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If your home was built before the 1940s and was not remodeled in the past 50 or so years, you probably have plaster walls. Aside from assuming, there are some practical ways to tell if you have plaster walls, including the following: If you knock on the wall and it feels solid, not hollow, if you can’t insert a thumbtack easily, if there are cracks that look like spiderwebs, or if your home has curved, arched, or swirled walls, doorways, or window openings.

If you have an unfinished basement or attic, you could examine the backs of any finished walls to check, too.

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.

White walls are the toughest color to keep clean and maintain, as they’re extremely unforgiving when it comes to dirt, splatters, dust, and smudges. Still, many people look past their high-maintenance requirements because they lighten and modernize a space beautifully. If you’re opting for white walls, it’s especially important to keep up with regular cleanings, so they stay pristine.

If your home’s foundation shifts slightly over time, any seams in the drywall represent the weakest point in the wall, leading to cracks. If your home has significant changes in temperature and humidity, this can cause the drywall to swell and contract slightly, causing a crack at the weak point of the seam. If your drywall installer did a poor job securing the panels to the wall studs, this could cause a weak layout and cracks in the seams.