veneer plaster in upscale homes across Sydney’s eastern suburbs, and it’s a fantastic middle ground.

Veneer Plaster Benefits:

Faster installation: Can be done in 24–48 hours.
Durable finish: Provides the look and feel of plaster with less effort.
Less expensive: Cheaper than full plaster, yet still looks premium.

Cost and Labour – What’s Your Budget?

Cost is often the deciding factor when choosing between drywall and plaster. While drywall is cheaper in terms of material and installation, plaster offers long-term value with its durability and timeless appearance.

Drywall – Budget-Friendly and Quick

When it comes to cost, drywall is the clear winner. It’s less expensive to purchase and install, and because the process is faster, labour costs are significantly lower. Here’s a quick comparison of the costs:

Material	Cost Per Square Meter (AUD)
Drywall (Standard)	$15–$30
Plaster (Traditional)	$50–$100

For DIY projects or smaller renovations, drywall is a great choice to keep things affordable. In my experience, many homeowners choose drywall for bedrooms, living rooms, or small renovations because of the cost-effectiveness and ease of installation.

Plaster – High-End, High-Cost

Plastering, while more expensive, provides a premium finish that drywall can’t match. It’s often the preferred choice for luxury homes or heritage restorations. Plaster costs more due to the skilled labour and the time it takes to install. However, when done right, plaster adds character and longevity to any home.

Material	Cost Per Square Meter (AUD)
Traditional Plaster	$50–$100
Veneer Plaster	$35–$70

I’ve worked on several high-end restorations where plastering was an investment, and it was worth every cent. The elegant finish it provides is timeless and often adds to the overall value of the property.

Veneer Plaster – A Middle Ground Between Drywall and Traditional Plaster

Veneer plaster offers a good balance between cost and quality. It’s cheaper than full plaster but still delivers the solid, durable finish you get with traditional plaster. For larger renovations where time and budget are factors, veneer plaster is a fantastic solution.

Durability – What Will Stand the Test of Time?

Durability is key when deciding between drywall, plaster, or veneer plaster. Each material has its strengths and weaknesses depending on where it’s used and the demands of the space.

Drywall – Susceptible to Everyday Wear and Tear

While drywall is fast and cost-effective, it’s not the most durable material for high-traffic areas. It’s prone to dents, scratches, and other physical damage. In homes with children or pets, drywall often requires more frequent repairs, especially in areas like hallways or living rooms. A quick touch-up with compound and paint usually fixes it, but it’s not as tough as plaster.

Durability	Drywall	Plaster	Veneer Plaster
Dents and Scratches	Prone to Damage	Resistant	Moderate
Cracking	Rare	Can occur over time	Rare

Plaster – Built to Last, But Prone to Cracking

Plaster is incredibly tough and resistant to dents and scuffs. It’s perfect for areas that see a lot of foot traffic. However, one trade-off is that plaster can develop cracks over time, especially as buildings settle or if there are shifts in temperature and humidity. Despite this, plaster remains a highly durable material.

Veneer Plaster – Hard, But Not Indestructible

Veneer plaster falls somewhere between drywall and plaster in terms of durability. It’s harder than drywall and resists abrasions better but isn’t as indestructible as traditional plaster. It’s great for families with active lifestyles, offering a durable surface without the cracks that can occur in traditional plaster systems.

mesh plastering melbourne

Performance – Which Material Performs Better in Different Conditions?

Drywall, plaster, and veneer plaster each have their own strengths when it comes to performance in certain conditions like soundproofing, moisture resistance, and insulation.

Drywall – Good, But Not Great in Certain Areas

Drywall performs well in most dry areas but struggles with moisture. In rooms like bathrooms or kitchens, drywall can absorb moisture and lead to mould growth or softening of the material over time. Additionally, while it offers some sound insulation, it’s not as effective as plaster.

Performance Area	Drywall	Plaster	Veneer Plaster
Soundproofing	Moderate	Excellent	Good
Moisture Resistance	Low to Moderate	High	Moderate
Thermal Insulation	Moderate	High	Good

Plaster – Superior in Soundproofing and Fire Resistance

Plaster excels in soundproofing and thermal regulation. Its density helps to absorb sound, making it the ideal choice for noisy environments like apartments or shared walls. Plaster is also highly fire-resistant, providing better protection against heat and flames.

Veneer Plaster – Offers the Best of Both Worlds

Veneer plaster combines the advantages of plaster’s performance with the ease of installation of drywall. It’s an excellent option for homeowners who want the benefits of plaster (like soundproofing and moisture resistance) without the long installation time.

Choosing between drywall, plaster, and veneer plaster comes down to your priorities—whether it’s speed, cost, durability, or aesthetics. If you’re looking for something quick and affordable, drywall is your best bet. However, if you’re after long-lasting durability, soundproofing, and a luxurious finish, plaster is the way to go. Veneer plaster offers a compromise, delivering a high-quality finish with quicker installation.

By considering factors like budget, timeline, and the specific needs of each room, you’ll be able to choose the perfect wall finish that suits your home.

Posted in Plaster