Plaster vs. Drywall: Understanding the Best of Both Worlds in Our Home
Plaster vs. Drywall: Understanding the Best of Both Worlds in Our Home
Let’s talk walls. Our home features a mix of traditional plaster and modern drywall - and there’s a good reason for that.
First up: What’s plaster, anyway?
Plaster has been around forever (seriously, centuries). It’s a wall finish made by applying layers of a gypsum or cement-based mix over a lath backing. In older homes, especially ones built with care and craftsmanship, plaster is the go-to. Here’s why it still matters today:
Super durable: Plaster is dense and tough, which means it stands up better to everyday wear and tear - perfect for high-traffic areas.
Great soundproofing: That thickness? It doesn’t just look good - it helps keep things quieter between rooms.
Fire-resistant: Plaster slows down fire spread better than drywall, which adds an extra layer of peace of mind.
Timeless style: It has a smooth, seamless look, and you’ll often see it in homes with beautiful architectural details or vintage charm.
Then there’s drywall
Drywall is today’s standard in most new builds. It’s made of gypsum sandwiched between paper, and it’s known for being:
Cost-effective and quick to install, especially in areas like kitchens and baths.
Easy to repair: Small hole? No problem. Drywall patches up in no time.
Versatile and clean-looking, making it a great match for modern finishes.
A Quick Word on All-Drywall New Builds and Flips
Many newer builds and quick-turn flips rely entirely on drywall: it’s fast, cheap, and easy to install. But that often comes with trade-offs, and buyers notice:
• Drywall can sound like a drum. Drywall alone doesn’t do much to muffle noise. Footsteps, voices, even closing a door—everything tends to echo and carry through the walls.
•. They’re more prone to dings and dents. Whether it’s moving furniture, kids playing, or just everyday life, drywall doesn’t hold up as well as plaster.
In contrast, our home blends traditional plaster with modern drywall in the right places. That means quieter living spaces, stronger walls where it matters, and a solid, well-built feel you can actually hear - or rather, not hear.
So why does our home have both?
We kept the original plaster in the ceilings, bedrooms, and living spaces. These areas benefit from plaster’s durability, soundproofing, and classic good looks - it’s part of what gives the home its character.
In the kitchens, bathrooms, and basement, we opted for drywall. These are functional, high-moisture areas where drywall’s practicality shines. It’s easier to update, fix, and maintain - especially around plumbing or mechanicals.
What this means for you as a buyer:
The best of both worlds: You get the solid, elegant feel of plaster in your everyday living spaces, and the practical perks of drywall where it makes the most sense.
A quieter, more efficient home: Plaster helps with noise and insulation, making for a more comfortable environment overall.
In today’s market, plaster is kind of a hidden gem. It’s often seen as a premium feature, thanks to its durability and detail. While drywall is everywhere, plaster adds a level of quality that’s hard to replicate.
So yeas, this isn’t just a house with “old walls.” It’s a home that blends the best parts of traditional craftsmanship with modern updates, thoughtfully designed to give you style, substance, and flexibility.
In short: You’re not just buying a home, you’re getting a well-balanced mix of character and convenience. And that’s something worth appreciating.
