Plaster vs Drywall: Which Is Better?

Plaster or drywall — it is one of the most common questions we get from homeowners renovating older Waterloo Region homes. There is no single winner, so here is an honest comparison to help you decide.

The Short Answer

Neither is universally 'better' — they win in different categories. Plaster is harder, quieter, and more characterful; drywall is faster, cheaper, and far easier to repair. The right choice depends on your home, budget, and goals.

For most renovations today the practical answer is drywall, but for restoring an older home there is a strong case for keeping plaster. Let us break down why.

Cost and Installation Speed

Drywall wins decisively here. Gypsum panels go up quickly, require less specialized skill, and cost less in both material and labour. A room can be boarded, taped, and finished in a fraction of the time plaster takes.

Plaster is a multi-coat, multi-day craft that demands a skilled plasterer, which makes it considerably more expensive to install new. That cost gap is the main reason drywall took over.

Durability and Feel

Plaster is the tougher surface. It is dense and hard, resists dents and dings, and feels solid — part of why older homes feel so substantial. Drywall is softer and more easily damaged by furniture, doorknobs, and daily life.

That said, drywall's softness is also a strength when it comes to repairs: a dent or hole is a quick patch, whereas damaging plaster means a more involved skim-coat fix.

Sound and Comfort

Plaster's mass makes it naturally better at blocking sound between rooms — older homes are often noticeably quieter. Plain drywall transmits more sound, though modern assemblies with insulation, double layers, and resilient channel can match or beat plaster.

If quiet is a priority and you are building with drywall, the upgrade options exist; you just have to specify them.

Repairs and Renovations

This is where drywall shines for everyday living. Hanging shelves, fishing wires, adding outlets, and patching damage are all simpler in drywall. The same tasks in plaster risk cracking the surrounding surface and need more care.

If you renovate often or value easy maintenance, drywall is the pragmatic pick. If you rarely touch the walls and prize solidity, plaster's downsides matter less.

Older Homes: Asbestos and Lead

If your home predates 1980 and you are deciding whether to repair plaster or replace it with drywall, test suspect materials before any demolition. Old plaster systems, joint materials, and paint can contain asbestos or lead, and tearing into them without testing is a real risk.

We always factor a home's age into this decision and recommend testing where warranted before any wall comes down.

So, Which Should You Choose?

Choose drywall for new builds, full gut renovations, easy future repairs, and tighter budgets. Choose to keep and repair plaster when it is in good condition and you want to preserve the solidity and character of an older home.

D&D Interior Services works expertly with both across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, and surrounding areas. Get a free, no-obligation consultation and we will help you make the right call for your home.

D&D Interior Services Team Drywall & Plastering Specialists — D&D Interior Services

The D&D Interior Services team delivers drywall, plastering, and ceiling finishing across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and surrounding areas.