Drywall vs. Plaster: What's the Difference? Trades Drywall is divided into two distinct trades: hangers and finishers (Finishers do the taping and finishing). Drywall hangers measure and trim drywall panels to fit the studs. Drywall finishers smooth out the seams and joints between panels, providing a smooth wall. Drywall Finishers, on the other hand, fill in the gaps left by the Hangers. Plastering, on the other hand, is a single trade rather than two. To make a smooth wall, plasterers normally place the lath, apply the base coat, and apply the final coat.
Tools Plasterers apply the plaster with a hawk and trowel, whereas Drywall Finishers use a pan and knife. These tools are utilized in a variety of ways, each with its own set of procedures. Without substantial training and practice, a Drywall Finishers cannot simply move to use a hawk and trowel, and a pan and knife is a poor choice for spreading plaster. Similarly, a Plasterer cannot quickly move to drywall finishing using a pan and knife. The skillsets and tools are not transferable.
Cost Drywall is less time-consuming and less difficult to install than plaster. Plaster artisans are becoming increasingly scarce, making it difficult to find someone with actual plaster experience. Some Drywall Finishers claim to have plaster experience, but unless they are journeyman Plasterers, they are unlikely to be able to accomplish anything more than minor plaster fixes. Drywall is less expensive than plaster because of these factors. You must consider the cost of the drywall panels themselves, not simply the