What is better - plasterboard or plaster? We consider, we compare, we choose

Building a new home or renovating an old one, renovating an apartment or renovating a damaged wall invariably leads to the need to start repairs. Several decades ago, construction work on the leveling of the walls would be reduced to their plastering. Today this variant has a worthy competitor - drywall. This is where the dilemma arises: what is better - plasterboard or plaster?

There is no single answer to this question. In each case, the owner will have to decide for himself what to buy. The choice will become evident only after reviewing the merits and demerits of each building material.

What is drywall?

This material was invented in the late 19th century in America. But then he did not receive wide distribution. Over time, choosing which is better - plasterboard or plaster, more and more people began to prefer gypsum plasterboard. Since the middle of the next century, its use has spread throughout the world, and it appeared in the USSR.

Drywall is a building material. It consists of two sheets of cardboard and an inner layer between them from the hardened gypsum dough. Used gypsum cardboard for the ceiling, for interior walling and for creating interior partitions. Not suitable for exterior work and for rooms with high humidity. Of course, it's possible to level the walls in the bathroom with plasterboard, but after a few years the appearance of these walls will worsen. Maximum after 6-8 years of repair will have to be repeated.

Manufacturers produce sheets of gypsum board in three basic standard sizes. The width is one - 1200 millimeters, and the length can be 2, 2.5 or 3 meters. The thickness of the sheet is two sizes: 9.5 or 12.5 millimeters.

Responding to customer requests, manufacturers have established the production of three types of plasterboard: standard plasterboard sheets (GKL), waterproof gypsum board (GKLV) and fireproof gypsum board (GKLO).

Waterproof sheets are distinguished by the addition of special substances against fungi into the core of gypsum. Gypsum in fireproof sheets is enhanced by clay and reinforcing fiberglass. Thanks to the fireproof properties of these materials, a sheet of plasterboard withstands open fire for an hour, without spreading it and smoke. The buyer can distinguish the types of drywall according to the color of the sheets: if it is gray, it means that it is a regular drywall, the green marking indicates a waterproof material, and the pink one indicates a fire resistance.

What is plaster?

For a long time, the walls and ceilings were leveled with plaster. This is a building compound used for finishing the inside or outside of the walls, as well as the ceiling. Under the plaster is also meant the hardened layer obtained as a result of applying it to the walls. Three kinds of plaster are usually distinguished:

1. Usual - it is used for leveling the surface of walls and protecting them from the negative impact of the environment. The walls can be treated both indoors and outdoors.
2. Special - provides, by adding certain components, different characteristics: heat-saving, sound-insulating, X-ray protective, adro-insulating.
3. Decorative - at the final stage of finishing the walls or ceilings gives an aesthetically attractive appearance of the surface. There are color, silk, Venetian, stone and others.

The usual plaster can have a different composition: calcareous, gypsum or cement-sand mixture.

Lime mortar is a mass of lime and sand in a ratio of 1: 4. You can add cement for strength. Eco-friendly mixture is quickly applied, used for outdoor work. Cement-sand mass in a ratio of 1: 4 can be applied to the outer and inner sides of the walls. This solution will manage to level out large flaws, the layer of plaster does not collapse for several decades. Gypsum mixture is used for internal works. The coating is smooth and white, suitable for finishing in any version: wallpaper, painting, tiles.

Advantages of plasterboard

In order to determine what is better - plasterboard or plaster, it is necessary to learn about the pros and cons of each type of finishing materials. Drywall has a number of advantages to which plaster does not hold out:

1. All finishing works with plasterboard are accompanied by a minimum of dirt, as the material is dry and does not require moisture.
2. Aligning walls with this material does not require special skills, is carried out quickly. It is not difficult to use drywall for the ceiling.
3. GKL lining provides soundproofing from external extraneous noise. The use of a special fire-resistant gypsum board provides fire prevention.
4. The ability of drywall to absorb excess moisture allows the walls to "breathe".
5. Between the sheet of skin and the wall an empty space is formed, which can be used with advantage. There you can hide communications or fill with a heater.
6. Drywall sheets are well bent. This allows from this material to design on walls and ceilings the original design.

Disadvantages of drywall

Like any material, it has drawbacks. The disadvantages are:

• Decrease the useful space inside the room, because the sheets are fastened to the crate;
• The upholstery of the walls with gypsum boards is only part of the finishing work: you have to fill in the seams and apply the finishing material;
• Walls made of plasterboard can not keep suspended on them a heavy shelf or cabinet, it is necessary to lay under the sheet additional elements.

