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October 26, 2007

When to Repair Plaster or when to Sheetrock

In the midst of planning a brownstone restoration. I recently had a contractor tell me I should remove all the plaster walls and ceilings etc and put in sheetrock. There is certainly quite a bit of cracking etc. He insists the "plaster is dead" and demonstrated at several spots by crumbling the plaster in his hands. Can't I just re-plaster. He says we can save the moldings and emblems etc (beautiful) - but he would sheetrock around it. Does this make sense? Which way to go? Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated?

Comments

Using sheetrock is far easier and cheaper than re-plastering, but plaster has especial qualities that make it very appealing: looks prettier (if you care enough) and deadens the sound tremendously (which you definitely should think about).
Personally I would use plaster in pretty much all rooms as privacy is important to me.

Posted by: guest at October 26, 2007 3:15 PM

The sound deadening comes from the overall thickness of the walls (i.e. that they are not 2X4 stud walls with sheetrock) and should remain the same with sheetrock as the outer layer. The sheetrock should be "greenboard" and then get a skim coat of plaster for best effect.

If the plaster is reapairable that is one thing but if it has completely come apart from the lathe that is entirely differeny. Completely replastering on the lathe is a very, very expensive job compared to sheetrock.. I'd be interested in the 2 different estimates

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at October 26, 2007 3:37 PM

If the plaster molding, medallions are beautiful, you should try to give them a proper setting. I can recommend a duo who do plaster restoration that is exquisite and possibly not a great deal more expensive than sheetrock ANT (Thad) 646-831-8319

Posted by: bergenbabe at October 26, 2007 4:02 PM

Very rare in this day and age that a contractor tells you to plaster instead of using sheetrock. Easier for them.

Posted by: guest at October 26, 2007 10:43 PM

Check out the website www.masterofplaster.com I have used their product to restore the plaster walls in my home with fantastic results.My walls were in terrible shape and we were considering removing and using sheetrock,I'm glad we found this plaster product.We were able to keep all of our original moldings and plaster details,its been two years and we havent had even the smallest crack.They have a q&a that is quite informative.

Posted by: guest at October 28, 2007 11:46 AM

If you sheetrock, since it is not as thick as plaster, you will end up with misfitting moldings and baseboard. If the plaster keys are broken and it has separated from the lathe, think of using plaster washers. Easy DIY job and you do not ned to replaster. Also check out the OHJ website.

Posted by: guest at October 29, 2007 12:03 PM

The Nov/ Dec issue of the Old House Journal has an entire article on repairing plaster. Check it out before you do anything.

Posted by: guest at October 30, 2007 7:04 AM

CALL MR LUIS 646 7031025

Posted by: guest at November 2, 2007 12:49 PM