Cutting Holes in Lath & Plaster Ceiling

Howdie-
I need to cut several 18″x8″ rectangular holes (for AC registers) in my brownstones 100 year old lath and plaster ceiling. From experience from cutting holes for 10″ ceiling speakers by hand, I know any electric or battery powered tool will vibrate the ceiling, causing major damage within 3 or 4 feet of the hole I was cutting.

I have seen a solution which requires pouring 1/2″ of “Cornice Adhesive/Cement” on the reverse side of the ceiling over and around where the holes will be cut. Then using any battery operated power tool will not vibrate the whole ceiling.

However I can’t find anything called “Cornice Cement” anywhere in the USA— Is there any other solution? Does anyone know of any other fast drying plaster-like agent which would work for the same purposes?

THANKS.

jjq

in General Discussion 7 years and 7 months ago

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decodeddreams | 7 years and 7 months ago

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Using a grinder is the quickest way to do the job. A grinder does not shake the ceiling like a saw. This is potentially dangerous and definitely dusty work so you may want to pay a pro to do it. Best of luck on your project. Regards, Richard – Manhatta Architecture, P.C. http://www.manhatta.net

decodeddreams | 7 years and 7 months ago

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Using a grinder is the quickest way to do the job. A grinder does not shake the ceiling like a saw. This is potentially dangerous and definitely dusty work so you may want to pay a pro to do it. Best of luck on your project. Regards, Richard – Manhatta Architecture, P.C. http://www.manhatta.net

Rick | 7 years and 7 months ago

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Use plaster ( metal ) washers to hold the plaster to the lath before you make your cuts. The washers clamp the plaster in place to the lath with a screw . Simply tap out and remove the plaster area you need to cut. Use a saw to cut the wood lath. The washers are left in place and are textured so you can skim coat right over them.

figtree | 7 years and 7 months ago

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The first question I have is did you already skim coat this ceiling area? A good skim coat job with mesh can really help in this scenario. I have cut numerous holes for access panels and AC vents, etc. When it comes to something around the size you’re talking I did cut two by hand with a blade. While it was laborious, it was also the simplest and cleanest way to do it. Frankly, the plaster is not the issue, the part that vibrates the most is the wood lath. I’m sure there are others that have their own method. In the end, it’s possible. You don’t need to go overboard with extra materials.

NeoGrec | 7 years and 7 months ago

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On a related topic, we need to plaster skim our 2-storey stair hallway walls. Looking for a long-lasting quality job (probably using mesh). Any idea of a ballpark cost for this project. Also, any recommendations in addition to Bestwall or European Plastering?

Arkady | 7 years and 7 months ago

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Maybe try a Dremel?

RobertGMarvin

in General Discussion 7 years and 7 months ago

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A keyhole hand saw would work, and wouldn’t be likely to cause damage in other parts of the ceiling, but would be very laborious for several openings.

igal

in General Discussion 7 years and 7 months ago

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We have used European Plastering in the past, you should give them a call at 347-766-1654 or check out their website at www.europeanplasteringco.com

jenna.lifetime | 7 years and 7 months ago

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I can second that opinion as we had work done by Kieran

jenna.lifetime | 7 years and 7 months ago

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I can second that opinion as we had work done by Kieran

greenworks | 7 years and 7 months ago

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We have been using an oscillating/multi tool to make many cuts in our plaster and lath with very little/no damage. However getting thru the lath is harder and the size of the holes you’re making is larger so it may be worth it to use angle grinder w diamond blade as suggested in this article.

http://thecraftsmanblog.com/how-to-cut-plaster-walls/

Also fwiw, I got an estimate from Bestwall years ago for plaster work and their price was extraordinarily high (otherwise known as “Brownstoner reasonable”) compared to the other quotes I got.

zznyc

in General Discussion 7 years and 7 months ago

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We had similar work done a few years but we used Bestwall Plastering, Our ceilings are still good as they used some sort of fabric around the areas where they cut the holes.
They were also reasonably priced an Irish crew.Hope this helps there phone number is 917-415-6215