4 ms·

The only reason we use drywall in the first place is because of the cost of labor + time. Plaster is far superior by almost any measure. If you created some so

The only reason we use drywall in the first place is because of the cost of labor + time. Plaster is far superior by almost any measure. If you created some sort of plaster roomba/printer/extruder, you'd obviate the need for drywall. Could probably use manufactured or recycled lath of some sort. Cost/sqft of Drywall is ~1/3rd that of plaster (1.50 vs 3.50-4.50). Most of the price difference is additional labor.

dustinmoorenet 8y ago
You still have to put up plaster board (basically drywall) first before you float the surface with plaster. I can't imagine plasterers are putting up plaster slats in stud walls anymore. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lath_and_plaster https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lath_and_plaster
- gumby 8y ago
  FWIW my house in Palo Alto (total remodel 2001-2003) is lath and plaster throughout (indoor and out), all done by union plasterers. They are a specialist sub niche in moderately high demand around here.
baybal2 8y ago
Plaster is weaker, and it cracks.
- debacle 8y ago
  Weaker in what capacity? It's no weaker than drywall if it has lath behind it and much harder, though I will admit you need more (thicker) plaster to prevent cracks.
  - baybal2 8y ago
    Well, I also admit that it is better to say that it will be as strong as the lath behind it. Drywall on other had is stronger by itself for the equivalent thickness, and MgO board beats any other wall panel on that.
- soylentcola 8y ago
  As someone renovating a 100+ year old townhouse with plaster and some newer drywall, this is sometimes true. Some of the plaster and lath (mostly ceilings) have cracks and it's a pain in the ass to fix when it's up on the ceiling. But the main walls are freaking solid. Most of the walls and ceilings I'm needing to repair or replace are old drywall that was either not the proper type or just hasn't held up to wear and tear (and the neglect of the previous owner) over the previous 15+ years. On the plus side, the drywall that needs to be repaired or replaced is easy enough for me to DIY but some of the really bad plaster/lath stuff is going to require a messy and laborious removal process. Still, I love the rooms with plaster walls in good shape. Great sound insulation and looks awesome. It's a shame I can't afford to have more of the bad stuff replaced with new plaster.

dustinmoorenet 8y ago

You still have to put up plaster board (basically drywall) first before you float the surface with plaster. I can't imagine plasterers are putting up plaster slats in stud walls anymore. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lath_and_plaster https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lath_and_plaster

gumby 8y ago
FWIW my house in Palo Alto (total remodel 2001-2003) is lath and plaster throughout (indoor and out), all done by union plasterers. They are a specialist sub niche in moderately high demand around here.

baybal2 8y ago

Plaster is weaker, and it cracks.

debacle 8y ago
Weaker in what capacity? It's no weaker than drywall if it has lath behind it and much harder, though I will admit you need more (thicker) plaster to prevent cracks.
- baybal2 8y ago
  Well, I also admit that it is better to say that it will be as strong as the lath behind it. Drywall on other had is stronger by itself for the equivalent thickness, and MgO board beats any other wall panel on that.
soylentcola 8y ago
As someone renovating a 100+ year old townhouse with plaster and some newer drywall, this is sometimes true. Some of the plaster and lath (mostly ceilings) have cracks and it's a pain in the ass to fix when it's up on the ceiling. But the main walls are freaking solid. Most of the walls and ceilings I'm needing to repair or replace are old drywall that was either not the proper type or just hasn't held up to wear and tear (and the neglect of the previous owner) over the previous 15+ years. On the plus side, the drywall that needs to be repaired or replaced is easy enough for me to DIY but some of the really bad plaster/lath stuff is going to require a messy and laborious removal process. Still, I love the rooms with plaster walls in good shape. Great sound insulation and looks awesome. It's a shame I can't afford to have more of the bad stuff replaced with new plaster.