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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 need a drywall anchor depends on the specifics of your project, particularly what you're hanging and where. You do not need a drywall anchor if you can screw or nail the object directly into a wooden stud, as the wood provides sufficient support and stability. However, if there are no studs in the location where you plan to hang the item, you should use drywall anchors to ensure it is securely supported. For very lightweight objects, like small pictures, adhesive picture hanging strips can be a suitable alternative to anchors.

Drywall is safe to cut as long as you follow proper procedures, such as wearing personal protective equipment and using the right tools to score and cut the drywall. When cutting new drywall, it can release dust with silica and other compounds that could pose health risks. Leave cutting drywall to the pros, or wear a high-quality respiratory mask, goggles, and other PPE when handling drywall.

Yes, it is possible to rewire a house without removing the drywall, but this doesn’t work in all homes. You can pull out old wires and insert new ones if you have access to the wiring system via the ceiling or through a crawl space. Some pros can also use a magnetic kit to fish the old wire out of the wall through a hole cavity and install the new wires. Just keep in mind that doing this is less stable than removing drywall, as you won’t be able to staple the wires into the framing.