As a plastering company in Australia, we are often asked what the difference is between solid plaster (also known as wet plaster or simply plastering) and plasterboard (also known as drywall, gypsum board and gypsum plaster).

Both building materials cover the interior surfaces of walls and ceilings, but they also differ significantly. We’ll compare the two in this article to see which one is ideal for your needs. 

If you don’t know what solid plaster is or what plasterboard is, read our article explaining these and other types of walls commonly found in Australian apartments.

Cost

The biggest difference between the two options is the cost. Wet plastering typically costs between $45 and $90 per square metre (price may vary depending on the project’s size), as it takes more knowledge and experience. Plasterboard installation, on the other hand, costs between $20 and $70 per square foot.

These prices depend on where you are located, how big the job is, how complex the job is, and the skills and experience of the plasterer. The price discrepancy between the two materials means that plasterboard is the first choice in most cases.

Durability

Plasterboard is more prone to damage because it is a lightweight material. If an object hits the plasterboard too hard, the impact can cause a hole or crack in the wall. In addition, regular plasterboard can also be damaged by water and fire unless it is water or fire-resistant.

Solid plaster has been the preferred technique for building walls for centuries. This is mainly due to its toughness and timelessness. Many old houses and buildings in Australia still have the original plaster on their walls. Due to its extreme hardness, it is comparatively much more resistant to impact, fire and water than plasterboard. Over time, it can crack, but this is usually due to improper installation or movement in the building’s foundation.

External appearance

When it comes to appearance, solid plaster is the best choice. Since plaster is a pliable material, a skilled plasterer can shape it into many forms and designs. In addition to standard plaster, you can also ask for decorative and ornamental plaster.

Plasterboard, in contrast, is a flat surface with a limited ability to be shaped, making it unsuitable for curved walls and ceilings. As a rule, the designs using only plasterboard are more modernist with geometric shapes.

Repairs

Gypsum/plaster walls usually require a little plaster repair to repair cracks or damage.

Plasterboard repairs require a multi-step process. Both repairs can be done by yourself, but in both cases, it may be necessary to call in a professional plasterer and other tradesmen if electrical or plumbing work is involved.

Conclusion

Plaster and plasterboard each have their advantages, as you can see. In general, solid plaster is considered to be of higher quality because it forms a single seamless surface with no joints. Durability and simplicity of repair are also other desired qualities. 

The installation cost is the biggest drawback for most applications, making plasterboard the material of choice in most cases.

Ask a professional plasterer

Still not sure which plaster will work best for you? Call our professional team for a no-obligation consultation on which interior wall plastering is best for your home or workplace.