Sheetrock, Plaster, or Drywall? What to choose between the three of them while remodeling your home? Many people always get confused among these three options. It is always a big deal for them to decide the best one when it’s about sheetrock vs plaster vs drywall.
In today’s world, we all are very particular about building our houses. To talk about remodeling your house, walls and ceilings are very important. Just like the base of the house is essential, walls and ceilings are also significant.
Strong and appealing walls and ceilings help us to make our personal space look compact and organized. . It is essential to build a strong ceiling and walls that last long for years without any damage or cracks. You should aim to select the best option to construct your walls and ceilings among sheetrock vs plaster vs drywall.
In today’s blog, you will understand the ultimate difference between sheetrock and drywall and plaster vs. drywall. But, before that, let us know what the terms drywall, sheetrock, and plasters are.
Table of Contents
What Is Drywall?
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In the early ’80s, plasters were used for constructing walls. It was a prevalent option during the initial days but later on, people started feeling that it is a tough and time-consuming process. Unfortunately, not everyone could successfully make a perfect plaster wall.
In the late ’80s, drywall made its entry into the construction industry. Drywalls were initially known as “Sackett Board”. Drywalls are made of all dry raw materials for effortless installation. In today’s world, we have seen a remarkable upgrade in the process of installation and building materials of drywalls.
The modern drywalls are made of a very light-weighted rock called gypsum. It is used in a fine powdered form during construction. Later, it is pressed nicely between the paper pieces, forming a massive strong sheet or board. They are available between 5 to 8- or 8.5-feet sheets. Drywalls are cut according to the required size and later nailed with the wooden framing of your home.
Thus, Dry Wall is the most commonly used plaster. It is easy to build and not too time-consuming to build as well.
What Is Sheetrock?
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Sheetrock came into the market in 1917. Sheetrock is nothing else but a branded version of drywall. Sheetrock is a brand of Dry Walls that is only using and manufacturing by the US Gypsum Company. No one else uses the name ‘Sheetrock’ for a drywall product.
Sheetrock and drywall are the same things, and the only difference is that not all drywalls can be called sheetrock. However, there are differences in the materials of the sheetrock. An upgraded version of drywall that uses fire-resistant material is what sheetrock is. Sheetrock helps in preventing the erosion of the humidness of walls.
According to engineers and architects, sheetrock proves to be a better option when it’s about using a quality product. It lasts for a more extended period without any complaints and damages. The company has maintained the brand value by always selling high-quality products. Though they are expensive comparing to drywalls, most builders still prefer sheetrock due to its brand popularity and guarantee of reliability.
Thus, sheetrock is so popular and turns out to be the most widely accepted product for building walls amongst the three competitive products.
What Is Plaster?
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Plasters are protective building materials. They are primarily used to protect or decorate the walls and ceilings to make them more sturdy and long-lasting. Plaster is made of gypsum, lime, and cement. The entire process of using plaster for construction purposes is time-consuming but it is worth the investment.
The process of making a plaster is – it is made as a dry powder which is later mixed in water to make a paste out of it. The paste is applied to the surface. The plaster is molding with metal tools or sandpaper.
Have you ever wondered why there is so much hype about plaster vs drywall? The reason is plasters are not a sturdy material that can bear the load. Plasters are only used to create false ceilings, decorate the walls and ceiling, or add any extra layer to the walls.
The inability of plasters to bear massive loads became one of its drawbacks soon after it came to the market. People wanted solid walls and ceilings that could hold and carry weight better. Unfortunately, plasters failed to meet people’s expectations. And this is why in the late ’80s, Drywalls came into existence as a solid and worthy replacement of plasters.
Sheetrock vs Plaster vs Drywall
Now that we have understood all three terms, let us now see the ultimate difference between sheetrock vs plaster vs drywall. Let us start with the difference between sheetrock and drywall.
