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Both plaster and drywall are durable wall finishes, but they differ significantly in installation, cost, performance, and aesthetics.

Installation & Cost: Drywall installation is faster and more affordable, typically costing $1.50 to $3 per square foot. It uses premade sheets, making it a more accessible DIY project. Plastering is a labor-intensive craft that requires specialized skills, pushing costs to $2 to $10 per square foot. It involves applying a wet paste over a lath framework.

Durability & Performance: Plaster is generally more durable, longer-lasting, and provides superior soundproofing. It is also a better insulator, which can help reduce energy costs. Drywall is easier to remove for future renovations.

Aesthetics: Drywall provides a smooth, uniform surface ready for paint or texture. Plaster offers a high-end, naturally textured look that can hide imperfections and is often preferred for achieving a classic or historic aesthetic.

Which is better? The choice depends on your priorities. Drywall is ideal for those prioritizing a lower upfront cost, faster installation, and DIY potential. Plaster is the better option for a higher-end project where durability, soundproofing, and a unique, premium finish are more important than the initial cost.

Whether you apply the drywall mesh before or after drywall mud depends on the type of patch it is. For self-adhesive patches, you’ll put the patch down first and then coat it with mud. Mesh patches that are not self-adhesive will require you to put mud down first and then press the mesh into it, followed by additional coats of mud.

Although they are used for similar tasks, spackle and joint compound are not the same. Joint compound, also known as drywall mud, consists of limestone and gypsum and is primarily used for large-scale projects like taping and finishing seams on new drywall. Spackle is composed of gypsum and binding agents, making it a thicker compound best suited for small wall repairs like filling nail holes or cracks, as it dries quickly and is easy to sand. For small repairs, either product can be suitable. However, you can use joint compound for small jobs in place of spackle, but you cannot use spackle for large-scale taping and mudding projects.

While every home has its own unique needs, ceiling drywall installation typically follows a staggered or stepped pattern to enhance structural integrity and reduce the visibility of seams. Starting from one corner, sheets are placed perpendicular to the ceiling joists, with the ends of adjacent sheets meeting along the center of the joist. The next row begins with a half sheet, ensuring joints don't align vertically. This alternating pattern, combined with proper taping and mudding, creates a seamless appearance and strengthens the ceiling structure, minimizing the risk of cracks over time.