Lath and plaster is an interior wall building method that was particularly popular prior to the 1960’s before the widespread use of drywall.
The process involves using wet plaster and applying it to wood and wire. Once dry, the builder can make any necessary changes. Because of the high cost and relative inflexibility compared to drywall, plaster is no longer the go-to choice of builders.
Lath and plaster is no longer the primary interior wall material used by homeowners and contractors. Because it costs more and takes longer to make, lather and plasters use has decreased dramatically.
Drywall is cheaper and quicker than lath and plaster, making it by far the most common form of interior wall used by builders. Rather than wait up to 10 days for the application of lath and plaster, drywall can be installed within a few days.
Lath and Plaster Process
Lath and plaster process starts with laths of wood, which are thinly cut portions of wood that are attached to wall studs or joists of a ceiling. The frame of the wall is then tacked on in lath. Lath is generally a few inches wide by a few feet long. Lath portions are spaced out by roughly half an inch from other lath portions.
Lath guides are installed vertically, typically at the stud portion of the building. Once installed, the plaster is applied which makes the structure stay intact. The person applying the plaster applies it with a wooden board and then they take the board and place it over the wall at which point the plaster fills in through the opening gaps. Another person assisting with the construction will then ad more plaster on the board. After the plaster covers the walls, the vertical guides will be removed, and the openings will be covered.
Once the plaster is dry, the property owner can begin painting the walls. Oftentimes, lath and plaster is applied in 3 layers. In smaller projects there might be 2 layers instead.
Out of Date
Prior to the emergence of drywall as the leading choice of builders, lath and plaster was the preferred method, however its relatively expensive cost and slow process has made lath and plaster a rare building method. The process of lath and plaster is more time consuming, more expensive, and ultimately does the same thing as drywall. Because it offers no distinct advantages over drywall, it is rarely used.
While it true that lath and plaster is no longer used on a widespread level, it does have one major advantage over drywall. The main advantage it has it has is that lath and plaster can be molded into unusual tones, shapes, and structures. Lath and plaster gives builders the ability to build structures with rounded corners and others, whereas drywall is less malleable. Lath and plaster is flexible therefore giving builders the ability to create all kinds of designs.
Consensus
Many builders believe that the reduction in the use of lath and plaster has brought way to different building styles, particularly modern style structures. Modern style homes rarely make use of rounded corners, rather opting for a more vertical and flat style. As a result, modern style homes have gained much popularity. Modern homes do not need to utilize lath and plaster and as a result, drywall is the perfect material for such homes.