Sheetrock vs Drywall
| Sheetrock | Drywall | |
| Definition | Sheetrock is an upgraded version and a brand name for Drywalls. Sheetrock is a specific product of the US Gypsum Company. | Drywall is the ultimate mixture of plaster and gypsum, pressed between two robust, sturdy, and thick sheets. One of the best alternatives for plasters and the traditional lath. |
| Term Understanding | A premium brand upgraded with fire-resistant drywall material. of drywall. | Strong constructive wall material for the interior walls and ceilings of buildings and houses. |
| History | In 1917, The US Gypsum Company came up with the brand, and the production started. | In the year 1884, the Sackett Board was invented. In the later years of World War II, it was named and known as Drywalls. Since then, people have acknowledged drywalls a lot and never have avoided using plasters as walls and ceilings. |
| Dimension and Materials | Available in 4 to 8 feet thick sheets. They are available in SW panels, fire-resistant, Fire codes C and X, rigid molding, Sag resistant, regular core panels, and foil black. | Available in 4 to 8 feet thick sheets. It is available in cement board, drywall soundproof, mold-resistant, foil backed, green board, and environment board. |
| How is it Used | Very beneficial and helpful while replacing lath and plasters. It is used in ceilings, interior walls, and exterior ceilings. | Drywalls are useful for ceilings and interior walls. They are even used while replacing the traditional lath or the plaster from the tops. |
| Expense | Being a brand, it turns out to be more expensive in comparison to Drywall. However, they have many other advantages also, thus, it is worth the expense. | Drywalls are cheaper in comparison to sheetrock. |
Plaster vs Drywall
| Plaster | Drywall | |
| Definition | Plaster is made of gypsum, lime, and cement. The entire process is time-consuming but worth the investment. They are not for building walls, instead, they are used mainly for decoration. | Drywall is the ultimate mixture of plaster and gypsum, pressed between two strong, sturdy, and thick sheets. It is later rendered as a panel. One of the best alternatives for plasters and the traditional lath |
| History | In the late ’70s, when people wanted their walls to be more appealing and more substantial, plaster came into existence. This is when builders came up with plaster ideas for extra layering and adding a decorative finish to the walls. | In the late ’80s, drywalls replaced plaster. Plasters failed to maintain a stronghold of objects nailed on the walls and ceilings. Thus, drywalls were invented and proved to be worth the expense. |
| Quality and Expectations | Plasters are just for decoration and unfortunately can’t bear much of the weight. Thus, people prefer it less. | Drywalls are strong and stay for years long. People feel that drywalls are worth the rates and can be reliable for holding heavy weighing things. |
| Expenses | Plasters are too expensive but not worthy. | Drywalls are less expensive than Plasters. |
Also Read: 15+ Beautiful and Practical Retaining Wall Ideas for Garden
Sheetrock vs Plasters vs Drywalls: Advantages and Disadvantages
Plasters:
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Advantages
- Plasters give a beautifully defined finish to the interior walls and ceilings.
- They are durable and resistant.
Disadvantages
- Installation is very time-consuming and confusing. Not every construction professional can build a perfect finish that the customers expect.
- Repairing the damages is very challenging and expensive.
- The entire process is costly when it is – Plasters vs drywall.
Drywalls:
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Advantages
- They are powerful and reliable for ages.
- They give you a perfect appealing finish.
- Drywall vs sheetrock drywall is easy to install and less time-consuming.
Disadvantages
- Though they are easy to install, they are cumbersome and challenging at times.
- They are not fire-resistant all the time which can be dangerous and life-taking.
- Need to do proper research for good quality. Else, you can experience a mishap.
Sheetrock:
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Advantages
- They are a better version of drywall.
- Easy installation in comparison to drywall.
- They are less time-consuming.
Disadvantages
- It is costly.
The Conclusion
All three types, sheetrock vs plaster vs drywall, are competing with each other in the market today. However, the fact is that all three materials are beneficial. The plaster is using for decorating and supporting the walls, whereas drywall and sheetrock are using for strengthening the walls and ceilings. Thus, it is beneficial to understand the ultimate difference and choose the correct option for your home as per your requirement.
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