Hanging Drywall Over Plaster Walls

One of the fastest ways to cover old damaged or cracked plaster walls is to hang drywall over them.

Hanging drywall over plaster walls.

They are typically spaced 16 inches apart from center to center. The drywall should be the same thickness as the plaster. Use drywall screws to attach the drywall to the joists or lath. Plaster hooks or hanging picture hooks are a common solution for hanging pictures on plaster wall.

They can generally support pictures of up to 20 pounds. Scrape any crumbled plaster off the lath and fill the resulting hollow with a patch of drywall. Using 1 4 inch sheets you can cover old imperfections without adding too much additional finish work. Plaster screws have a washer type fitting that helps prevent the plaster from cracking.

As mentioned earlier avoid using nails on plaster wall because they will likely cause the drywall to crack. Drywall is the most common type of finish for walls and ceilings. A practical and economical solution to make old walls look as good as new is to hang drywall over plastered walls. When attaching sheets of drywall always make sure you start at the top of the wall and always install your drywall sheets horizontally.

Drywall is available in different thicknesses up to 5 8 of an inch. Hanging drywall over cracked or damaged plaster can give your rooms a face lift. This piece doesn t have to be a perfect fit. Using a caulk gun apply a generous amount of liquid nails to the surface onto the wall.

This is the most effective way to attach drywall over plaster. This message has been edited by lawrence edited. For lighter items simply screwing into the plaster with a 1 1 4 drywall screw is usually enough to get the job done. Cut a piece of drywall to fill any holes.

It usually comes in 4 8 or 12 foot lengths. Attach your drywall over the plaster. Covering plaster with 1 4 inch drywall will achieve the same if not greater thickness as 5 8 inch drywall on the studs which is quite good. You need to check the fit before you press the drywall to the wall.

Cut a small hole in the ceiling to locate a joist if there isn t one already. It s made from gypsum calcium sulfate which is ground up made into plaster and pressed between paper in the factory. Instead use a screw because they won t break the plaster wall.