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Drywalling Suppliers

Amongst the growing number of wall finishes, the most popular choices are from drywalling suppliers & plasterers. Here are the pros & cons of these 2 options.

Suppliers Advice On Drywalling And Plaster: Which Is Best?

There are a growing number of finishing options for walls, but the two most popular choices are from drywalling suppliers and plasterers. Domestic, commercial, and hospitality clients often ask their builders or designers: “Should we finish with plaster or drywall components? Here are some tips to help you decide which is the most suitable option for your particular project.

Suppliers Advice On Drywalling And Plaster - Part 1

Plastering has a long history in the construction industry. It is white in colour and comprises lime or gypsum (sulfate mineral, viz calcium sulfate dihydrate). Plaster hardens through its drying process and is predominantly used for finishing walls and ceilings. It protects masonry and is malleable for decorative finishes.

Plaster is created from a powder base with sand, water, lime/gypsum and cement. Unlike materials from drywalling suppliers, you need two layers of plaster material to create good coverage.

Plaster advantages:
  • It is a hard, durable material.
  • You can paint onto plaster if needed
  • When well made:
    • It has a long life span
    • Cracks are rare
  • It is easy to prepare.
  • It is easy to apply and obtain an even finish.
  • Mould does not grow on plaster.
  • Plaster offers a cleanable surface.
  • Good soundproofing can be achieved when thicker layers are applied.
Plaster disadvantages:
  • Plaster is water-resistant but not waterproof. It has a degree of porosity that allows some moisture absorption. Therefore, it is important to check its moisture content before painting it, or your paint will delaminate. A good quality paint finish will require a minimum of 2 coats, preferably three (one base coat, two colour coats).
  • When not mixed with careful ratios, i.e. labourers pouring water onto the powder with a hosepipe, the plaster runs a high risk of cracking.
  • Repairs are expensive and small patches look “patchy”; hence an entire wall is usually replastered.
  • Plastering is labour intensive and costs more than drywalling. It is also a much slower process.

Suppliers Advice On Drywalling And Plaster - Part 2

Materials from drywalling suppliers consist of plasterboard and galvanised steel frameworks with floor tracks and vertical studs. These are assembled into sturdy, resilient structures that form a diverse range of partitioning designs. Plasterboard is made of a gypsum-water mixture that is layered between two sheets of specialised cards. This material was designed for interior use and has specialist products for firewalls as well. Drywalling suppliers usually supply two thicknesses of plasterboards, viz 9.5mm & 12.5mm. Drywalling can also be specified to counteract noise and humidity.

Drywall advantages:
  • Drywalling is easily prepared for painting over and gives great, smooth results.
  • You do not need to sand it before painting.
  • There is no risk of cracking.
  • Repairs are very easy.
  • It is fire-resistant, and its rating is easily scaled up.
  • With the correct specifications, you get great noise and thermal insulation.
  • The ranges give you many size options as well as types.
  • It is more cost-effective to install than plasterwork.
  • It is faster to install than plasterwork.
Drywall disadvantages:
  • Plasterwork is malleable and fluid, whereas drywall has to be correctly measured and then materials are cut. Incorrect measurements mean wasted product. The cut pieces must then be lifted and attached to vertical studs.
  • When the product is cut, it can create a mess if the crew is not fastidious.
  • The product is weighty, so it needs more than one person for installation.
  • It is not malleable and forgiving like plaster.
  • It is not as durable as plaster.
  • The joints must be reasonably carefully done, or the seams will show.
  • It cannot be used in wetrooms, bathrooms, etc., as it is not water.

Conclusion On Suppliers’ Advice On Drywalling And Plaster

We hope these tips help your product ordering process from drywalling suppliers and building industry suppliers.

If you have any questions for your drywalling suppliers, give us a call, and our experts will give you a solution.

Get in touch with our professional teams at either our Gauteng Branch or KZN Head Office.