Is plaster making a comeback?

Author: Titus Corwin  |  Last update: Sunday, December 7, 2025

Plaster designs are making a comeback in modern homes, offering a simple and stylish look. Minimalist plaster designs focus on clean lines, smooth surfaces, and neutral colors like white, gray, and beige.

Are plaster walls coming back?

Yes, plaster walls are still used in new construction in the USA, but it is not common.

Does anyone use plaster anymore?

While drywall has become the standard in modern construction, plaster still holds a place in high-end and historic renovations.

What do Americans use instead of plaster?

In the mid-20th century, drywall construction became prevalent in North America as a time- and labor-saving alternative to lath and plaster.

What is modern plaster called?

Modern plaster refers to contemporary plastering techniques and materials used to create smooth, durable, and visually appealing wall finishes. It includes various types of plasters, such as clay plaster, slaked lime plaster, Venetian plaster, and other eco-friendly alternatives.

Venetian plaster is making a comeback in modern homes. Miami, Florida.

Are plaster walls in style?

Plaster shines on walls and ceilings in modern homes. It adds depth and style to any room. Smooth finishes create a sleek look, while textured surfaces bring warmth. Homeowners can choose from many options.

What replaced plaster?

Lath and plaster methods have mostly been replaced with modern drywall or plasterboard, which is faster and less expensive to install. Drywall possesses poor sound dampening qualities and can be easily damaged by moisture. Traditional lime based plasters are resistant to moisture and provide excellent sound isolation.

Why did people stop using plaster?

Lath and plaster was a skilled craft and a time-consuming technique and the advent of cheaper, mass produced, pre-manufactured plasterboard meant lath and plaster largely fell out of favour by the 1930s and 1940s. Plasterboard was simply faster and less expensive to install.

What is a plaster called in America?

Speakers of American English usually refer to the little sticky pads used to cover small wounds as “Band-Aids.”

Do plaster walls have asbestos?

If the renovation year of your home falls between 1920 and 2000, it's also very likely that there could be dangerous levels of asbestos in your plaster walls. In addition, any plaster walls labeled as “fire-rated” are also more likely to contain asbestos.

Are houses still built with plaster?

Lath and plaster walls grace many traditional homes. Thick, substantial, and great at soundproofing, walls constructed out of lath and plaster are rarely built anew anymore. They tend only to be repaired, not built from scratch. Drywall is the wall covering of choice now.

Why is there a shortage of plaster?

The main reason for the plaster shortage is a lack of production. Between March 2020 and June 2021, the government imposed three major lockdowns and social distancing rules that made certain types of work all but impossible.

What's better than plaster?

Drywall is an affordable construction material that is relatively easy to work with, making it an excellent option for beginner DIYers. It also tends to work better with insulation than plaster, which is why drywall is widely used throughout colder regions of the country.

Do plaster walls increase home value?

Increase the Home's Durability

One swing of a hammer that is just a little too hard, and the drywall can easily get a new hole. Plaster dries to a very hard finish that is difficult to damage. This makes the home more durable and reduces how much maintenance homeowners must do – which always increases the value.

Should I get rid of my plaster walls?

As long as they're in good shape, it probably makes sense to leave them alone. For many homes, plaster walls are a big part of their appeal. If this is true for your home, the best way to ensure they stay in great shape is to regularly inspect them and have any cracks repaired as soon as you notice them.

Do plaster walls grow mold?

Yes, mold can grow on plaster. Just like other types of building materials, plaster that has been painted, is dirty, or has been damaged is prime for mold growth.

Is it better to plaster or drywall?

Plaster Application:

While this method takes longer, it results in a hard, smooth finish that is unmatched by drywall. Plaster is often the material of choice for projects that prioritise aesthetics and long-term durability.

What do British people call plaster?

Band aid is a brand name, plaster is what we call the product. Band aid is one of a number of brands that make them, though not as big a brand as Elastoplast, and it's not unknown for British people to refer to plasters as Elastoplast regardless of brand, but not usual.

How much does plaster cost?

Materials. The material to apply plaster costs between $2 to $10 per square foot. Plaster materials are relatively inexpensive. A 5-gallon bucket of lime plaster costs around $60, while a 25-pound bag of plaster used for decorative plaster costs $10 to $30.

What do old houses have instead of drywall?

Age of the home: Houses built before 1950 are more likely to have plaster walls. Wall thickness: Plaster walls are typically thicker than drywall. Hardness: Plaster is harder than drywall when you press on it.

Can you mount a TV on plaster walls?

Generally, a plasterboard wall will hold a TV securely and safely, but this is only as long as you use the right mounting. You should consider using an anchor or mounting plate for best results.

Can you still get plaster walls?

Plaster walls and ceilings have existed since the Egyptians, when they were used in ancient temples and monuments. They've become popular again, and it may be thanks to their history, but the long-lasting properties of plaster walls are also very appealing.

Is there a plaster shortage?

There are a variety of reasons that gypsum has experienced shortages in the past year or so. Between supply chain issues, rising prices, and complications that had persevered since before the Covid-19 Pandemic, there has been a high demand and low availability for what has become an essential building material.

What was used on walls before sheetrock?

Before drywall became widely used, building interiors were made of plaster. For hundreds of years, walls and ceilings have been constructed by placing layers of wet plaster over thousands of wooden strips called laths.

What is the strongest type of plaster?

Tough coat plaster is the most durable of all undercoat plasters. It has high impact, weather and fire resistance, which means it can handle a lot more than other types of plaster. It's also perfect for masonry walls. The one downside of tough coat plaster is that it doesn't do well with prolonged exposure to moisture.

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