Drywall vs Plaster: Cost, Durability & Which to Choose
Updated
Drywall costs about $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot installed, while plaster runs $5 to $10 — roughly two to three times more. Drywall is faster, cheaper, and easier to repair, while plaster is more durable, soundproof, and suited to historic homes.
Drywall replaced plaster as the standard wall material decades ago, but plaster hasn't disappeared — it's still chosen for historic restorations and premium builds. Each has real advantages, and the right choice depends on budget, the age of your home, and what you value.
This guide compares drywall vs plaster on cost, durability, sound, and installation so you can decide which belongs in your walls.
Key takeaways
- Drywall: $1.50–$3.50/ft²; plaster: $5–$10/ft² installed.
- Drywall is faster to install and easier to repair.
- Plaster is harder, more soundproof, and more durable.
- Plaster suits historic homes and curved walls.
- Drywall is the practical choice for most modern projects.
Skip the math
Get instant numbers with the Drywall Calculator.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Drywall | Plaster |
|---|---|---|
| Cost installed | $1.50 – $3.50/ft² | $5 – $10/ft² |
| Install speed | Fast | Slow (multi-coat) |
| Durability | Good | Excellent |
| Soundproofing | Moderate | Superior |
| Repairs | Easy/DIY | Skilled work |
When to choose drywall
For almost all modern projects, drywall wins: it's affordable, fast, and any handy person can patch it. New construction, renovations, basements, and additions are nearly always drywall.
When plaster makes sense
Plaster is worth its premium in historic-home restorations (to match existing walls), for superior soundproofing, for curved or decorative surfaces, and where a harder, higher-end finish is desired.
Estimating a drywall project
If you're going with drywall, our drywall calculator turns your room dimensions into sheet counts plus joint compound, tape, and screws — with cost — so you can plan the job accurately.