Does Drywall Need Plastering?

When installing drywall, many homeowners wonder whether plastering is necessary. The short answer is no, drywall does not require traditional plastering, but it does need taping, mudding, and finishing to create a smooth surface. However, in some cases, plastering over drywall can be beneficial. Let’s explore when and why plastering might be needed.

 

What Is Drywall?

Drywall is a prefabricated wall material made of gypsum and covered with paper. Unlike traditional plaster walls, which require multiple layers of hand-applied plaster, drywall is installed in large sheets and secured with screws to wall studs.

To finish drywall, it must go through a process called taping and mudding, where seams between drywall sheets are covered with joint compound and sanded smooth. This gives it a paint-ready surface without the need for plaster.

 

Does Drywall Need Plastering?

In most standard installations, drywall does not need plastering. Instead, it requires:

✅ Taping and Mudding – Covering seams with joint tape and applying multiple layers of joint compound (also called “mud”).
✅ Sanding and Priming – Smoothing out the mudded areas and applying a primer before painting.

This process creates a smooth and durable finish, making plaster unnecessary for most homes.

 

When Should You Plaster Over Drywall?

While drywall doesn’t require plastering, there are some cases where it can be beneficial:

🔹 For a More Durable Surface – Plaster is harder than drywall and can help resist dents and damage in high-traffic areas.

🔹 To Create a High-End Finish – Plaster can give walls a textured or Venetian-style appearance, adding elegance and depth.

🔹 To Improve Soundproofing – Plaster is denser than drywall, helping reduce noise between rooms.

🔹 For Older Homes – If you want to match existing plaster walls, applying a thin veneer coat over drywall can create a consistent look.

 

Plaster vs. Drywall: Which Is Better?

Feature	Drywall	Plaster Over Drywall
Installation	Faster, easier	More labor-intensive
Durability	Prone to dents	Harder surface
Cost	More affordable	More expensive
Soundproofing	Basic	Better sound insulation

 

Final Thoughts

For most projects, drywall does not need plastering—a proper mudding and sanding job is enough. However, if you want a more durable, textured, or soundproof surface, applying a thin layer of plaster over drywall can be a great upgrade.