Plaster walls are significantly more expensive and time-consuming to install than drywall. They require highly specialized labor, are prone to brittle cracking over time, and make hanging heavy items difficult. Furthermore, they can block Wi-Fi signals and are challenging to patch when damaged.
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.
Whether plaster is "better" depends entirely on your priorities. Plaster creates a premium, highly durable wall with excellent soundproofing, but it is significantly more expensive and requires specialized labor. Drywall is cheaper, faster to install, and easier to repair, but it damages more easily.
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.
Plaster generally lasts much longer than drywall and doesn't need to be replaced as often. This helps minimize construction waste and reduces the materials required for repairs.
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.
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.
Professional plastering is part of property value growth, it's not just about looks. From curb appeal to long-term durability and energy efficiency, expert plastering adds real value to any property.
Gypsum plaster is one of the most common types of plaster used in the interior of homes. It's often used in conjunction with plasterboard, but can also be used over existing plaster. "Gypsum is often the go-to plastering option when building, renovating or extending a home.
In Canada and the United States, wood lath and plaster remained in use until the process was replaced by transitional methods followed by drywall (the North American term for plasterboard) in the mid-twentieth century.
Yes, you can drill into plaster, but it is brittle and prone to cracking, so you must use the proper tools and go slowly.
It takes about two to three times the amount of force to dent plaster than it does drywall, which I think is why you know it's a superior product. But let's not forget the big thing which is density and mass so it's way better at keeping a house quiet.
Plaster Walls: Traditional plaster walls, common in homes built before the 1950s, involve multiple layers of wet plaster applied over wooden lath or metal mesh. This method creates a solid, dense surface known for its durability and soundproofing.
Plaster isn't a trend. It's actually one of the oldest wall finishes in the world, and it's making a major comeback because people are finally realizing that a wall can do more than just be a backdrop. It can set the entire mood of a room.
To make a home look expensive, rely on sophisticated neutrals, earthy greens, or muted blues rather than stark whites or highly saturated brights. High-end spaces feel cohesive and intentional, using layered tones, natural materials, and high-quality finishes to create a calm, custom feel.
Factors that decrease property value the most fall into three main categories: location issues, structural damage, and poor neighborhood conditions. These factors can collectively slash a property’s value by 5% to 30% or more.
When Does a Wall Need Replastering?
The most expensive part of remodeling a house is typically custom cabinetry and the combined labor required for kitchens and bathrooms. Because these spaces pack plumbing, electrical work, and specialized appliances into small footprints, they require intensive, high-cost skilled labor.
"A plastering job can take between one to three days from start to finish. Although it is possible to skim over a room in a day, it is a good idea to prioritise the condition and stability of the existing surface," advises Alfie Burrows, director of AB Drylining.
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.
Before the widespread adoption of drywall in the 1940s and 1950s, older houses used a method called lath and plaster. This technique consisted of nailing thin wooden strips (lath) horizontally across wall studs and coating them in thick layers of plaster.
Some people add a small amount of dish soap to drywall mud to reduce surface tension, which helps release air bubbles and create a smoother, more even finish, especially when applying the final "skim coat"; however, this practice is not recommended by professionals as it can potentially weaken the adhesion of the mud ...
Smooth ceilings and knockdown texture are the top choices. Smooth finishes are preferred for modern, high-end, or minimalist spaces, while knockdown (a mottled, dimensional look) is widely used to conceal minor imperfections. Skip trowel is also trending for a rustic, artisan plaster look.