drywall vs Veneer

K.E. McNURNEY,inc.
Interior Plaster & Drywall Construction

Drywall Construction vs. Veneer Plaster Construction

Drywall Construction Advantages

Interior ceilings and walls constructed using gypsum panels (drywall) provide a durable surface suitable for most decorative treatment or redecoration throughout the life of the building.

Dry Construction - Factory produced panels do not contribute moisture during construction.

Fire protection - The gypsum core of the panels will not support combustion or transmit temperatures greatly in excess of 212°F until completely calcined.

Low In-Place Cost - The panels install quickly, taping and finishing proceeds rapidly.

Availability - Universal availability of materials.

Drywall Construction Disadvantages

Interior construction only - exposure to excessive or continuous moisture must be avoided. Not recommended for use in solar or other heating systems when gypsum panels will be in continuous direct contact with surfaces exceeding 125°F.

Sagging - strict attention must be paid to joist / stud spacing, weight of insulation placed above panels, and placement of vapor barriers behind gypsum panels.

Sound Control - gypsum panels have a difficult time isolating sound. Careful attention must be paid to all aspects of the construction assembly to assure proper sound attenuation.

Tile Backer - not recommended for use under ceramic tile. Use a cement backer board or exterior cement plaster as a base.

Veneer Plaster Construction Advantages

Gypsum panel base (gyplath) used in conjunction with selected plaster finishes, provide the lasting beauty of plaster walls and ceilings at a lower cost than conventional plaster.

Durability - Superior hard, high strength surfaces provide excellent abrasion resistance resulting in minimum maintenance, even in high traffic areas.

Fire protection - The gypsum core of the panels will not support combustion or transmit temperatures greatly in excess of 212°F until completely calcined.

Availability - Universal availability of materials.

Veneer Plaster Construction Disadvantages

Sagging - strict attention must be paid to joist / stud spacing, weight of insulation placed above panels, and placement of vapor barriers behind gypsum panels.

Sound Control - gypsum / veneer plaster panels have a difficult time isolating sound. Careful attention must be paid to all aspects of the construction assembly to assure proper sound attenuation.

Tile Backer - not recommended for use under ceramic tile. Use a cement backer board or exterior cement plaster as a base.

Conclusion

Availability - Both products are widely available.

Beauty - While very subjective, most industry professionals would agree that veneer plaster is a "beautiful" finish in comparison to drywall.

Cost - Drywall (depending on what area of the world you reside) is roughly one half the cost of veneer plaster.

Decoration - Both drywall and veneer plaster ceilings and walls are easy to maintain and decorate.

Durability - Veneer plaster is clearly superior.

Ease of Installation - Drywall is faster to apply and finish. Drywall time schedules usually are half of what a comparable project done in veneer plaster would otherwise be. Furthermore drywall generally requires less skilled technicians than Veneer plaster.

Fire Protection - Both products offer excellent fire protection.

Sound Control - Neither product offers an advantage other the other.

All of the statements, opinions, specifications, and recommendations on drywall construction and or veneer plaster construction contained on this website is for general information purposes only and are not intended to imply that these are the only materials, methods, procedures, or processes which are available or suitable.

Always consult with your licensed building professional.

By publishing this web site K.E. McNurney, Inc. makes no express or implied warranty or other representation as to the quality, characteristics, or suitability of the materials or techniques described herein, and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose which may arise by operation of law or otherwise.