When you are performing some improvements on your home, there are always a lot of decisions that you need to make. When looking at improving the appearance of your ceiling, you’ll most likely be considering whether it would be best to replaster the ceiling with wet plaster or board the ceiling over with plasterboard.
To help you decide which method may be best for you, we will go through some information on both of these methods below. Whether you’re looking to complete some renovations on your home, repair some damage to your ceiling, or just reline an old ceiling, this guide should help you decide which method to use.
Replastering
Replastering with wet plaster is considered the preferred option amongst most plastering specialists. When hiring a plasterer to do the work for you, this is most commonly the method you’ll find they use. Wet plaster can provide your ceilings and walls with a very smooth result which plasterboard can never quite match up to. In addition to this exceptional finish, wet plaster is also very durable and resistant to degradation.
Wet plaster also has the advantage of limitless restrictions – no matter the size, shape or awkward areas such as edges; you can plaster any area with the right amount of skill and application. Wet plaster also provides a much better airtight seal than boarding, so your ceiling will be able to retain warmth and restrict dampness.
While wet plaster does have many benefits, there are also some downsides. A certain amount of skill and craftsmanship is needed to properly install wet plaster. This is why most people prefer to hire professional, qualified plasterers to complete this type of work. Most professional plasterers will train and work on their skills for many years as apprentices before working independently.
It is never recommended to attempt to plaster a ceiling yourself without any previous experience. If you do, you’ll likely end up with an uneven finish, and the plaster may be likely to crack when it dries.
Wet plaster is a great option if you have the money to invest in this option and if you have enough time to complete the work.
Plasterboarding
If you are looking for an effective finish on your ceiling but you don’t have enough time to wait for the plaster to dry or to get the contractors to come over to complete the work, plasterboarding is a great alternative to the wet plastering method.
With this method, you will attach ready-made boards to your ceiling. You will need to measure up the size of the ceiling and order the appropriate number of boards. You will then need to secure the boards to the ceiling and fill in any joints. This will leave a smooth finish. Plasterboards rarely crack since the plaster is already dried. Plasterboard is also easier to install than wet plaster.
The most challenging part of the work will likely be taping the joints of the boards together. This is done with tape or jointing compound; you will need the appropriate tools and materials to complete this properly. You will need a taping knife with various sizing options to make this stage easier to complete.
Plasterboarding is certainly the most convenient option of these two. However, if you’re looking for a completely smooth finish, it’s better to opt for wet plaster. However, this will cost more, and you will have to wait a bit longer for the work to be completed. If your ceiling is an unusual shape, you may be forced to go down the wet plaster route. If you try to use plasterboards in this case, the work will likely take longer anyway.
It is essential to make sure that your ceiling is ‘healthy’ enough to take on this change as well. No matter if it is wet plaster or plasterboarding, if you have any ceiling damage or mold growing, then just putting something on top of it is not going to make the problem go away. Before doing any of this, consider calling in professionals who deal with mold testing in Roxbury Township, NJ, or ones in your area, so they can tell you if there is an issue or not, keeping you from being delayed even further.
Conclusion
Both of these methods have their benefits. If you have enough time on your hands and you have the budget for it, wet plaster is the best option, as this will provide a much higher quality finish. Wet plaster provides a smoother and more durable finish without any joins or screw holes to fill in manually.
Plasterboard is a much cheaper option, and it is more efficient. You can easily cut and install these boards, fill the joints and screw holes, and then your ceiling will be relined very quickly.
If you’re still unsure of which option to choose, it would be best to speak to a professional plasterer, as they will be able to provide you with the best option based on your needs.
*Collaborative post
Debz Louise is a plus-size blogger based in Yorkshire. Behind many nationwide campaigns such as #WeaAreTheThey & winner of Best Blogger at the UK Plus Size Awards, she talkas about life as a plus-size 40-something woman in South Yorkshire.
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