Should You Replace Plaster with Drywall?
Drywall vs. Plaster
Owning an older home in Goshen has a special appeal. However, this attraction can include quirks like cracking walls or crumbling surfaces, leading you to wonder: What exactly am I dealing with?
If your home was built before the 1950s, it’s likely that your walls are made of plaster.
Over time, gravity and age can cause problems, forcing homeowners to choose between repairing the plaster or replacing it with drywall. Find out how to choose the best option for your home and budget…
The Tale of Two Walls
Drywall and plaster serve the same purpose of creating smooth surfaces on interior walls, but they differ significantly in their composition and aging properties. Plaster is a hand-applied mixture layered over wooden lath strips to form a hard surface.
It’s what you’ll find behind layers of old wallpaper or decades-old paint in many Goshen homes. Drywall, on the other hand, is the modern standard. It’s made from factory-formed gypsum boards screwed directly into studs.
Plus, drywall is quicker to install, easier to repair, and more common in homes built after the 1950s. So, how do you choose?
Why People Love Plaster (and Why It’s Tricky)
Original plaster walls have undeniable charm. Tapping on one reveals its solid and substantial feel, which also helps dampen sound between rooms. They lend an old-home elegance that drywall can't match.
However, repairing or restoring plaster requires skill, time, and often a significant budget. Once cracks, sags, or detachment from the lath occur, it's time to hire a professional instead of attempting DIY fixes.
Homeowners love and hate plaster for various reasons, including:
It offers exceptional durability that often lasts longer than the house itself, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your investment.
Enjoy superior soundproofing combined with a sturdy, high-quality feel that makes you appreciate its excellent craftsmanship.
Naturally resistant to mold and fire
Costly, labor-intensive repairs when damage sets in
It is challenging to hang, patch, or modify without specialized tools and expertise.
When Drywall Makes Sense
Drywall has a reputation for being the more “cookie-cutter” option, but don’t underestimate it. For many Goshen homeowners, switching to drywall is the smartest move, especially if you’re planning other updates like new insulation, electrical rewiring, or plumbing.
Drywall is quick and forgiving, making it cost-effective and easy to repair. Ideal for DIY projects, it offers a smooth surface perfect for painting, texture, or wallpaper.
With proper finishing, it closely resembles plaster.
But What About That Classic Look?
Many homeowners appreciate the authenticity of plaster but acknowledge there’s no perfect replica. One solution is to use drywall with a plaster skim coat for a classic look, or keep plaster for feature rooms and drywall elsewhere.
A blend of old and new often offers the best balance.
Repair or Replace?
If your plaster walls mainly remain intact with only minor hairline cracks, professional patching is a cost-effective solution to preserve their charm. But if large parts are crumbling, sagging, or peeling away from the lath, replacing those sections with drywall might be a safer and more practical option.
Replacing plaster with drywall is also advisable when updating insulation, rerouting electrical wiring, or performing a full renovation, as drywall offers a smooth surface and helps prevent hidden problems behind old plaster.
The Price of Preservation
Plaster adds authenticity to older Goshen homes, but keeping it comes at a cost. Repairs can run $4–$15 per square foot (more for ceilings), while drywall often costs half as much and installs faster.
Despite its historic appeal, plaster doesn’t always increase resale value. Some buyers see it as a future headache rather than a feature. If restoring a landmark or loving the character of original walls, plaster can be worth the investment, but it’s not budget-friendly.
Below are some of our best cost estimates:
Plaster repair: $4–$15/sq. ft. and labor-intensive
Drywall: Faster, simpler, and more affordable
Value: Plaster appeals to purists, but not always to buyers
Bottom line: Beautiful? Yes. Budget-friendly? Not so much.
Goshen Homes Specifically
In Goshen, many homes feature a mix of materials, like plaster in the original structure and drywall in additions or renovated basements. Our team at Custom Paint & Finish works across Elkhart County, seeing all combinations.
Your home might be a charming 1900s farmhouse near New Paris or a cozy 1940s bungalow by Shanklin Park, that’s perfectly okay! We’re here to evaluate your walls to see what makes the most sense structurally, visually, and financially. If you love your plaster and it’s still in great shape, we’ll happily help preserve it.
Prefer modern drywall? No problem, we have the skills to do a flawless job. Not sure what’s best? We’d be happy to stop by, take a look, and offer honest advice that’s tailored just for you.
Need A Local Pro?
If you want to retain the existing character or establish a fresh beginning, our team is prepared to assist.
With extensive experience working with plaster and drywall in residential properties throughout Goshen, we are committed to delivering aesthetically pleasing and durable outcomes.
Contact us for a free, no-pressure estimate. We’ll walk you through your options, help you understand the pros and cons for your home, and make sure your walls are smooth, sound, and exactly the way you want them.
