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Which is better: drywall or plaster - a comparison for apartments and houses


23-02-2026

Drywall or plaster for an apartment and house: features of materials

Before making a final decision on the choice of facing materials for interior work, it is necessary to have some information about their features.

Plaster
This is a well-known classic, with which walls are leveled. It is prepared in the form of a mixture, the main components of which are cement, gypsum or lime, sand and water. The prepared substance is applied directly to the walls and after drying the surface is made smooth, allowing wallpapering, painting or applying other decorative coatings.

Drywall
A building material in the form of a sheet of gypsum core, which is covered on both sides with strong cardboard. This type of material is universal, intended for frame installation. That is why it has become extremely popular recently for finishing walls and ceilings. Drywall can be used in new buildings and during wall repairs in old premises. By allowing you to form a flat surface, it also makes it possible to hide wires, pipes, or enhance soundproofing in a room.

Comparison of drywall and plaster according to basic characteristics

For an accurate comparison of these materials, the criteria of strength, layer thickness, speed of work performed and the need for additional processes are usually taken into account.

No less important is the cost factor in terms of price per m². The main characteristics can be briefly reviewed using the table:

Criterion Plaster Drywall
Installation speed Long repair time, surface drying required Fast, the surface is immediately ready for wall decoration
Layer thickness Up to 5 cm From 5 cm and more
Surface quality and durability of materials High Medium, may be damaged
Additional works Needs grouting and sanding Seam treatment required
Pollution A lot of dirt during work Minimum

As for the cost, you can expect a higher price when working with plaster. Usually, the cost of work involves taking into account the price of materials, their quantity and the assessment of the services of craftsmen. In addition, plaster requires more time for drying and processing, which also somewhat increases the overall cost of the project.

Drywall is installed much faster, taking into account materials, labor and execution time.

What is better for leveling a wall: drywall or plaster?

The advantages of plaster during surface treatment are strength and long service life, since the material allows you to create a reliable coating that is not affected by mechanical damage. Plaster well levels minor irregularities and defects of the walls in the house, creating a smooth surface. After drying, the cement-based material becomes waterproof, and therefore it can be used in rooms with high humidity. It is also important that various textures and patterns can be applied to the plastered surface.

Gypsum board is considered a relatively light material, having the advantages of the absence of so-called wet processes during wall treatment. In addition, the material is characterized by good thermal insulation. After installation, gypsum board creates a perfectly flat surface without cracks on the walls, already prepared for further treatment with facing materials. It is important that various designs can be formed using gypsum board.

Drywall or plaster: which is better for repair and construction

When choosing the optimal material, you should pay attention to the basic data of your house or apartment. If you plan to finish the repair faster or remove serious wall defects, then drywall is better suited for such cases.

If the repair takes place in a room with a small area, where there is increased humidity, then in such cases it is recommended to use plaster. This same material is well suited if it is necessary to hang heavy objects on the walls. This is explained by the fact that reliable fastening with a beautiful design can only be obtained on a plastered surface.

Which material to choose is decided only by the users. To prevent unforeseen situations, it is important to weigh all the pros and cons in advance and take into account the information provided in the article.

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