How to line the walls: drywall or plaster?

Any remodeling project should include wall lining, and the technique used can have a significant impact on the wall’s longevity and appearance. Two popular choices that stick out are plaster and drywall. It’s important to know which one best fits your needs because each has pros and cons of its own.

Gypsum board, sometimes known as drywall, is well-liked for its seamless finish and ease of installation. It is commonly utilized in contemporary homes and is a fantastic option if you’re searching for an easy and affordable fix. If you need a more traditional look or are dealing with curved walls, it might not be the best choice.

Conversely, plaster provides a more seamless and robust finish. It’s frequently chosen for older buildings or areas in need of a premium, long-lasting surface. Plastering produces a sturdy, long-lasting wall that can give your interior character, even though it can take more time and skill.

Making an informed choice will help you ensure that your walls not only look fantastic but also endure over time. Learn the benefits and drawbacks of each technique.

Plastering walls

This is a cement-based building material used for finishing and leveling walls. It comes from the Italian word stucco-gypsum, which means lime. It frequently has additives that give it unique qualities, such as coloring additives, mineral components for texture, fire and abrasion resistance, and water protection. Ready-made mortar in buckets or dry mixtures in bags are the two forms of plaster that are sold.

Advantages of “wet” leveling

• Strength – one of its main advantages. Cement-based mortar, after setting, becomes a monolith with the strength of stone. Plastered surfaces can withstand the weight of shelves and cabinets and are not afraid of impacts.
• Durability. Plaster covered with a finishing coat is practically indestructible. For example, you can re-glue wallpaper for many years without repairing the rough finishing layer underneath.
• It tolerates sub-zero temperatures well, This is relevant for non-residential premises (garage, utility room, veranda) and unheated cottages.
• Moisture resistance of the plaster makes it a good choice for use in bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms where high humidity is possible. If you are flooded by neighbors from above, the finishing coat will most likely deteriorate, but the walls underneath will remain intact. Sinks and bathtubs are even made from natural lime plaster tadelakt.

• Space saving. With small wall defects, the leveling layer of the mixture will be minimal, which will significantly save space in the room.
• Universal base for any type of finishing work. Suitable for ceramic tiles, decorative plaster, painting and under wallpaper.

Disadvantages of plastering

• Work time. The mortar layer must set and dry well before proceeding to the final finishing.
• Dirt. When mixing and applying the mortar, it is quite difficult to keep the floor and work clothes clean.
• High material consumption on curved surfaces.
• Labor intensity of work. It is difficult to plaster evenly without experience.

The choice between plaster and drywall for wall finishing ultimately boils down to your personal requirements and preferences. Drywall is a common option for modern homes because it is less expensive, easier to repair, and quicker to install. Plaster, on the other hand, takes more time and expertise to apply but provides a smoother, more resilient finish and improved soundproofing. Selecting the best approach for your space can be aided by being aware of the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Drywall: types and areas of application

A versatile building material, drywall is frequently utilized in place of plaster. It is made of gypsum that has cardboard sheets pasted to both sides. Surfactants and starch are also present. Gypsum board sheets are typically 1200 mm wide, 2000 mm long, 2500 mm wide, and 9.5 mm or 12.5 mm thick.

Drywall is classified into the following types based on its performance characteristics:

GKLO. includes unique additives and mineral fibers. Used in buildings with stricter fire safety regulations, this material is fire resistant.

GKLV. Because it is impregnated with water-repellent ingredients, it can be used in humid areas like restrooms and bathrooms. It is important to remember that the material may still deteriorate after extended exposure to water.

Ordinary GKL. It is frequently used in residential buildings to create decorative elements and level ceilings and walls.

This article will teach you how to plaster drywall.

Positive qualities of GKL

• Excellent for leveling walls with large deviations from the plane, serious chips and defects. The sheet of drywall itself is an ideal plane.
• Less dirt during repairs compared to wet finishing. GKL sheets are easily cut with a construction knife and attached to the lathing with self-tapping screws. If the walls are even, then the drywall can be glued directly to them using an adhesive solution.
• Simple and quick installation — pasting walls with plasterboard occurs in a matter of hours. It allows you to level the surfaces with your own hands, without resorting to the help of hired craftsmen.
• When using a frame under the gypsum board, it is possible to lay electrical wiring, install insulation or soundproofing material between the wall and the sheets.
• And the main advantage of gypsum board is the ability to create multi-level ceilings and various decorative elements. The easiest way to make interior partitions is also from gypsum board.

Disadvantages of gypsum board

• Reduction in the area of ​​the room. If the gypsum board is not mounted on glue, but is sheathed with a frame, then the room will decrease by the width of the metal profile and the thickness of the gypsum board sheet. For example, the PN-2 STANDARD guide profile has a width of 40 mm. Add 12.5 mm – the thickness of the sheet. It turns out that the room is reduced by 52.5 mm on each side where the finishing takes place.
• Low moisture resistance. Even gypsum board with water-repellent impregnations will not withstand frequent contact with water. But with proper protection, for example, tiles, this can not be afraid.
• Low strength. A sheet of plasterboard can crack from impact, leaving dents or holes. Difficulties also arise when it is necessary to hang heavy objects on the wall – cabinets, equipment or shelves. For these purposes, the lathing is additionally reinforced or embedded parts made of wooden beams are attached to the wall. Light shelves and objects can be hung directly on the sheets of plasterboard using special dowels.

What is cheaper: calculating the price per m2

Depending on how the surface is curved, plaster costs can vary significantly when calculating for a 1 m2 area. Let’s look at an illustration.

With a layer thickness of 10 mm, the Knauf Rotband universal gypsum mixture consumes 8.5 kg/m2 and costs roughly 400 rubles for a 30 kg bag. 3.73 m2 can be covered by a bag with a layer of 10 mm. There will be 107 rubles per meter in price.

To the expense Plastering is not the only expense to factor in; primer and beacon profiles (if applicable) must also be paid for.

Let’s now determine how much plasterboard will cost to cover 1 m2. GCL standard 1200*2000*9.5 mm is priced at 290 r. It turns out that the sheet is 2.4 m2 in area and costs 121 rubles per square meter. Include in this the cost of the GCL profiles or, if the sheets are glued, the drywall glue.

Plaster is less expensive than drywall for walls that are more uniformly finished. However, fixing the GCL sheets will be far less expensive.

Real costs:

Cardboard made of gypsum is 9.5 mm.

It depends on your priorities which material to use for wall finishing: plaster or drywall. Drywall is easy to use, quick, and clean. For people who want a clean, level surface quickly and with the least amount of mess, it’s a great option.

Conversely, plaster provides a more robust and long-lasting finish. For people who appreciate a classic, durable wall finish and don’t mind needing more time and expertise to complete the task, it’s ideal.

In the end, what matters most is the needs of your project, your financial constraints, and the amount of work you’re willing to put in. Select the approach that best meets your objectives as each has advantages.

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