Deciding how to finish walls in your home can be a challenge. There are lots of options, including plaster and plasterboard. The first is often the better choice, even if it is more expensive. The extra cost can easily pay off with all the additional benefits. As the top plasterers in Sheffield, we want to take a look at why you should choose it.

How do they differ?

Before we jump into why plaster is better, we want to look at the differences. Plastering is a traditional technique where you apply a mix of lime or gypsum, water and sand to the surface. It will cure to create a hard, durable, uninterrupted layer.

The name plasterboard says it all. These are boards of compressed gypsum with a facer and backer layer. They are very easy to install, but you will have joints between the boards.

Why is plaster better?

There is a huge array of advantages with plaster. As the top plasterers in Sheffield, we are happy to discuss them.

Firstly, it looks better in terms of aesthetics. As we said above, there are no joints. You can have a smooth, flat high quality surface. The wall will also take paint better and there won’t be any noticeable differences. Sadly you can get them with plasterboard joints.

Plaster is also inherently stronger. You get this thanks to the mix and fact it is given time to cure. As a result, walls can have a higher level of nick and scratch resistance. Sadly plasterboards tend to be softer, so nicks and scratches can cause more damage.

If you plan to put up wallpaper, it is also better to start with a plaster base. As we said, it gives you a smooth, flat surface. So, the wallpaper will look better. Plus, the strength and durability is great news in the future if you need to remove paper. It means you can be a little rougher scraping it off. You can also use stronger solutions to get rid of old paste.

Another notable advantage is the waterproofing. Plaster has good resistance to water exposure in the short term. Sadly plasterboard does not have this same benefit. There is a risk of water damage, particularly with boards that have a paper backer and facer.

Plaster veneer

You don’t have to always opt for full plastering though. There is another option that can give you the best of both worlds. What you do here is begin with gypsum lathe panels. They are often known as blueboards because they have a blue water resistant paper backer and facer. You can install the panels by nailing them directly to studs on the wall.

Next you finish with a thin layer of plaster. It is generally around 1/16th inch thick. Just like with traditional plastering it will cure to create a strong, durable surface.

Expert services from the leading plasterers in Sheffield

G Lee Plastering has a fantastic reputation. We can support all kinds of clients with an array of projects. For example, we can help homeowners who need to repair plaster walls and ceilings. In addition, we can render external walls and even provide sub-contracting.

So, speak to us when you need the best plasterers in Sheffield. We can give you a quote for any job or advice if you aren’t sure of anything.