Get matched with top drywall pros in Forestdale, MA

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.

The amount of drywall you need for a 1,000-square-foot basement depends on the ceiling height, angles, number of doors and windows, and more. To find the wall square footage, multiply the width and height of each wall, minus any gaps from windows or doors, and add the totals together. You’ll also need enough drywood nails or screws to install the drywall correctly.

Plaster is a beautiful finish but is labor-intensive to install and remove. It’s vulnerable to cracking and more sensitive to moisture variance than drywall. Installing plaster on a new wall is an expensive process that can take days to weeks, depending on the scope. Removing a plaster wall can also be quite expensive and time-consuming.

A utility knife is sharp enough to score the drywall and it may work in a pinch for outlet box holes. However, one of the best tools for drywall when you need to make exact cuts for an outlet box quickly is a drywall saw. This handheld tool has a longer blade than a utility knife, so it penetrates the thickness of the drywall easily. The design of its handle and the teeth in its blade make it easier to control while cutting quicker than you can with a utility knife.