Plasterboard vs. Wet Plastering

At Lawsons we offer a range of plastering supplies, including plasterboard for dry lining or plaster and compounds. If you’re not sure which is best for you, we’ve written a helpful guide to make sure you’re making the right decision based on the use and your skills.

Plaster: The Pros and Cons

Plaster is typically the preferred option for masonry lovers and professionals – it gives a smooth, durable finish and you can plaster any area, regardless of the size, shape, or details such as windows, doors, or unusual shapes. It offers an excellent seal and is far more airtight than boards.

However, these pros do come at a price, which is mainly to do with the skill involved in applying it and time it takes to dry. Good plasterers train for years to hone their craft, so can be difficult to come by. Trying to do it yourself without the necessary skills and experience will likely result in uneven walls and cracks. It also takes some time for the plaster to dry, so if you’re on a tight deadline it may not be the best option for you.

Plasterboard: The Pros and Cons

If you want a smooth surface with no wet materials on site or drying time, plasterboard is the simplest option. It comes in pre-made boards so you just need to secure it to the wall and fill the joins to have a single, even surface. There’s little to no risk of cracking since the plaster is already dry and you don’t need anywhere near the same level of skill that it takes to use wet plaster.

Plasterboard is the more convenient option of the two, but many professionals, property developers, and even self builders often decide to use wet plaster despite this. Unique properties or unusual shapes can actually mean it takes longer to cut out and fit the necessary plaster boards, while the finished effect doesn’t have the same level of sound-proofing as wet plaster unless you use high performance board.