Picture this: you’re running your hand along a cool, solid plaster wall. Now picture tapping on a modern, hollow drywall wall. Which one feels more timeless and true to a home’s soul? Over here at Old House Life, we’ll take the first every time.
We love the charm of old homes, and plaster walls are one of the best examples. They reflect lasting craftsmanship, hold onto history, and bring out the character and warmth that modern materials often lack. Keep reading to find out why we always root for plaster—and why you might want to preserve it too. You may be shocked by what plaster can do for you!
What Is Plaster, Anyway?
Plaster is a natural blend of lime, sand, and water, applied in layers over a wooden framework called lath. It was the standard wall material for centuries before drywall became popular in the mid-20th century.
Unlike drywall, which is factory-made and installed in sheets, plaster is applied by hand in multiple coats. It takes real skill, patience, and days of labor to do it right. That human effort is what makes plaster walls feel so substantial—like they were meant to last (and they do!).
A Bit of History
Plaster has been used for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians and Romans used early forms of lime plaster in temples and homes. In the U.S., plaster became common in the 18th and 19th centuries, and most homes built before the 1940s still have original plaster walls.
By the late 1800s, horsehair was often added to the mix to give strength and prevent cracking (yes, real horsehair!). If you’ve been following Old House Life for some time now, you may remember when Luke Ramsey from Ramsey Restoration used horsehair in plaster when working on an old log cabin! You can check that video out by clicking the link below:
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ON FACEBOOK
Horse Hair Plaster Found in Red Grove
Another Example of Horse Hair Plaster
Horse Hair Plaster Found in Sunshine Cottage
In the early 20th century, gypsum-based plaster began replacing lime plaster because it set faster—but the beauty and durability stayed the same.
Types of Plaster You Might See
- Lime Plaster: This was common in homes from the 1700s to early 1900s. It takes longer to set but lasts centuries. This is typically what was used and what we see in most historic homes. In most cases, lime is not used anymore because you have to order it online and it is expensive!
- Gypsum Plaster: It became more common around the 1920s. Benefits included faster drying time and it was smoother to apply. It is typically used for filling cracks, leveling walls, and providing a base for decorative finishes.
When it comes to choosing between Lime and Gypsum, we had Luke Ramsey over at Ramsey Restoration give us his opinion! After being involved in restoration for decades, we trust what he has to say. Luke prefers using lime plaster, but because you can’t get it in stores and have to order it online…him and his crew will reach for gypsum sometimes. Something he mentions is that lime plaster is breathable and gypsum can be susceptible to mold if it gets wet.
Horse Hair Lime Plaster Over Wood Lath
Plaster Repair in The Stuart House
Plaster Repair in the Berry House
Plaster Ceiling Medallion in Luke’s Church
- Venetian Plaster: Decorative and polished, often seen in upscale homes or period restorations. Interestingly enough, Venetian Plaster is made from a mixture of lime plaster and marble or limestone dust! If you have venetian plaster in your home, show us a picture!
- Stucco (Exterior Plaster): This is found on the exterior walls of Mission Revival, Spanish Colonial, or Tudor-style homes. It is typically made of cement, sand, lime and water! It gives the exterior of buildings a textured finish.
Why Plaster Still Shines Today
Plaster isn’t just about history—it’s about performance and personality. Here’s what sets it apart:
- It absorbs sound, making homes feel quieter. You’re less likely to hear the hustle and bustle of the nearby busy roads.
- It’s more fire-resistant than drywall.
- It regulates humidity, helping your walls “breathe” in older homes. Humidity control is key here in the South!
- It ages beautifully, developing subtle imperfections and textures that make a room glow with depth and life.
Sure, it’s not flawless. Cracks happen—but they’re easier to repair than most people think.
Why Ripping It Out Isn’t Always the Answer
General rule of thumb: if it’s solid and safe, keep it! Too many old homes lose their character when original plaster is torn out and replaced with modern drywall. You lose more than just a wall—you lose texture, charm, soundproofing, and an irreplaceable link to the home’s original builders.
Even if it looks a little imperfect, that’s part of the beauty. Plaster walls are textured and alive in a way new construction can’t replicate.
Cons of Plaster Walls
We’ve been going on and on about the beauty and the pros of plaster walls, but we need to shine some light on the cons.
- Cracking Overtime:
- Plaster is prone to hairline cracks as old homes shift and settle.
- Most cracks are cosmetic, but deeper ones may need repair.
- Harder to Repair Than Drywall:
- Minor drywall damage is typically a simple patch job.
- Plaster repair requires more skill and sometimes special materials. Most modern builders don’t offer it because it’s more expensive and time consuming compared to drywall.
- Difficult to insulate or Retrofit:
- Original plaster walls often lack modern insulation.
- Installing electrical, plumbing, or insulation behind them can be tricky and may cause damage in the process.
All in all, most of us can agree the pros far outweigh the cons. Especially when the plaster is intact and you have the skills and knowledge to care for it!
–Written by Emma.
