Get matched with top drywall pros in Walnut Grove, GA

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.

It is possible to apply plaster on the interior or exterior of your home, but we don’t recommend it. Plaster is easy to apply in theory, but in reality, it can be a challenging material to work with, and it’s difficult to get the finished product to look clean, even, and smooth. Many DIYers end up calling in a professional afterward to touch up the area or even redo it entirely because of mistakes they made in the process. Hiring a plaster pro will cost more, but it’s usually the best option to achieve high-quality results.

While not always necessary, you can glue a drywall ceiling in addition to using screws or nails. Drywall is typically secured to ceiling joists with fasteners, which is often sufficient. However, adding construction adhesive can offer benefits like preventing sagging, bridging gaps, and reducing air leaks for better energy efficiency. It may also be used for specific acoustic or insulation needs. On the other hand, many professionals advise against it because properly placed screws make the drywall structural, glue doesn't add strength, and it makes future repairs or replacements significantly more difficult. Ultimately, it's best to follow local building codes and project-specific requirements to decide if adhesive is right for your ceiling.

Textured walls are a great way to hide imperfections left over by drywall installation, but many homeowners feel like it’s an outdated look, despite there being so many types of drywall texture. And while the textured walls of today are a far cry from the popcorn ceilings and faux stucco of our grandmother’s homes, if you want a more modern look or you want to install wallpaper, it’s time to smooth out your walls.