we bought a 1920s bungalow and the plaster walls are cracked everywhere. some spots are soft and crumbly. Ive been quoted $15k to replaster vs about $6k to tear out and replace with drywall. but now im wondering can i just put 1/4 inch drywall directly over the existing plaster? seems like it would save a ton of demo work and mess. anyone done this?
6 Comments
You can but theres a lot to consider. First you need to make sure the plaster is still attached to the lath. If its pulling away the whole thing can fall. Second it adds thickness at doors and windows so your trim might not work anymore. Third you lose the outlet and switch boxes - theyll be too deep.
hadnt thought about the outlet boxes. thats a good point. how would I fix that?
box extenders. They sell them at lowes for a few bucks each. Adds the extra depth back. But honestly if your plaster is crumbly in spots you probably need to address that first or itll keep deteriorating behind the new drywall
Please dont cover original plaster if it can be saved! Old plaster has better sound isolation and fire resistance than drywall. The cracks can usually be repaired with fiberglass mesh and setting compound. Its tedious but worth preserving the original materials in a 1920s home.
respectfully disagree. If the plaster is crumbling its past saving. Better to cover it or remove it than keep throwing money at repairs. I love old houses too but sometimes you have to be practical
Ive done overlay installs in old homes. Use construction adhesive AND screws. The screws need to be long enough to hit the studs through plaster + lath + new drywall. Usually 2.5 to 3 inch screws. Adhesive prevents the new board from flexing over any hollow spots in the old plaster.