A wall usually needs replastering if the plaster has "blown" (separated from the brick or lath), shows signs of severe moisture damage, or has deep, widening cracks. Simple cosmetic dings can be filled, but structural failure requires a fresh plaster job.
When Does a Wall Need Replastering?
Lath and plaster walls fell out of standard residential construction between the 1940s and 1960s. While traditional three-coat plaster was the go-to method for centuries, a massive post-WWII housing boom popularized drywall (Sheetrock), which was significantly cheaper and faster to install.
Plastering Cost per Square Metre
The average plastering cost per m² in 2025 is around £15–£80, depending on the work type and finish. A basic skim coat over existing plasterboard usually costs £15–£25 per m², while a full two-coat replaster ranges from £30–£50 per m².
Yes, you can install new drywall over existing drywall. It is a great way to save on demolition time and mess, while also improving soundproofing. However, you must ensure the underlying wall is completely solid, free of moisture or mold, and not sagging.
Drywall ceilings
Drywall finishes on ceilings are a common alternative to plaster ceilings because they are smooth, can easily be painted, and are typically less expensive.
Drywall is significantly cheaper than plaster. While the raw material costs of the boards are comparable, plastering requires highly specialized, time-consuming labor that costs up to 1.5 to 3 times more to install than drywall.
Yes, you can plaster over existing plaster, commonly referred to as "skim coating". However, the old plaster must be structurally sound and properly prepped. If the old base is crumbling, cracked, or loose, the new plaster will fail.
The time required to skim a room depends on its size and the condition of the walls. The average-sized room will take between 1-2 days to be skimmed, including preparation and clean-up. Larger rooms or those requiring extensive prep work could take longer.
Some drywall finishers add a small amount of dish soap (like Dawn) to drywall mud as a workability hack. They do this to act as a surfactant, which reduces the surface tension of the mud.
In use as early as 1900, rock lath (also known as "button board," "plaster board" or "gypsum-board lath"), is a type of gypsum wall board (essentially an early form of drywall) with holes spaced regularly to provide a 'key' for wet plaster. Rock lath was typically produced in sheets sized 2 by 4 feet (610 by 1,220 mm).
A wall needs skimming (a thin layer of plaster or compound) if it is uneven, damaged, or has severe surface texture. Key indicators include cracked plaster, visible dips, gouges from removing wallpaper, or a "blown" surface that sounds hollow when tapped. It is essential for achieving a smooth, consistent surface before painting.
Drywall largely replaced traditional lath and plaster after World War II. Although invented in 1916, it became the industry standard in the late 1940s and 1950s due to a massive post-war housing boom, a shortage of skilled plasterers, and the need for faster, more cost-effective construction.
Check for a smooth, even finish with no bumps or hollows. Good plaster feels firm, looks flat under light and doesn't crumble or dent when lightly pressed.
Skimming is a finishing technique that involves applying a thin layer of plaster, typically around 2–3mm, over an existing surface, such as plasterboard or old plaster, to create a smooth and polished finish.
The cheapest way to replace or update a ceiling is to cover the existing damaged ceiling rather than tearing it down. You can cover it using paint, adhesive styrofoam ceiling tiles, or by installing a Trusscore Wall & Ceiling Board system, saving thousands in demolition and disposal costs.
Plaster is rarely used in modern construction primarily because drywall (gypsum board) is faster, significantly cheaper, and easier to install. While plaster is highly durable and offers better soundproofing and fire resistance, traditional multi-coat plastering requires highly skilled labor and lengthy drying times, making it inefficient for modern housing demands.
The Disadvantages of Skim Coating: What to Consider
If you are looking for an alternative to traditional drywall, PVC wall panels (like Trusscore or Duramax) are a leading modern replacement. They install up to four times faster than gypsum boards because they eliminate the need to mud, tape, sand, or paint.
People choose plaster over drywall for its superior durability, better soundproofing, and smoother, more polished aesthetic. While drywall is quicker and cheaper to install, plaster provides a premium, hard-surface finish that is highly resistant to dents and is ideal for curved walls.