Advantages of plaster

Plaster is not without reason called an old, proven method of leveling walls and ceilings. It can compete with the visible advantages of drywall when choosing the material: what is better - plasterboard or plaster? The material remains in demand for so long, because the advantages of plastered walls can not be overlooked.

1. Durability is the main advantage of plaster. The work performed with observance of all technologies allows at least thirty years to forget about problems with irregularities. Wallpaper, painting, whitewash will have to update more often.
2. The wall, lined with plaster, is strong, withstands impacts, is reliable.
3. Can withstand almost any load: furniture, electrical engineering or a picture in a heavy antique frame.
4. Preserves the previous area of the room, not reducing it by a few centimeters on each side.
5. Electricians are allowed to use single-insulated wires on plastered walls.

Disadvantages of the material

Stucco is good, but it is not without its minuses:

• The plastering of walls is carried out with the addition of water, so it is accompanied by a huge amount of dirt.
• Plastering is not an easy task. It takes time to apply the material, then to dry it. And only then you can start finishing. It may take about three weeks, or even more.
• Accepting the work done by the plasterer, the customer can easily overlook flaws. A layman can often not be able to verify the correctness of technology compliance. Among the builders are many who want to conduct plastering work. The price at the same time depends on the level of skill and responsibility of the specialist.

Room decoration using plasterboard

The plaster is good and reliably hides irregularities on the walls. Drywall is capable of more - it can transform space. When plastering, you get a box with perfectly smooth walls. Design from drywall knows no boundaries. The most common options are: two- or three-level ceilings, zoning rooms, creating arches or columns. You can transform any room, from the bedroom to the hallway. Interesting ideas are offered by the master for decorating a bedroom, a nursery, a living room.

Cost of plaster and drywall

Comparison of the price of plasterboard and composite components for plaster shows a substantial cheapness of the second material almost twice. But from the raw materials you need to prepare the mixture, and then apply it to the wall. Gypsum cardboard is ready for use, the sheet looks great. Raise and move it is not difficult, it is easy.

It is not difficult to calculate the necessary number of drywall sheets. It is enough to measure the area of walls and ceilings in each room. It can even be mastered with the right amount of plaster. Much depends on the condition of the walls. If they are in a deplorable state, then you will have to increase the consumption of materials. Hence, to the question that it is cheaper - plasterboard or plaster, we can say with confidence that the second material is more affordable.

Remuneration of specialists

The cost of work on the plasterboard wall covering and their plastering is approximately the same. There is another problem: to find a good master. Of course, it will cost more, but the game is worth the candle.

There are construction companies that require for plastering, the price of which is quite high - up to $ 4 per processing per square meter. In this case, do not specify the length of the instrument. Experienced plasterer for such money will work only with a one and a half-meter spatula. The customer should understand that this option is preferable for him. The work of a high-class professional will cost much more: from $ 20 per square meter.

Align walls or ceilings with gypsum cardboard will cost much less. So, on average, installation of drywall (price per square meter) is about $ 5. It will require additional spending on smoothing the joints of sheets, on the facing of plasterboard. It's still cheaper than plastering.

Comparison of these prices unambiguously gives an answer to the question that it is more profitable - plaster or plasterboard. The plaster will cost cheaper.

Making a choice

Plaster and drywall have common features. Let us consider which ones. Plasterboard is not in vain called dry plaster. He is able to level the walls without unnecessary difficulties. Both types of finishing material are made from environmentally friendly components. Therefore, they are harmless.

If we compare the speed of work, then the undisputed leader will be drywall. At the same time you can work with it at +5 degrees. Plaster requires a warmer temperature regime. When comparing the service life, leadership will remain behind the plaster. A small caveat: if the procedure for its application was carried out correctly.

To quickly finish the repair, it is better to choose a drywall installation. Price per square meter. M in this case will also be lower, which is important. Preference should be given to plasterboard, if it is necessary to hide engineering communications or large flaws in the walls. Additional insulation is also possible when installing this material.

Plaster is preferable in the country, because in winter there is no permanent heating. A small room, finished with plasterboard, will become even smaller. The plaster will save the area from the reduction. And, of course, for rooms with heavy objects on the walls, this material is a win-win option.

Conclusion

These are the conclusions. Decide on what is right for you - decorating walls with plaster or plasterboard, take it by yourself. Successful repair!