Older homes in downtown Jonesboro AR and the surrounding historic neighborhoods often have plaster walls and ceilings instead of drywall. If you own one of these homes — or you are buying one — you will eventually face a decision about whether to repair the plaster, replace it with drywall, or use a hybrid approach. This article explains the differences and what we recommend for Jonesboro homeowners.
What plaster actually is
Traditional plaster walls are built up in three coats over wood lath strips nailed to the framing. The result is a hard, dense, slightly irregular wall that is heavier than drywall and significantly more soundproof. Plaster was the standard residential wall finish in Jonesboro until roughly the 1950s.
What drywall actually is
Drywall is a gypsum core sandwiched between paper, manufactured in factory-finished sheets. It is faster to install, easier to finish, and much lighter than plaster. It became the residential standard in the 1950s and has stayed there.
Cost comparison
Repair: plaster repair is more expensive than drywall repair because it requires specialized skills that fewer crews have. Replacement: tearing out plaster and replacing with drywall costs more than refinishing the plaster if the plaster is structurally sound, because tear-out is laborious and messy.
Sound and feel
Plaster walls are noticeably quieter and feel more solid than drywall. If you have ever knocked on a plaster wall and then a drywall wall, you immediately recognize the difference. For some Jonesboro homeowners that matters; for others it does not.
Repair difficulty
Small plaster cracks can often be repaired with the same compound and tape we use on drywall, then textured to match. Larger areas of failed plaster typically need to be reattached with washers and screws (a process called plaster button repair) before resurfacing, or cut out and replaced with drywall.
When to convert plaster to drywall
Conversion makes sense when: large areas of plaster have failed, you are doing a major remodel that opens up walls for electrical or plumbing work, or the existing plaster has significant lead paint issues that make repair costly. Conversion usually does not make sense for cosmetic reasons alone.
Hybrid approach
Many Jonesboro projects end up hybrid — original plaster preserved in good rooms, drywall in renovated areas. Done right, the transition is invisible after texture matching and paint. Done poorly, the transitions are obvious for the life of the house.
Our recommendation for Jonesboro historic homes
If your plaster is structurally sound, repair it. Plaster contributes to the character and value of historic Jonesboro homes. If it has failed extensively or you are doing a deep remodel that exposes the framing anyway, drywall replacement is a sensible choice. Call (870) 555-0100 for a free walk-through and honest recommendation.
Need help in Jonesboro AR?
Jonesboro Drywall has been finishing drywall projects across Jonesboro, Paragould, Batesville, Searcy, Cabot, and Northeast Arkansas since 2008. We are licensed, insured, and known for itemized quotes with no surprise change orders. Owner Chad Simmons walks every job personally before we quote so you get a clear, accurate estimate the same day. Call (870) 555-0100 to schedule a free on-site estimate, or use the Contact page to request a callback. We respond within one business day on every inquiry across the Northeast Arkansas service area, including same-week scheduling for repair projects and tight turnaround for builders and property managers who need a reliable drywall partner.
Need drywall help in Jonesboro AR?
Call (870) 555-0100